Wisconsin’s Top 2026 Recruit Sam Simpson Commits to Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Sam Simpson, a three-star offensive lineman from River Falls, Wisconsin, committed to Indiana University on Saturday, choosing the Hoosiers over offers from Wisconsin, Kansas, Iowa State, and Illinois.

Simpson, ranked as the No. 1 player in Wisconsin and the No. 47 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class by 247Sports, becomes the first member of Indiana’s 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman announced his decision after a visit to Bloomington, where he received an offer from Indiana offensive line coach Bob Bostad.

“I want to start by thanking my family, friends, teammates, teachers, and coaches for pushing me to be the best person and the best football player on and off the field,” Simpson said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity Indiana Football, Coach Curt Cignetti, and Coach Bob Bostad have given me in playing B1G football and furthering my academics at the University of Indiana.”

Simpson’s commitment marks a significant win for Indiana, which has been leveraging Bostad’s deep ties to Wisconsin. Bostad, a former longtime Wisconsin assistant, has already helped secure transfers like Trey Wedig and Drew Evans, who played key roles in Indiana’s 11-2 season in 2024.

Despite Wisconsin’s recent struggles to retain top in-state talent, the Badgers have maintained strong recruiting classes nationally, finishing 23rd and 25th in the 2024 and 2025 cycles, respectively. However, Simpson’s decision underscores a growing trend of Wisconsin recruits looking beyond their home state.

Indiana’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked 49th nationally, includes standout prospects like four-star safety Kaden Feagin and three-star EDGE Isaiah White. Simpson’s addition to the 2026 class signals a continued push by the Hoosiers to compete in the Big Ten.