The Wisconsin Badgers staff has once again taken the trip down to Texas in search of elite talent, in particular in the pass catching department.
The Badgers spent a good deal of time in Texas during the 2025 rotation and among the recruits Wisconsin was after was receiver Muizz Tounkara. The receiver eventually committed to Arizona over Wisconsin and then later flipped his commitment to Florida. However, another wide receiver in the 2026 class that Wisconsin has eyed could perhaps be the man that the programs is able to utilize in the future.
Derek Stevenson, a 2026 wide receiver from Katy, Texas, currently holds an offer from Georgia State but has plenty of other programs interested. Stevenson named Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Arizona, Rice, UTSA, Montana, and Navy among many others. Georgia State and Oklahoma have been the two primary programs, with the Sooners hosting Stevenson for a game day visit earlier this season.
When asked about the recruiting process, Stevenson stated, “I’m extremely grateful for all of the opportunities coming my way.” The wide receiver added, “My brother is at Wyoming and I have seen first hand the ups and downs of the process.”
Justin Stevenson, a redshirt freshman, recorded 17 receptions for 204-yards and three touchdowns in his first real season of play. The recruit finished as a three-star prospect in the 2023 class and took some time to truly blossom during his recruitment. Stevenson believes he has learned a lot from his brother, and continues to utilize the tips and tricks he has received.
Throughout his recruitment, Stevenson developed an idea of what he is looking for out of a staff and a program rather quickly. Stevenson stated, “I’m looking for a place that I can truly call home. I want to be a part of a program with great coaching that can develop me into the best possible player I can be.” Stevenson also added that his future home must be high on “teaching, training, and tradition.”
Stevenson grew up as a big Clemson Tigers fans due to the atmosphere they showcased on television as well as the success of the team. However, the wide receiver believes the Sooners are pulling ahead as his “dream school” due to the energy he experienced during his visit.
What Can Derek Stevenson Offer the Wisconsin Badgers, Other Programs?
While a commitment is still pretty far away for Derek Stevenson, the recruit already can be seen as a successful player on the field for either the Wisconsin Badgers, or another program of his choice.
On the field, Stevenson stated he always felt he was “different” given the ability he had at such a young age. The wide receiver stated, “Even as a little kid playing flag football I just had a hunger for the game and it came real easy to me.” Stevenson added that his hands, speed, catch radius, and cutting ability have been skills that coaches have mentioned stood out to them.
Stevenson and the coaches were certainly not lying, as the wide receiver seems to have an innate ability to create open space in a variety manners. Stevenson can burn opposing defenders over the top with his natural speed, or the receiver can create space using his excellent footwork.
Regardless of how the space is created, however, Stevenson always manages to find a way to make his way to the football. The catch radius of Stevenson is truly something to look out for as a less-than perfect pass will still work for the receiver. Stevenson can make anything work and the receiver consistently appears to have a vision for where the football is going to land.
The Wisconsin Badgers could be a potentially excellent landing spot for Stevenson in the future given the offensive changes scheduled to occur. The Wisconsin Badgers want to develop a more dynamic offense with the pro-style values, and much of that begins with the talent and athleticism within the system.
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