Wisconsin football offers talented class of 2026 defensive back

Wisconsin football offers talented class of 2026 defensive back

Wisconsin football extended an offer to promising class of 2026 defensive back James Dunnigan Jr. on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect joins quarterback Ryan Hopkins and defensive lineman Josiah Hope as notable recruits from the class of 2026 to receive offers from UW in October. Despite being a junior, Dunnigan Jr. currently boasts eight offers at this stage of his recruiting process.

As of Oct. 25, that list includes Tulsa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas State, Kansas, Colorado State, Utah and Wisconsin. 247Sports considers Dunnigan the No. 36 cornerback and No. 5 overall recruit from Kansas for the class of 2026.

A product of Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas, Dunnigan has accumulated 56 total tackles and three interceptions in 19 appearances for his varsity squad on the gridiron. Dunnigan also plays basketball and runs track for the school.

Dunnigan’s most lethal trait appears to be his speed in the open field. As a sophomore, he recorded 100-meter reps of 10.94, 11.01 and 11.03 seconds.

While he does not boast a crystal ball prediction from 247Sports just yet, On3’s prediction recruiting machine lists the Kansas State Wildcats as the favorite to land the three-star recruit at 58.6%. The outlet then lists Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado State as the next likely options.

Huskers to host 2026 defensive back next weekend

JJ Dunnigan is a 6-foot-2 defensive back from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, KS. 

A class of 2026 recruit has scheduled a visit to Nebraska next weekend. JJ Dunnigan is a 6-foot-2 defensive back from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, KS.

Dunnigan will be in Lincoln on July 27 to meet new defensive backs coach John Butler.

Butler is taking over for Evan Cooper, who resigned last week for personal reasons. The new Cornhusker coach is excited to continue his career at Nebraska.

“I am excited to join Coach Rhule, this staff, and the great tradition of Nebraska Football and the Blackshirt Defense. I look forward to working with our players to develop them as players, students, and young men, Day by Day!”

The 6-foot-2 Dunnigan is currently considering Nebraska, Kansas State, Kansas, and Colorado State.

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