One week away from the early signing period, Wisconsin lost one of its biggest commitments in recent memory. On Wednesday, Naples (Fla.) St. John Neumann wide receiver Jayden Petit announced his intentions to reopen his recruitment.
Sources told Badger Blitz that the family had an in-depth meeting on Wednesday night and determined it was best to move off the Badgers.
Petit committed to the UW in June over Notre Dame, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Miami (FL), Texas A&M, Penn State, Auburn, Indiana, UCLA, Florida State, Missouri, and more. The Rivals four-star prospect is now projected to land at Oklahoma, whom he visited earlier this season.
“The one thing Jayden loves about Oklahoma is the scheme,” Petit’s trainer and mentor, Jackyson Bazile told Badger Blitz. “They took an official before, so there’s no difference in what he just did recently. He did mention the scheme is a lot different than what he’s seen at Wisconsin, because of the struggles happening right now.”
In the same interview, Bazile expressed concern about the Wisconsin offense.
“We pay attention to them. There are concerns,” said Petit’s trainer and mentor, Jacksyon Bazile. “Scheme-wise, a few games ago, the punter had the most passing yards. I’m watching yesterday’s game. Carter (Carter Smith) played better than he did (last week), but the scheme is a concern for all of us, to be honest with you.
“Even if you’re down to your third or fourth string guy, I get it, but you’ve gotta find a way to get the ball in your best player’s hands, guys like Vinny (Vinny Anthony). Even if it’s quick game, screen, tunnel screen, you know? Easy passes to get those guys the ball.
“We brought it to their attention, coach Reid (Jordan Reid). He knows how we feel about that.”
In 2025, Petit has 69 receptions for 1,554 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s played in eight games and only appeared in all four quarters in just five of those contests. Petit has put up those numbers despite seeing constant double and even triple teams.
“It’s a testament to what Jayden has been doing on and off the field and having a great coach,” said Bazile. “He trusts in his game and ability to take on double and triple teams. He has a quarterback who, no matter what, is going to feed him the ball no matter what, because he trusts him.
“He’s been able to combat all that because of the work and the fact that when he steps on the field, he believes he’s the best player, no matter who you are.”
Wisconsin is down to 13 commitments in its 2026 recruiting class and just one receiver, Zion Legree (Niceville, Fla.). Petit is the seventh player to de-commit from the Badgers this cycle.