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Ranking Big Ten Programs by Recruiting Classes

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Gabe Lloyd (42) and the Badgers celebrate the win over the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Gabe Lloyd (42) and the Badgers celebrate the win over the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers just missed the Big Ten title but they still won the West division. They finished the season 11-3 and 7-2 in conference play. It was head coach Paul Chryst’s third straight 10-win season.

Their defense was fourth in the FBS scoring defense, allowing just 15.6 points per game, but the offense was 67th in the FBS, scoring 28.4 points per game. Their three losses this season all came against ranked opponents and ironically, they were all Big Ten teams. In 2017, they look to replace a lot talent they’ll lose to the NFL Draft.

The Badgers signed 18 total players to their recruiting class on National Signing Day. Two players are four-stars, 15 are three-stars and one is a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 11 players are on offense while just six are on defense.

One key recruit is early enrolle Andrew Van Ginkel out of Iowa Western Community College. Van Ginkel is a JUCO weakside defensive end prospect who ranks 25th overall, second at his position and first out of the state of Iowa, according to 247Sports. He was originally at South Dakota before transferring to the junior college circuit. He hopes to bring his ability to the Badgers’ defense this spring.

Another key recruit is four-star prospect Danny Davis. Davis is one of three wide receiver recruits in this year’s class. He ranks 219th in the nation, 31st by position and eighth overall player in the state of Ohio, according to 247Sports. Davis comes in battling for the Badgers’ tallest receiver as a freshman. He’ll look to crack the starting lineup this fall.

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