Wisconsin Drops 2026 QB Commit Amid Coaching Shakeup

MADISON, Wis. — Jarin Mock, a three-star quarterback from Pickerington North High School in Ohio, is no longer committed to the University of Wisconsin football program after the coaching staff determined he wasnu2019t a fit for the teamu2019s new offensive scheme under coordinator Jeff Grimes. The decision was communicated to Mock and his family on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the Badgersu2019 recruiting strategy.

Mock, who committed to Wisconsin in July under former offensive coordinator Phil Longo, was informed of the change during a brief phone call. His father, Andree Mock, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the program. u201cI texted a couple of coaches with no answer,u201d Andree told The Athletic. u201cWhen somebodyu2019s not answering your calls, theyu2019re probably not interested in talking to you.u201d

The decision leaves Wisconsin without any scholarship quarterbacks tied to Longou2019s tenure. Longo, who was fired in November, had recruited Mock and several other quarterbacks, all of whom have since departed the program. Mocku2019s departure comes as Wisconsin transitions to a more traditional offensive style under Grimes, moving away from Longou2019s up-tempo air raid system.

Mock, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect, completed 61.5% of his passes for 2,605 yards, 23 touchdowns, and four interceptions during his junior season. He also rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his strong performance, Mocku2019s recruitment has reopened, and he is now considering other programs, including Iowa State and Cincinnati.

Wisconsinu2019s quarterback room has undergone significant changes in recent months. The Badgers lost three transfer portal quarterbacks and saw Braedyn Locke, Landyn Locke, and Nick Evers depart the program. The team now looks to rebuild with new recruits, including Maryland transfer Taulia Tagovailoa and incoming freshman Cole LaCrue.

Mocku2019s father emphasized the familyu2019s commitment to the process. u201cThe word commitment in our household means a lot,u201d Andree said. u201cWe are not comfortable, but we will be OK. His talents wonu2019t go unnoticed elsewhere.u201d

Meanwhile, Wisconsin has shifted its focus to other 2026 quarterback prospects, including four-star recruit Bowe Bentley from Celina, Texas. Bentley, who recently led his high school team to a 16-0 state championship season, threw for over 3,000 yards and 47 touchdowns this fall.

The Badgersu2019 offensive struggles under Longo were evident last season, as the team averaged just 22.6 points per game, ranking 108th nationally. The coaching change aims to restore Wisconsinu2019s traditional physical style while incorporating some of Longou2019s passing concepts.

As Mock explores his options, Wisconsin continues to rebuild its roster under Grimes and head coach Luke Fickell. The programu2019s future success will depend on its ability to adapt to the new offensive philosophy and secure top talent in the coming recruiting cycles.