Wisconsin top class of 2026 target Ben Nichols included the Badgers in his list of final schools on Monday.
Nichols, who received his offer from the Badgers on May 15, included Wisconsin along with Tennessee, Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Kentucky and Iowa.
At the time of his offer, On3’s industry ranking considered Nichols the No. 19 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026, No. 4 recruit from Michigan and No. 238 overall recruit in the class. The outlet has elevated Nichols to the No. 16 iOL, No. 3 recruit from Michigan and No. 199 overall recruit in his class.
TOP 9‼️… Thank you to every Program and Coach that has believed in me and given me these opportunities. These will be the top 9 Schools I will be focusing on from now on. @AllenTrieu @RivalsFriedman @samspiegs @GregSmithRivals @RivalsRichie @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/DiGr7x55wz
— Ben Nichols 4⭐️ (@BNichols2026) November 11, 2024
While Nichols does not hold a 247Sports crystal ball prediction at this stage of his recruitment, On3’s recruiting prediction machine lists the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as his most likely landing spot at over 84%. Michigan, Ohio State and Eastern Michigan all hold less than a 7% chance to secure a commitment.
Nichols is considered a four-star recruit from virtually every recruiting outlet. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Nichols has the frame to become a devastating force on any offensive line when he makes the jump to the collegiate level.
Currently, UW’s iOL room consists of Joe Huber, Jake Renfro and James Durand.