BREAKING NEWS: Top 2026 EDGE Prospect Kamhariyan Johnson Commits to Wisconsin Badgers…
Madison, WI – June 23, 2025 — In a monumental recruiting victory that is already sending shockwaves across the college football landscape, Kamhariyan Johnson, one of the most highly-coveted EDGE prospects in the 2026 class, has officially committed to the University of Wisconsin. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive juggernaut made the announcement via a live stream on social media, choosing the Badgers over a final group that included Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 EDGE rusher in the nation by multiple scouting services, Johnson’s commitment is a massive win for head coach Luke Fickell and his staff, who have made aggressive strides in building a new era of elite-level defense in Madison.
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🔴 Wisconsin Beats National Powerhouses for Elite Talent
Johnson’s decision to don the red and white of Wisconsin is seen as a major upset against several blue-blood programs that were heavily favored throughout his recruitment. Alabama and Georgia had both hosted him on official visits earlier this summer, and many insiders believed the SEC duo were leading the race up until last week.
But a late push by Wisconsin, led by defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, reportedly made a lasting impression during Johnson’s official visit to Madison. Sources say it was a “family atmosphere,” the chance to play early, and the opportunity to become the face of a rising program that ultimately won him over.
> “This was not an easy decision, but Wisconsin felt like home,” Johnson said during his commitment announcement. “Coach Fickell and Coach Tressel laid out a vision for me—not just to play, but to dominate, to lead, and to graduate. I’m betting on that vision, and I’m ready to be a Badger.”
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🧱 Scouting Breakdown: What Johnson Brings to Wisconsin
Standing 6’5” and weighing 245 pounds with a wingspan that rivals an NBA forward, Kamhariyan Johnson is a freakishly athletic EDGE rusher with a rare combination of speed, power, and football IQ. He tallied 21.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in his junior season at Cedar Grove High School in Georgia, establishing himself as a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Here’s how some top analysts describe him:
247Sports: “One of the most explosive first steps in the class. Johnson bends the edge effortlessly and closes with elite acceleration.”
Rivals: “A program-changing defender. Has the tools to be a Day 1 contributor at the college level and a future first-round NFL Draft pick.”
On3 Recruiting: “Plays with relentless motor and violent hands. Versatile enough to line up in a 4-3 or 3-4 front. A defensive coordinator’s dream.”
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🔁 Recruiting Momentum for Wisconsin
With Johnson’s commitment, the Badgers now vault into the Top 5 of the 2026 national recruiting rankings—a stunning development for a program that has historically struggled to attract top-tier talent on a national scale. Johnson is the first five-star to commit to Wisconsin since offensive lineman Logan Brown in 2019, and the first five-star EDGE in school history.
He joins a 2026 class that already includes four-star linebacker Malachi Reynolds and hard-hitting safety Treyvon Pierce. Together, they could form the core of a fearsome new-look Wisconsin defense for years to come.
> “This isn’t the same old Wisconsin,” said college football recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Luke Fickell is building a playoff-caliber roster, and Kamhariyan Johnson just became the cornerstone.”
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🗣️ Reaction Across the College Football World
Social media erupted minutes after Johnson’s announcement, with fans, media members, and even current players expressing excitement and surprise. Wisconsin defensive lineman and NFL Draft hopeful James Thompson Jr. tweeted: “BIG TIME! Let’s get to work young bull 💪 #OnWisconsin.”
Meanwhile, rival fans from Michigan and Ohio State expressed disbelief at losing out on such a rare talent to a Big Ten rival. Recruiting insiders are already speculating that Johnson could have a “Domino Effect” on several other top-tier defenders still uncommitted in the 2026 cycle.
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🏆 Long-Term Impact: Could Johnson Be the Catalyst for a Wisconsin Renaissance?
Johnson’s decision represents more than just a commitment—it may symbolize the start of a true shift in recruiting power within the Big Ten. With USC and UCLA joining the conference and the College Football Playoff expanding, the competition has never been fiercer. Wisconsin’s ability to attract and land someone of Johnson’s stature indicates that the Badgers are positioning themselves as serious contenders on the national stage.
> “He’s a foundational piece,” said Coach Fickell after the announcement. “Kamhariyan has the skill, the mindset, and the leadership to take us where we’re going. We told him he could be the difference—and he believed in us.”
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📅 What’s Next?
Kamhariyan Johnson plans to enroll early at Wisconsin in January 2026, giving him a full offseason to adapt to the playbook and weight room demands of Big Ten football. In the meantime, he’ll be focused on helping his Cedar Grove squad chase a state championship during his senior year.
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🔚 Final Thoughts
In a world where the top defensive prospects often flock to the South or to perennial playoff teams, Kamhariyan Johnson’s commitment to Wisconsin represents a bold and refreshing twist in college football recruiting. For the Badgers, it could be the first major step toward building a championship-level program.
For now, Badger Nation can celebrate a seismic recruiting win that could define the future of their football team.
#OnWisconsin | #Badgers | #KamhariyanJohnson | #RecruitingShockwave | #2026Class
