Jayden Petit was tagged by Wisconsin Badgers as a priority prospect and in a huge turn of events, they completed the job.
The four-star wide receiver from St. John Neumann announced on Thursday that he is committing to the Badgers for the Class of 2026, making himself the 14th player to join the team for next year and the third wide receiver in the class after Zion Legree and Tayshon Bardo.
Chris Maragos, Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 16, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Chris Maragos (42) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Badgers bested 30 other programs who tried to recruit Petit including North Carolina, Auburn, Oklahoma, and three teams from his home state namely the Florida State Seminoles, the Florida Gators, and the Florida A&M Rattlers
If there’s still any doubt the caliber of Petit, take a look at what a Wisconsin alum and three-time Super Bowl alum has to say about him.
Badger Nation…you guys got a guy who is a problem…The future is right now with this kid… https://t.co/iqT7KJ6QVM
— Chris Maragos (@ChrisMaragos) June 27, 2025
Maragos is a Racine-native safety who played for Wisconsin in 2008 and 2010. He went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft but was able to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. He then signed with the Seattle Seahawks where he was featured more and became part of their 2011 Super Bowl XLVIII-winning team.
Chris Maragos, Wisconsin Badgers
Sep 12, 2009; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin cornerback Chris Maragos (21) intercepts the pass intended for Fresno State running back Robbie Rouse (8) during the second overtime period at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Fresno State 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
He last played for the Philadelphia Eagle with whom he won his second title (2018).
Maragos will coach Petit on his last year with St. John Neumann.
Jayden Petit says education is what brought him to Wisconsin Badgers
Petit already has the skill to become a main contributor for the Badgers. He was recruited by WR coach Jordan Reid last January and they stayed connected all throughout.
The player praised the school and the relationship he built with the coaches. As for the clincher that made him commit to Wisconsin, he said it is more about his future career outside of football.
“Academics was a big thing for me,” Petit said in an interview with USA Today.
“I want to go into commercial real estate after football and Wisconsin is ranked No. 1 in the nation for real estate. The relationships and the culture was second to none. I just felt at home in Madison.”
Jayden Petit, First Baptist
First Baptist Academy Lions receiver Jayden Petit (3) catches a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Class 1S state semifinal against the Trinity Catholic Celtics at First Baptist Academy in Naples on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
He noted, however, that being in the Big Ten is another major reason.
“It doesn’t hurt that they play also play great competition in the Big Ten,” he said.
“My first game could potentially be against Notre Dame my freshman year.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!