Four-star running back Qwantavius Wiggins, who had pledged to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the 2026 recruiting class, has formally requested a release from his National Letter of Intent. The move clears the way for the Georgia native to join Georgia State, the school he grew up watching.
Wiggins was listed as Wisconsin's sole running back signee after Amari Latimer flipped to West Virginia, and his departure leaves a vacancy in the Badgers' backfield. He had been slated to join a group that also included Darrion Dupree, Abu Sama III, Bryan Jackson and Nate Palmer, but the landscape shifted when Wisconsin secured the services of Julius Pope, the nation's top junior college running back.
A New Direction for the Badgers' Rushing Attack
Coach Paul Chryst and his staff had counted on Wiggins to add depth and versatility, but Pope's arrival, combined with Latimer's exit, forces a recalibration of scholarship allocations. With Pope and Palmer still retaining multiple years of eligibility beyond the 2026 season, Wisconsin's running back corps will be younger than originally projected, though the unit retains a mix of experience and untapped potential.
The ripple effects extend beyond Madison. Wiggins' commitment to Georgia State not only bolsters the Panthers' recruiting class but also underscores the fluid nature of modern college football recruiting, where decommitments and transfers can reshape team dynamics on short notice. As both programs adjust to these changes, fans can expect a dynamic and competitive backfield in the seasons ahead.