Elite, five-star edge Jalanie George commits to Big 10 program

For the first time in a few years, Wisconsin fans had a lot to celebrate on the field as the Badgers upset No. 13 Penn State on Saturday.

Those celebrations were able to continue into the new week as well but not for a win on the field. Instead, the Badgers landed their highest-ranked commitment since Nolan Rucci during the 2021 cycle.

Desert Edge (AZ) five-star edge Jalanie George announced his commitment to Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 1. He chose the Badgers over Auburn, Miami and Washington.

While 247Sports ranked the 6-foot-4.5, 245-pounder as a four-star prospect and the No. 66 overall recruit in the 2028 cycle, the USA TODAY Sports composite ranking is much higher on George.

The composite ranks him as a five-star prospect, the No. 20 overall recruit in the cycle, the No. 2 player out of Arizona and the No. 5 edge in the 2028 cycle.

His decision comes after taking trips to both Wisconsin and Auburn in September. He was back at Wisconsin on September 12 for the Badgers’ home-opening 36-9 win over Western Illinois.

George has enjoyed a solid junior season five games in. He’s totaled 24 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack in the four games he’s played. For his career, George has accounted for 141 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Led by players such as four-star safety Mekhi Williams and elite in-state running back Kingston Allen, the Badgers’ 2027 class currently ranks inside of the top 25 nationally, according to 247Sports.

While the 2028 class still has a lot of work to do to get to that point, landing George’s commitment is a good step in that direction.

George becomes the third player to commit to the Badgers for the 2028 cycle, joining Bishop Moore Catholic (FL) three-star linebacker Cale Britt and Lee’s Summit West (MO) three-star interior offensive lineman Brock Barrows.

According to 247Sports, the Badgers’ class ranked 13th in the country and No. 4 in the Big Ten prior to George’s commitment.

Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elite, five-star edge Jalanie George commits to Big 10 program