Recently, the Wisconsin football staff extended a scholarship to a top 2027 in-state recruit who might become a familiar face in Madison.
Hunter Mallinger, a three-star offensive lineman in the 2027 recruiting class, was offered a scholarship by offensive line coach AJ Blazek during a camp visit. Mallinger is currently ranked as the fifth-overall recruit in the state of Wisconsin, behind the likes of three-star edge Isaac Miller, three-star interior lineman Richie Flanigan, four-star offensive tackle Cole Reiter, and four-star tight end Korz Loken.
After a great camp and conversation with @CoachBlaz, I’m blessed to have earned my 8th offer to @BadgerFootball!! @CoachHeeman @CaseyRabach_61 @CoachFick @AllenTrieu @Evan_Flood @RivalsFriedman @On3sports @HHSCoachGumm @MJ_NFLDraft @Mr_Nellis pic.twitter.com/nBLGJU9Vwg
— Hunter Mallinger (@HunterMallinger) June 15, 2025
The 2027 Wisconsin recruiting class is set to be a talent filled one, and the Badgers staff has been working to find the true gems of the class. After months of keeping a close eye on Mallinger, the offensive lineman now adds to a growing list of offers from programs such as Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, and Minnesota.
The Wisconsin Badgers have scouted the 2027 recruiting class throughly and Mallinger has been a recruit who has been on the radar for quite some time. Many analysts felt Mallinger should have received a scholarship previously, but the delay in offering the scholarship has not changed anything for the recruit.
Following the offer from the Wisconsin football staff, Mallinger stated, “I feel great about the offer. Knowing NFL linemen are bred in Wisconsin is a good feeling.” The three-star recruit also added that the visit, offer, and time with the Wisconsin football staff was “just a great experience overall” which bodes well for the program.
Could the Wisconsin Football Staff Keep Hunter Mallinger Close to Home?
While the scholarship offer is just the tip of the iceberg, Mallinger can already see himself walking around campus in Madison in the near future.
When asked about potentially staying in-state for college, Mallinger stated, “I would definitely be okay with staying home for college. Nice and close to home but also on a power-four football team. Love the coaches, love the facilities, and overall just love the people.”
Mallinger also expressed a potential interest in playing for the Wisconsin Badgers due to the fact that the in-state school comes with a deep history. The offensive lineman stated, “Every kid in Wisconsin wants to be a Badger growing up and that dream is becoming a reality for me.”
The Wisconsin football staff might be impressing Mallinger thus far into his recruitment, but the talented offensive lineman also has a clear vision of what he is looking for out of a future collegiate home. “For me the biggest thing that I evaluate schools with is the coaching staff,” stated Mallinger. The lineman also added that he does not want a “coach that just stands on the sidelines” and desires someone who is looking to push the entire team to become better through his actions.
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