Breaking: Middleton High School Most prized 4-star recruit Star Joey Passaglia Flips Commitment to Wisconsin Badgers Over Auburn Tigers
In a major shakeup in college football recruiting, Joey Passaglia, the prized 4-star quarterback from Middleton High School, has officially flipped his commitment to the University of Wisconsin Badgers, turning down the Auburn Tigers. Passaglia’s decision has sent ripples through the recruiting world, as he is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Passaglia boasts a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. His standout performances at Middleton High have earned him national recognition, making him a highly sought-after recruit by top programs across the country. According to 247Sports, Passaglia is ranked as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in his class and is a top-100 player overall.
### The Recruitment Journey
Passaglia initially committed to Auburn earlier this year, citing the program’s strong tradition and the opportunity to compete in the SEC as key factors in his decision. However, Wisconsin’s persistence, along with its new offensive vision under head coach Luke Fickell, proved too compelling for Passaglia to ignore.
“When I first committed to Auburn, I thought it was the best decision for me at the time,” Passaglia said during his announcement. “But as I got to know the coaching staff at Wisconsin and learned more about the program, it became clear that playing for the Badgers, representing my home state, and being part of something special here was the right choice.”
### Why Wisconsin?
Passaglia’s flip marks a major recruiting win for Wisconsin. The program has traditionally been known for its strong run game and stout defense but has made a concerted effort to modernize its offense. With Passaglia at the helm, the Badgers are positioning themselves to be a more balanced and dynamic team.
Passaglia cited his growing connection with Wisconsin’s coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Phil Longo, as a major influence on his decision. “Coach Longo’s offense is exactly what I’m looking for as a quarterback. It’s fast-paced, creative, and gives me the opportunity to showcase my skills in multiple ways. I’m excited to get to work and help bring this program to new heights,” Passaglia said.
### The Fallout for Auburn
For Auburn, losing Passaglia is a significant blow. The Tigers had envisioned him as a cornerstone of their 2025 recruiting class and a future leader of their offense. While Auburn will undoubtedly pivot to other quarterback targets, the loss of a player of Passaglia’s caliber stings for a program looking to compete with SEC powerhouses.
### Wisconsin’s Growing Momentum
Passaglia’s commitment is part of a broader trend of top in-state recruits choosing to stay home and play for Wisconsin. His decision follows the recent recommitment of Torin Pettaway, a 4-star defensive end also from Middleton High School. Together, Passaglia and Pettaway form the foundation of what could be one of Wisconsin’s strongest recruiting classes in recent memory.
### Looking Ahead
As Passaglia prepares for his senior season at Middleton High, all eyes will be on him to see how he continues to develop. His leadership, both on and off the field, will be crucial as he transitions to the college level. For Wisconsin fans, the anticipation of seeing Passaglia don the red and white jersey is already building.
Passaglia’s flip to Wisconsin underscores the importance of relationships and program vision in the recruiting process. For the Badgers, landing a top-tier quarterback like Joey Passaglia signifies their commitment to competing at the highest level in college football.
