The University of Wisconsin Badgers have added three prospects to their 2027 recruiting class, a move that underscores the program’s continued pull in the Midwest. Jalen Brown, Baboucarr Ann and Jack Thelen each announced their commitments this week, joining a list of recent high school standouts who have chosen Madison over other suitors.
A towering presence in the paint
Standing 7‑foot‑1, Jack Thelen brings a rare combination of size and mobility to the Badgers’ frontcourt. In his junior season at Maple Grove High School he averaged 13.5 points and nine rebounds while swatting away 24 shots, numbers that echo the production of former Badgers such as Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl and Nolan Winter. Thelen’s decision to follow that lineage reflects both the program’s track record with developing big men and the appeal of Madison’s basketball culture.
On3 and Rivals have positioned Brown as a four‑star shooting guard, ranking him No. 66 nationally and No. 15 among his peers. His perimeter shooting and defensive versatility should give the Badgers additional depth on the wing, complementing the interior presence that Thelen provides.
Baboucarr Ann is similarly highly regarded, landing at No. 78 overall and earning the distinction of the top playmaker from Minnesota in the 2027 class. His court vision and passing ability are expected to elevate the Badgers’ offensive tempo, offering a fresh playmaking option alongside established guards.
The commitments also highlight the growing influence of national recruiting services. 247Sports places Thelen as the third‑best prospect from Minnesota for the class, a testament to the depth of talent the state continues to produce. Together, the three recruits signal a strategic push by Wisconsin to maintain its competitive edge in the Big Ten and beyond.