The Wisconsin Badgers landed their prized quarterback target in the 2025 class back in April when they secured a commitment from four-star Ryan Hopkins after a spring visit.
Hopkins, a native of Southern California, was a player that the Badgers were in on early, as Wisconsin gave the quarterback his second offer after Michigan State last October. That ultimately paid off, as the Badgers were able to get Hopkins, even with a switch at offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
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However, landing a quarterback is only 50 percent of the puzzle in today’s world. Keeping their commitment through National Signing Day is the other challenging component.
Hopkins is set to play his senior season at powerhouse Mater Dei, which was ranked the No. 1 high school in the country ahead of the Fall. That will certainly attract eyes to him, and one school is already taking notice.
The UCLA Bruins became the latest to offer Hopkins a scholarship, showing interest in the in-state recruit.
Hopkins, of course, has remained committed to Wisconsin, with schools still showing interest in the summer. But, UCLA could be one to watch, given the proximity to home for the quarterback.
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Wisconsin went all-in on the four-star, taking all their other quarterback targets off the board after landing a commitment from Hopkins in April. It would be a tough situation if they were forced to pivot this late in the cycle and look for another option.
Of course, Wisconsin dealt with a similar situation last year when landing Carter Smith very close to National Signing Day, which resulted in them losing the commitment of three-star Landyn Locke, the brother of former quarterback Braedyn Locke.
UCLA, on the other hand, has slowly built up its quarterback room, landing both Nico and Madden Iamaleava. They also have former four-star recruit Pierce Clarkson, who transferred in from Ole Miss. But, they have yet to land a quarterback in the 2026 class.
Nonetheless, this development will be one to watch in the Fall, but there doesn’t seem to be a concern just yet.
