The Badgers got a big surprise on Wednesday night.
The Wisconsin Badgers faced a bit of a shocker on Wednesday evening, as 2026 three-star offensive lineman Gavin Meier announced his commitment to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
1000% Committed!!!#RTB @GopherFootball @Coach_Fleck @Callybrian @CoachBain75 @nick20lee @Shakes_GopherFB @WTSTFootball @AllenTrieu @CoachKregerWTST @On3Recruits @MJ_NFLDraft @OJW_Scouting @PrepRedzoneWI @NWahlScouting @Coach_Fleck @On3Recruits @247Sports @Minnesota247… pic.twitter.com/Wk6mAr8zw9
— Gavin Meier 3 (@gavinmeier72) March 27, 2025
Meier, a native of Janesville, Wisconsin, had been projected by several analysts to commit to the Badgers at some point, but he popped to Minnesota after a visit this week.
Minnesota had long been an interested school for Meier, giving him his first Power 4 offer, and they remained connected to the offensive lineman until his commitment on Wednesday.
“The first thing I would like to say is thank you God,” Meier wrote in an X post. “All glory goes to the man above who has blessed me with this amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through everything and throughout the way of this incredible and unforgettable journey. The opportunity that has been given to me is an unforgettable one. This is all a dream come true, but a dream that came true with hard work and perseverance.
I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Minnesota. I can’t wait to step onto the field at Huntington Bank Stadium for the first time with my future teammates and rep the “M” on the front of the jersey. I will give everything I’ve got to help this program succeed. I’m excited to Row The Boat. LET’S GO GOPHER NATION!!!”
The No. 1 junior in the state of Wisconsin, Meier stands at around 6’6, 295 pounds, and had recently been to campus for the Badgers’ second junior day. He has official visits scheduled with Wisconsin, Indiana, Auburn, and Minnesota.
It’s still a long way away from National Signing Day, and the Badgers have been on this path with an in-state target committing to Minnesota early with Torin Pettaway last year. But, for now, one of their targets is heading to their rivals.