Wisconsin class of 2025 DL commit receives preseason honor

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive lineman commit Xavier Ukponu was named preseason all-area defense by SportsDayHS on Thursday.

The outlet, which offers news and analysis for high school sports in and around Dallas, Texas, identified several players as the most prestigious players ahead of the 2024 season.

Ukponu committed to Wisconsin on Aug. 5 over other top contenders LSU, Arkansas, California and Oklahoma State. The top-ranked recruit received nearly 40 offers from a collection of the best programs throughout the nation, including Oregon, Washington, USC, Texas A&M, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Miami and Florida,

247Sports has the 6’3,” 300-pound defensive lineman as the No. 120 defensive lineman and No. 172 recruit from the state of Texas for his class. He, alongside three-star Wilnerson Telemaque and three-star Torin Pettaway, round out the defensive linemen for Fickell and Co. Three-star edge Nicolas Clayton will also play for UW on the line.

Given Texas’ consistent ability to produce high-end prospects, Ukponu’s spot on a preseason all-area list is certainly notable. With an extra year to hone in on techniques and intricacies for defensive lineman against the state’s best, Ukponu could arrive in Madison with an upper hand.