King Liggins Commits to Illinois, Choosing Fighting Illini Over Wisconsin
Wisconsin football’s top recruiting target for the class of 2026, defensive lineman King Liggins, announced his commitment to play for Bret Bielema and the Illinois Fighting Illini on Wednesday. The Chicago-native opted for Illinois, with Wisconsin as the lone other finalist in his recruitment process.
Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Liggins stands as the No. 910 player nationally in his class, the No. 92 defensive lineman, and the No. 21 prospect from Illinois. His recruitment included a flurry of official visits, with completed trips to Iowa (April 4), Illinois (April 11), and Wisconsin (April 23), along with upcoming visits scheduled for Purdue, Rutgers, and Virginia in the coming weeks. However, these plans may shift following his commitment to the Illini.
Liggins’ decision boosts Illinois’ recruiting class, which previously ranked No. 12 nationally, likely improving its status with his addition. Conversely, Wisconsin’s class ranks at a lower No. 43 nationally, with only seven commitments thus far. The Badgers face challenges in securing high-profile targets, especially when competing against a neighboring program that has a strong recent performance.
The Fighting Illini are poised for continued success after a program-best 10-3 finish in 2024, bolstered by returning talent and a favorable schedule. On the other hand, Wisconsin seeks to rebound from a disappointing 5-7 season in 2024 as they aim to revitalize their recruiting efforts for the class of 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire.
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