The Wisconsin Badgers once again traveled to Texas in search of elite talent, especially in the pass catching department.
The Badgers spent significant time in Texas during their 2025 rotation, and among the recruits Wisconsin was looking for was receiver Muizz Tounkara. The receiver ultimately committed to Arizona over Wisconsin and later changed his commitment to Florida. However, another wide receiver in the 2026 class that Wisconsin has noticed could perhaps be a guy that programs will be able to utilize in the future.
Derek Stevenson, a 2026 wide receiver from Katy, Texas, currently has an offer from Georgia State but has interest from multiple other programs. Stevenson mentioned Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Arizona, Rice, UTSA, Montana and Navy, among others. Georgia State and Oklahoma were the top programs, and the Sooners hosted Stevenson on game day earlier this season.
When asked about the recruiting process, Stevenson stated, “I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities that are presented to me.” The wide receiver added: “My brother is at Wyoming and I have seen the ups and downs of this process firsthand.”
Justin StevensonThe redshirt freshman recorded 17 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns in his first real playing season. The recruit finished as a three-star prospect in the 2023 class and needed some time to really blossom during the recruiting process. Stevenson believes he learned a lot from his brother and continues to benefit from the guidance and guidance he received.
During the recruiting process, Stevenson quickly realized what he wanted from the staff and the program. Stevenson stated, “I’m looking for a place I can truly call home. I want to be part of a program with a great coach who will develop me into the best possible player I can be. Stevenson also added that his future home must be based on “teaching, training and tradition.”
Stevenson grew up a huge Clemson Tigers fan due to the atmosphere they displayed on television as well as the team’s success. However, the receiver believes the Sooners will continue to be his “dream school” because of the energy he felt during his visit.
What can Derek Stevenson offer the Wisconsin Badgers, other programs?
While Derek Stevenson is still a long way from committing, the recruit can already be viewed as a successful player on the field for the Wisconsin Badgers or another program of his choice.
On the pitch, Stevenson stated that he always felt he was “different” given the skills he possessed at such a young age. The winger stated, “Even as a little kid playing flag football, I just had that hunger to play and it came really easy to me.” Stevenson added that his hands, speed, catch radius and cutting ability were skills coaches mentioned they particularly liked.
Stevenson and the coaches certainly weren’t lying, as the winger seems to have an innate ability to create open space in a variety of ways. Stevenson can burn opposing defenders with his natural speed, and the receiver can create space with his excellent footwork.
However, no matter how the space is created, Stevenson always manages to find a way to get to the football. Stevenson’s catch radius is really something to keep an eye on, as a less-than-perfect pass will still be effective for the receiver. Stevenson can make things happen, and the receiver consistently seems to have vision of where the ball will land.
The Wisconsin Badgers could potentially be a great landing spot for Stevenson in the future given the planned offensive changes. The Wisconsin Badgers are looking to develop a more animated offense based on professional values, and much of that starts with the talent and athleticism within the system.
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