After putting in plenty of work in front of the Wisconsin football staff, an in-state lineman has earned a preferred walk-on offer with the Badgers.
Aiden Dirksen, a 2026 offensive lineman, recently received a preferred walk-on offer from offensive line coach AJ Blazek. Dirksen is a native of Green Bay and attends Bay Port High School, which is a school the Badgers often keep close tabs on. The 6-foot-6-inch, 280-pound offensive lineman worked hard over the past year to receive such an offer, and now very well could become a Badger in the future.
Dirksen was extended the scholarship offer after earning MVP honors in the offensive line portion of his recent Madison camp.
Had a wonderful camp at @BadgerFootball and after receiving O Line camp MVP, I am blessed to have received a (PWO) offer from @CoachBlaz @CaseyRabach_61 and @CoachFick! @BayPortFootbal1 @CoachJorgy @CoachJorgyBP @MrNelsonBP @PrepRedzoneWI @MrKrosHSSD @AdamMannn @Pirate_Pride1 pic.twitter.com/K6iAYp6KZT
— Aiden Dirksen (@AidenDirksen78) June 15, 2025
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Following the offer, Dirksen stated, “I have always grown up in Wisconsin and watched the badgers with my dad ever since I can remember. It means a lot to be able to have an opportunity to play college football in the BIG Ten and also only be 2 hours away from home.” Like many other kids who grow up in Wisconsin, Dirksen long watched the Wisconsin football program thrive and becoming a part of that history intrigues the recruit.
The talented lineman also added, “It was amazing to hear those words come out of coach Blazek’s mouth and I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity.”
Wisconsin Football PWO Offer Shakes Recruiting Process Up For Aiden Dirksen
For Dirksen, the process is still not over and there is more to be done, but joining the Wisconsin Badgers in the future is certainly not out of the question. Currently, Dirksen stated he wants to “see what is coming up” in terms of offers before making a commitment decision. The recruit wants to fully weigh out options and could still be a while away from choosing a program.
However, Dirksen also added, “I love Madison and the atmosphere of Camp Randall along with all of the different people who come with it.” The recruit has been impressed with the Badgers thus far, particularly with coach Blazek who has been a key part of the recruitment of Dirksen.
When asked about potentially playing for the Wisconsin football program in the future, Dirksen stated, “I could see myself playing for Wisconsin in the future.” The Badgers would welcome Dirksen in with open arms as the hometown recruits plays with a high-motor, physicality, and deep football intelligence. Dirksen might not be a ranked recruit, but the frame and talent is already there for the Wisconsin football staff to build upon.
The Wisconsin football staff will have to keep a close eye on Dirksen while also maintaining a relationship with the recruit in order to solidify a commitment in the future.
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