Madison Reporter

Even with the new season just months away, the Wisconsin Badgers football program is keeping an eye on its long-term goals.

Sports Illustrated reports South Dakota Class of 2023 quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has the Badgers on his list of the final four schools he is still considering. A dual-threat quarterback who was an all-state selection in three sports this year, Kienholz is also reported to still being weighing offers from North Dakota State, Washington and Wyoming, after trimming the likes of Power-5 schools Illinois, Kansas State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Washington State from his list.

“I want to say thank you for this opportunity and to all the colleges who have recruited me throughout this process. With that being sad [sic], Top 4,” Kienholz tweeted.

As the Badgers top quarterback target, Kienholz is scheduled to be on the Madison campus for an official visit in early June, a time when staffers are hoping to be able to close the deal with him after officially extending him in an offer a few weeks ago.

Top tight end target Zach Ortwerth is also scheduled to be in town for an official visit around the same time as Kienholz.

According to SI, the Saint Louis product has multiple visits planned for June, with the Badgers having to feel good about still being near the top of his list.

Finally, 6-foot-2, three-star outside linebacker Brad Spence of Texas recently took to social media to list the Top 10 schools he is still considering, with the Badgers among those making the cut.

The Badgers are set to kick off the 2022 season at Camp Randall Stadium hosting Illinois State. The 6 p.m. start time marks the seventh time since 2010 the Badgers begin the season with a night game.

In those matchups, Wisconsin has a 5-2 record, with the lone losses coming to Alabama and LSU in neutral site games within Texas. In their most recent night opener back in 2020, the Badgers smoked Illinois 45-7 at Camp Randall with Graham Mertz finishing with five touchdowns.

To celebrate the 100 days until kickoff, the Badgers recently hosted a scavenger hunt in Madison, Appleton, Eau Claire and Racine/Kenosha that included 100 mini Badgers football helmets with QR codes that revealed prizes varying from signed footballs, gift cards, Badgers gear and three grand prize winners of tickets to a Badgers home game.