What happened: George committed Thursday, giving Wisconsin its third pledge in the 2028 class. The five-star defensive lineman also checked in at No. 23 on the Rivals Composite and No. 27 on the 247Sports Composite.

Why it matters: The decision stands as the biggest recruiting win of Luke Fickell's tenure and reshapes a race that once centered on Auburn, Ohio State, Washington, Miami, Oklahoma and Florida. It also gives Wisconsin a marquee headliner alongside Cale Britt and Brock Barrows in the class.

What to watch: The next test is holding the pledge through a long 2028 cycle after Washington had been viewed as the summer favorite. Wisconsin will also try to turn George's commitment into more momentum with other national prospects.