The Wisconsin Badgers are getting an early start on the 2025 recruiting class. First year coach Luke Fickell and staff are not only putting in the effort on the recruiting trail for next year, but are also ensuring long-term success for future recruiting classes.
Wisconsin Badgers Incoming Defensive Talent
Head coach Luke Fickell has led an impressive charge on the recruiting trails. Currently in the top 25 for both the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes, he is making sure that the pipeline of talent keeps flowing to Madison.

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This past week, the Germantown linebacker Cooper Catalano took to social media to announce his commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers program.
Ultimately the draw of my home state school as well as the relationships I’ve built and experiences I’ve had in Madison led me to this decision.
It is always helpful to have genuine, built in connections during the recruiting process. The allure of playing in his home state, and playing for coaches that he has developed good relationships with were too strong to defer on a decision any longer.
Wisconsin Badgers Impact Potential
Watching some of his games at Germantown high school you can see why the Wisconsin Badgers staff would be eager to have Catalano on the squad.
A disciplined, and instinctive player, it’s hard to watch his games and not see him making the right play on every given down. As a linebacker he does a good job reading the play, and using his quickness to laterally move anywhere across the field.

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Using his strength, he does a nice job in the run game shedding blockers, and making plays against the opposing teams run game. Speaking more on his discipline and instincts, he also does a nice job of not getting fooled by play action. Able to use his athleticism in zone, he makes good use of his skills reading the quarterback and picking off the ball.
An area of continued improvement will be in man coverage, as at the next level he’d be forced to cover dynamic running backs one on one on their routes. But with a senior year left before having to worry about covering Big Ten athletes expect his training to have him ready for these future assignments.
Wisconsin Badgers Recruiting Victory
With his skillset it is no wonder why the staff saw the potential for him to fit in the program. As a recruit he was getting strong interest from various power five schools, as well as other Big Ten opponents. Some of his recruiting schools included; Illinois, Michigan State, Kansas, and Iowa State.

Despite the interest from other programs, Catalano made it clear how important playing in Camp Randall would be for him. He really did not leave any room for people possibly speculating where his loyalty lies.
I’m just getting started GO BADGERS!!
Having just finished up his junior year for Germantown high school, the impressive defender has a strong possibility of being a highly used year one contributor as a college freshman.