As the University of Wisconsin gears up for the 2025 college football season, one anticipated freshman will not be joining the roster. Drayden Pavey, a highly regarded defensive line recruit in the Badgers’ 2025 signing class, has not enrolled at the university and will not be part of the team this season. Head coach Luke Fickell confirmed the news, citing “personal reasons” as the explanation for Pavey’s absence.
Pavey’s recruiting journey has been anything but typical. Originally a Purdue commit, the standout from Taft High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, switched his pledge to Wisconsin late in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Before his decision to flip commitments, he had decommitted from Purdue in October and signed his National Letter of Intent with Wisconsin in early December 2024. His recruitment saw interest from over 20 college football programs, including other Big Ten schools like Indiana.
According to 247Sports, Pavey was ranked as the No. 722 overall recruit in the class of 2026, the 83rd defensive lineman nationally, and the 28th-best player in the state of Ohio. These rankings painted a picture of a promising athlete expected to develop into a strong contributor at the collegiate level. His commitment to the Badgers was seen as a win for Wisconsin’s recruiting class, and his size and potential made him an intriguing prospect for the team’s defensive line.
Coach Fickell, speaking to media this week, offered no specifics beyond confirming that Pavey hadn’t enrolled and wouldn’t be with the program this season. This leaves the door open to speculation regarding his future with the team, although it’s possible he could eventually enroll and join the Badgers in a later season if the circumstances allow.
Pavey’s absence slightly alters the makeup of Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class. Even without him, the Badgers signed 22 athletes during the cycle, a group that still ranks competitively both nationally and within the Big Ten. Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class was ranked No. 26 overall in the nation and No. 7 among Big Ten programs—reflecting a solid haul of young talent poised to build on Fickell’s ongoing effort to elevate the Badgers’ national profile.
Notably, the team did secure the commitments of two other defensive linemen in the same class—Torin Pettaway and Xavier Ukponu—who are now expected to shoulder more responsibility in the trenches with Pavey out of the picture. Pettaway and Ukponu bring their own skill sets and promise, which should help the Badgers maintain depth and competitiveness on the defensive front.
The defensive line room isn’t short on experience, either. Wisconsin expects to rely heavily on transfers and returning veterans to carry the load in the 2025 season. Among those anticipated to take significant snaps are Corey Walker, a defensive end transfer; Parker Peterson, a nose tackle; and veteran defensive tackle Ben Barten. These three are slated to form the core of the defensive line rotation early in the year.
Coach Fickell also pointed out that the defensive front can go at least six players deep, offering solid depth and flexibility. Additional key players include Charles Perkins and Jay’Viar Suggs—both transfers—as well as sophomore Dillan Johnson. Their collective experience, size, and athleticism could allow the Badgers to weather the absence of one freshman and continue to improve their defensive presence.
Still, the situation with Pavey remains something to watch. Given the investment in his recruitment and his potential, many within the Wisconsin program and fan base will be curious to see if he finds his way back to the team at some point. College football is full of players who take unconventional routes to eventual success, and it’s too early to count Pavey out entirely.
Recruiting and roster changes are nothing new in the current NCAA landscape, where transfer portals, decommitments, and reclassifications have made traditional timelines increasingly fluid. Wisconsin’s coaching staff will likely keep the lines of communication open with Pavey, particularly if his personal issues get resolved and he expresses interest in rejoining the program. For now, however, the focus will remain on preparing the rest of the roster for a competitive 2025 campaign.
Pavey’s departure may also underscore how critical recruiting depth has become in college football. By signing multiple players at key positions, Wisconsin has safeguarded itself from any one player’s absence affecting the team’s performance too heavily. Fickell and his staff have clearly built a recruiting strategy that emphasizes long-term planning and versatility.
In the meantime, fans can expect to see increased opportunities for the other defensive linemen, particularly the new additions and veteran leaders. Their development throughout fall camp and into the regular season will be key to Wisconsin’s defensive identity under Coach Fickell’s system.
While the loss of a promising recruit like Pavey is unfortunate, it’s a reality that programs around the country face more frequently in today’s college football environment. The Badgers appear well-positioned to adapt and move forward with the talent already on the roster.
Ultimately, the 2025 season will provide opportunities for other players to step up and define themselves. Whether Pavey eventually joins them remains uncertain, but his situation will certainly be monitored closely by fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike.
As always, the Wisconsin football program encourages fans to stay connected via social media and official channels for updates on the team, player developments, and recruiting news. The story of Drayden Pavey may not be over—it could just be on holiday.
