The Wisconsin Badgers extended an offer to top class of 2026 running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. on Monday.
The 6-foot, 205-pound prospect joins quarterback Ryan Hopkins, defensive lineman Josiah Hope and defensive back James Dunnigan Jr as notable recruits from the class of 2026 to receive offers from UW since the beginning of October.
However, the kicker with Hatton Jr. revolves around his collegiate commitment to Oklahoma. The Cibolo, Texas product pledged his commitment to the Sooners on Oct. 3, 2023.
Nonetheless, the decision seems to be far from concrete. Hatton Jr. is a junior at Steele High School and could easily change his mind before the collegiate deadline arrives.
On3’s recruiting prediction machine also deems Hatton Jr.’s choice as far from finalized. The outlet currently projects the Baylor Bears to land the playmaker with over a 35% likelihood. Oklahoma, meanwhile, boasts a 26.3% chance.
Wisconsin now joins an offer sheet that includes programs such as USC, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Tennessee, SMU, Oregon, Ohio State, Alabama and Michigan.
AGTG After a great convo with @CoachSpalding_ I’m blessed to receive an offer from @BadgerFootball. @Football_Steele @BDammone @CKennedy247 @DEFCONTX7v7 @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ @satxhsfb pic.twitter.com/duBfIh5LJT
— Jonathan Hatton Jr (@JHattonJr28) November 12, 2024
247Sports’ composite ranking currently considers the junior as the No. 57 overall prospect, No. 4 running back and No. 7 recruit from his home state of Texas for the class of 2026. On3, ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports all consider Hatton Jr. a four-star prospect.
Outside the turf, Hatton Jr. is a talented sprinter. The running back posted several sub-11.00 sophomore 100-meter times as a sophomore and was a member of Steele’s Texas 6A Region IV third place-finishing 4×100 relay team.
On the gridiron, Hatton Jr. ran for an impressive 21 touchdowns and over five yards per touch in 2023, per 247Sports’ National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks.