Tag: mason posa

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs class of 2025’s No. 1 player from New Mexico

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs class of 2025’s No. 1 player from New Mexico

Wisconsin officially signed all 24 committed members of its class of 2025 on Wednesday.

One of the premier members of that group is four-star linebacker Mason Posa.

Posa, who fielded offers from programs such as Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M and USC, committed to the Badgers in June. He is arguably the most valuable defensive asset in UW’s class of 2025 alongside four-star defensive lineman Jaylen Williams, four-star safety Jaimier Scott and four-star linebacker Nicolas Clayton.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker helped guide La Cueva High School to a 12-1 record in 2024, capped off by an appearance in the 6A District 2 State Championship game.

From his freshman to junior campaigns, Posa registered 226 total tackles, 44 tackles for loss and seven interceptions. His background as a two-time New Mexico 5A state champion wrestler also makes him arguably the most versatile linebacker in the state.

247Sports considers Posa the No. 237 overall prospect, No. 25 linebacker and No. 1 player from New Mexico for the class of 2025.

When he arrives in Madison, he could see action early. Senior Jake Chaney and redshirt senior Jaheim Thomas will no longer contribute for UW, and Posa’s adaptability to suit up at multiple spots in UW’s linebacker room make him a commodity.

Wisconsin top class of 2025 LB commit shines for La Cueva High School

Wisconsin top class of 2025 LB commit shines for La Cueva High School

Wisconsin class of 2025 linebacker commit Mason Posa dominated for La Cueva High School on Friday night.

The four-star prospect recorded seven tackles, two sacks and one blocked kick for the Bears in Albuquerque, New Mexico to kick-start the weekend. Posa also tallied nine pressures and two PBUs on Friday to help his crew secure a 45-13 victory, per 247Sports’ Nick Osen.

Posa is one of two four-star commits on the defensive side of the football in Wisconsin’s class of 2025, alongside cornerback Jaimier Scott. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker committed to Wisconsin on June 13, 2024.

247Sports considers the future Badger the No. 155 overall recruit, No. 18 linebacker and No. 1 prospect from New Mexico for the class of 2025. He was also listed on the outlet’s ‘Freak List’ in August, which features college football’s 50 ‘freakiest’ high school recruits for the class of 2025.

Posa’s instincts are undeniable. As a junior, he notched 99 tackles, 14 TFLs, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception across 10 contests for La Cueva.

It appears he hasn’t lost a beat on the turf. He projects to immediately impact UW’s linebacker room when he arrives to campus in the summer of 2025.

Wisconsin class of 2025 LB commit earns spot on 247Sports’ ‘Freak List’

Wisconsin class of 2025 LB commit earns spot on 247Sports’ ‘Freak List’

Wisconsin Badgers top-ranked linebacker commit Mason Posa earned the No. 19 spot on 247Sports’ class of 2025 ‘Freak List’ on Wednesday.

Composed by the outlet’s Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins, the list features college football’s 50 ‘freakiest’ high school recruits for the class of 2025.

Posa, who committed to Luke Fickell’s program on June 13, is the first linebacker to crack the list. Top-ranked safety Jonah Williams (uncommitted), quarterback Deuce Knight (Notre Dame), tight end Elyiss Williams (Georgia), wide receiver Jerome Myles (uncommitted) and wide receiver Derek Meadows (LSU) rounded out the top five.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, there’s no questioning how Posa landed on the platform’s fourth installation of the ‘Freak List.’ Off the gridiron, the rising senior owns two New Mexico 5A state titles as a freshman and sophomore and a wrestling scholarship offer from Arizona State.

The instinct displayed on the mat bleeds into how he plays on the turf. As a junior, the linebacker registered 99 tackles, 14 TFLs, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception for Albuquerque La Cueva High School in 10 contests.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico product is one of six four-star recruits to commit to the Badgers’ program for the class of 2025. That list includes offensive lineman Hardy Watts, wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr., offensive lineman Logan Powell, offensive lineman Cam Clark and defensive back Jaimier Scott.

Wisconsin top class of 2025 recruit invited to All-American Bowl

Wisconsin football class of 2025 recruit invited to All-American Bowl

Wisconsin top class of 2025 commit four-star linebacker Mason Posa received an invitation to the 2025 All-American Bowl on Thursday. The event will take place in January ahead of Posa joining the Badgers.

Posa committed to Wisconsin on June 13, becoming the highest-rated recruit to pick Luke Fickell’s squad in 2025 to this point. The New Mexico native compiled 99 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, while also adding two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception over 10 games in his junior season at Albuquerque La Cueva High School.

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Wisconsin went 7-6 in 2023 in year one with Luke Fickell at the helm as the program’s head coach and Mike Tressel as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Tressel’s side of the ball finished 38th overall in total defense, surrendering 344.0 yards per game. A primary issue was getting to the quarterback, finishing the year tied for 56th in the country with 29.0 sacks as a team.

In the offseason, there was a clear focus on acquiring playmakers in the linebackers room, grabbing players like Leon Lowery (Syracuse) and John Pius (William & Mary) in the transfer portal, while also bringing in a pair of linebackers in their class of 2024.

Where Wisconsin 2025 commits Mason Posa, Hardy Watts stand among top recruits in Badgers history

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 has commitments from two of the program’s highest-rated recruits of all time

Every highly-ranked college football recruiting class needs a headliner. At the least, the class needs one signature name that leads any discussion about its caliber.

Recruiting class rankings are based on volume and depth. But as college football fans know, championships are often won by the top-ranked, marquee players.

Related: Updated college football recruiting class of 2025 national rankings by blue-chip ratio

Using that lens to look at Wisconsin’s class of 2025, the headliner names are four-star linebacker Mason Posa and interior offensive lineman Hardy Watts. The Badgers beat out top programs including Oregon and Texas A&M to land Posa, plus Michigan and Clemson for Watts. The two commitments are, without hyperbole, two of the signature recruiting wins of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin.

That ‘era’ only includes two full recruiting cycles. But as mentioned, every top class needs a few signature commitments.

The Badgers class as a whole currently has 22 players committed. 247Sports ranks the group ranks No. 15 in the nation and No. 5 in the new Big Ten. Fickell’s output in the class is a fantastic follow-up to a program-best class of 2024 cycle.

Related: Ranking the highest rated recruits in the history of Wisconsin football

Back to those signature commitments, Watts and Posa are not only the highest-rated members of Wisconsin’s class of 2025. They are among the highest-ranked recruits in program history.

Here is their 247Sports ratings, plus where they land on Wisconsin’s all-time leaderboard:

Mason Posa: Four-star, No. 212 in class of 2025, No. 27 linebacker, No. 1 recruit from New Mexico, 0.9232 overall rating.

  • Wisconsin all-time rank: No. 36

Hardy Watts: Four-star, No. 222 in class of 2025, No. 12 interior offensive lineman, No. 1 recruit from Massachusetts, 0.9206 overall rating.

  • Wisconsin all-time rank: No. 38

Fickell’s highest-rated recruits also includes 2024 iOL Emerson Mandell (No. 35 all-time), DL Ernest Willor Jr. (No. 32), RB Dilin Jones (No. 26) and OT Kevin Heywood (No. 14).

The young head coach has shown an impressive recruiting prowess in only a short time with the Badgers. He has tangibly increased the program’s recruiting floor, and shown potential for an even higher ceiling.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Wisconsin a finalist for top 2025 offensive lineman Hardy Watts

Wisconsin a finalist for top 2025 offensive lineman Hardy Watts

Wisconsin made the final schools for four-star class of 2025 offensive lineman Hardy Watts on Saturday.

The Badgers were included in his list of final three along with Clemson and Michigan.

Related: Wisconsin class of 2025 vaults up national rankings after addition of four-star WR Eugene Hilton Jr.

Watts is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 217 player in the class of 2025, No. 12 interior offensive lineman and No. 1 recruit from his home state of Massachusetts. He is coming off visits to Clemson and Wisconsin on June 2 and June 7 respectively, and still has a trip planned to Michigan for June 21.

While the Badgers appear to still be in the running to land the top-ranked lineman, 247Sports does have one crystal ball prediction logged for him to choose Clemson. That prediction came on June 12 from Clemson insider Austin Hannon.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 recently took a big step forward after the additions of four-star LB Mason Posa and four-star WR Eugene Hilton Jr. It now has 19 total commitments, five of which from blue-chip players. The class is an impressive follow-up performance by Luke Fickell and his staff after finishing the 2024 cycle with a top-25 class.

The group could rise even further in the Big Ten and national rankings with a possible commitment from Watts. He is one of the program’s highest-ranked remaining targets in the class.

It’s worth monitoring the top lineman’s recruitment as he nears a decision between the three finalists. Wisconsin should still have a late chance at landing a commitment.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

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WATCH: High school highlights from newest Wisconsin football commit 2025 LB Mason Posa

WATCH: Highlights from newest Wisconsin football commit Mason Posa

Wisconsin football received commitment No. 18 in the class of 2025 with linebacker Mason Posa’s announcement on Thursday.

Posa chose the Badgers over other finalists Oregon and Texas A&M. He joins three other linebackers who have pledged to Luke Fickell’s class of 2025 thus far: three-star Cooper Catalano, three-star Brenden Anes and three-star Samuel Lateju.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Posa is a credentialed wrestler and captured two New Mexico 5A state titles as a freshman and sophomore at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The ferociousness displayed on the mat certainly bleeds onto the gridiron.

In 10 contests, Posa finished his junior campaign with 99 tackles, 14 TFLs, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Posa captured a 6A State Championship in 2023 as one of the key cogs in his team’s defense.

Here are some of the highlights from his junior campaign:

The rising senior typically roams around the line of scrimmage, but he has also taken reps in the defensive backfield. Regardless of his position between the tick marks, Posa’s explosiveness and versatility make him a unique prospect ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Posa is immediately the top-ranked player in Wisconsin’s class of 2025. He is 247Sports’ No. 154 player in the class of 2025, No. 18 linebacker and No. 1 recruit from his home state of New Mexico.

WATCH: Top 2025 LB Mason Posa fakes out Oregon, Texas A&M while committing to Wisconsin

WATCH: Top 2025 LB Mason Posa fakes out Oregon, Texas A&M while committing to Wisconsin

Newest Wisconsin football commit Mason Posa entertained family and friends during his commitment announcement on Thursday evening.

He announced his pledge to Wisconsin, joining the Badgers’ growing class of 2025 that now ranks No. 13 in the nation.

Related: Wisconsin class of 2025 national ranking after addition of four-star LB Mason Posa

He chose the Badgers over other finalists Texas A&M and Oregon. He actually appeared poised to commit to both top programs by briefly placing each respective hat near his head. But then Jump Around started blaring in the background as he duped out both the Ducks and Aggies to end up choosing the Badgers.

“Y’all already knew,” Posa shouted in his announcement. “The University of Wisconsin!”

A round of applause from family and friends followed Posa’s decision, which took place at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Posa became Wisconsin’s seventh addition to its class of 2025 since the beginning of June, joining OT Logan Powell, three-star OT Logan Davenport, three-star CB Rukeem Stroud, three-star CB Jahmare Washington, three-star TE Nizyi Davis and three-star DL Torin Pettaway.

Related: Wisconsin updated class of 2025 commits after big-time addition of LB Mason Posa

247Sports ranks the four-star linebacker as the No. 154 player in the class of 2025, No. 18 linebacker and No. 1 recruit from his home state of New Mexico.

He is commitment No. 18 overall for the Badgers in the class and the fourth blue-chip player. The group rose to the No. 13 national ranking with his pledge.

Despite 21 other offers, Posa appears both confident with his choice and ecstatic about his future. Given the impact of NIL and mobility in today’s collegiate atmosphere, that certainly serves as a welcome sight for Mike Tressel’s defensive unit.

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands a commitment from top 2025 LB Mason Posa

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands a commitment from top 2025 LB Mason Posa

Wisconsin landed a commitment from top-ranked class of 2025 linebacker Mason Posa on Thursday evening.

The top recruit chooses the Badgers over other finalists Oregon and Texas A&M. He becomes Wisconsin’s seventh addition to its class of 2025 since the beginning of June, joining OT Logan Powell, three-star OT Logan Davenport, three-star CB Rukeem Stroud, three-star CB Jahmare Washington, three-star TE Nizyi Davis and three-star DL Torin Pettaway.

Related: Wisconsin class of 2025 national ranking after addition of four-star LB Mason Posa

247Sports ranks the four-star linebacker as the No. 154 player in the class of 2025, No. 18 linebacker and No. 1 recruit from his home state of New Mexico.

He is commitment No. 18 for the Badgers in the class and the fourth blue-chip player. The group ranked No. 14 in the nation before this news and will surely rise with his commitment.

Posa marks a massive recruiting win for Luke Fickell as he continues his second full recruiting cycle as head coach at Wisconsin.

Fickell’s hot start to the 2025 cycle is noteworthy after the program finished the 2024 cycle within the nation’s top 25 with a blue-chip ratio of 50%. Additions like Posa represent the Badgers building a strong base of talent that should pay dividends on the field in the years to come.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

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Wisconsin top class of 2025 LB target Mason Posa to announce commitment Thursday

Wisconsin top class of 2025 LB target to announce commitment Thursday

Wisconsin four-star class of 2025 linebacker target Mason Posa will announce his collegiate commitment at 7:00 p.m. central on Thursday, June 13.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico product included Wisconsin, Oregon and Texas A&M in his top three schools on May 30. Less than a week later, 247Sports crystal ball projected UW to land the coveted linebacker.

Those predictions derived from Wisconsin insiders Evan Flood and Nick Osen, both with a ‘medium’ confidence level.

Posa is 247Sports’ No. 154 player in the class of 2025, No. 18 linebacker and No. 1 recruit from his home state of New Mexico. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder officially visited the Badgers on May 31 and ventured to Eugene for an OV with the Ducks the weekend of June 7. Texas A&M is slated for a visit on June 14, one day after his commitment.

Posa entered his May 31 trip in Madison as the highest-ranked player on the program’s visit sheet and remains one of its biggest priorities.

The Badgers’ class of 2025 currently ranks No. 13 in the nation with 16 players committed. Three linebackers have offered their pledge to Luke Fickell’s program thus far: Three-star Cooper Catalano, three-star Brenden Anes and three-star Samuel Lateju.