A Weekend of Promise
On June 15, the Wisconsin Badgers opened their doors to a select group of 2028 recruits for the program’s signature Bucky’s BBQ. The event, held on the Madison campus, served as both a welcome mat and a strategic touchpoint, allowing coaches to engage directly with prospects at a moment when the recruiting calendar officially permits such contact.
Among the attendees, Hendrix Dawson stood out as a top in‑state priority. With scholarship offers already in hand from several power programs, Dawson embraced the scavenger‑hunt activities and informal sessions that introduced him to life as a freshman Badger. His growing rapport with defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow added a personal layer to the recruitment narrative, signaling a connection that could influence his final decision.
Anthony Busby Jr., a versatile defensive prospect from St. Louis whose background includes wrestling, used the visit to dig deeper into the Badgers’ defensive scheme. Conversations with coaches Tuf Borland and Mike Tressel gave him insight into the program’s history and the possibility of anchoring the MIKE linebacker position — a role he admires after watching Cooper Catalano’s development.
The weekend also featured offensive line prospect Collin Burris from Marysville, Ohio, whose size and technique have made him a name to watch in the Midwest. While still early in the process, Burris left with a favorable impression of the coaching staff’s vision for his contribution on the line.
Beyond the three highlighted recruits, the event welcomed other highly rated prospects such as Kevin Hartsfield, Logan Thompson, Matthew Lee, and Tre Oiler. Their presence, alongside a cadre of assistant coaches including Luke Fickell, Kenny Guiton, Brayden Tillman, and Bryan Sanborn, underscored the breadth of Wisconsin’s recruiting reach and the staff’s commitment to building relationships across the class.