The Wisconsin Badgers are continuing to expand their recruiting footprint, and their latest commitment proves they're not afraid to look beyond state lines. On Thursday, three-star defensive lineman Will Zaccagnino announced he's joining Wisconsin's 2027 class, becoming the 11th player to commit and the first interior defensive lineman in the group.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Zaccagnino brings impressive size and athleticism to the Badgers' defensive front. Hailing from Shelton, Connecticut, he attends St. Joseph High School in Trumbull and has already made a name for himself on the field. As a junior, he racked up 47 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and four sacks, while also breaking up nine passes. His performance earned him consensus first-team all-state honors.
Zaccagnino's recruitment picked up steam after he received a Wisconsin offer on March 5. While the Badgers were one of 15 schools to extend a scholarship, they were the second Power Four program to do so, following Syracuse. Illinois, Michigan State, and Missouri were among the other schools that offered him down the stretch.
His decision came after an unofficial visit to Madison on April 21, part of a busy spring tour that also included stops at Penn State, Missouri, Duke, and Wake Forest. The Connecticut native announced his commitment on social media with a simple message: "I am very excited to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin! I'm home!!!"
Zaccagnino is the fourth defensive player in Wisconsin's 2027 class, joining a group that also includes four-star quarterback Jack Sorgi and safety DJ Davis, who committed just days earlier. With this addition, the Badgers' class is currently ranked No. 12 by 247Sports and No. 20 by Rivals and On3.
For Wisconsin fans, this commitment is a promising sign that the program's recruiting reach is growing. After securing the first eight members of the class from within Wisconsin, the Badgers have now added talent from Indiana, Delaware, and Connecticut—showing they're building a foundation that extends far beyond the Midwest.