Analysts thought the Wisconsin Badgers football program have an edge over everyone in chase of Gavin Meier who was born raised in Janesville in Rock County.
This is why it is a shocker that he decided to join UW-Madison’s rivals Minnesota Golden Gophers.
“I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Minnesota,” he wrote on X.
“I can’t wait to step onto the field at Huntington Bank Stadium for the first time with my future teammates and rep the “M” on the front of the jersey. I will give everything I’ve got to help this program succeed. I’m excited to Row The Boat. LET’S GO GOPHER NATION!!!”
1000% Committed!!!#RTB🚣@GopherFootball @Coach_Fleck @Callybrian @CoachBain75 @nick20lee @Shakes_GopherFB @WTSTFootball @AllenTrieu @CoachKregerWTST @On3Recruits @MJ_NFLDraft @OJW_Scouting @PrepRedzoneWI @NWahlScouting @Coach_Fleck @On3Recruits @247Sports @Minnesota247… pic.twitter.com/Wk6mAr8zw9
— Gavin Meier 3🌟 (@gavinmeier72) March 27, 2025
Meier, standing at 6’5 and playing the offensive tackle position, is rated as the no. 1 player in his position in Wisconsin.

The Badgers are just one of the 14 schools that made an offer to Meier although the interest did not move past that as the high school stand out never got to visit the school.
Wisconsin Badgers’ 2026 recruitment not looking good?
Meier is the sixth player to commit to to Minnesota. As for the Badgers, they only got two so far – WR Tayshon Bardo and OL Benjamin Novak.
There are still offers that are yet to confirmed.

While some are being patient, others are starting to question Badgers’ ability to retain in-state prospects, them remaining as an attractive destination for local players.
Meier is the new Wisconsin-native to look elsewhere. First was Samuel Sampson from River Falls who committed another Big Ten team, the Indiana Hoosiers.
Wide receiver Brody Schaffer, who hails from Winneconne decided that he will play for Iowa in 2026.
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