‘I know what it takes to win’: Why linebacker Brenden Anes chose Wisconsin and what he brings to the Badgers.

Linebacker Brenden Anes committed to Wisconsin in January for the 2025 class.

MADISON – Before Brenden Anes was on the Wisconsin Badgers’ radar, they were on his.

During his sophomore season, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound outside linebacker from Page High School in Franklin, Tennessee, was talking to his dad about college programs that would be fits and schools known for producing linebackers. Wisconsin, which gave the NFL T.J. Watt, among others, came up in the conversation.

A few months later the Badgers began strongly pursuing Anes. He visited in October, was offered a scholarship in November and committed to the program last month, bypassing offers from the likes of Tennessee and Vanderbilt to join UW.

Consider it a return to his roots for someone who spent his early years in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before his family moved to Tennessee, then Colorado and then back to Tennessee.

“I always knew the Big Ten is a great fit for me,” Anes said. “I grew up watching the Big Ten, so I always knew I wanted to play in the Big Ten, and all of my family is still in Michigan, so I’m going to be even closer to them now. It’s going to be nice.”

Anes is the seventh member of UW’s 2025 class that also includes in-state products Cooper Catalano, a linebacker from Germantown, and Michael Roeske, an offensive lineman from Wautoma, as well as quarterback Landyn Locke from Texas, defensive back Remington Moss from Virginia and Ohio defensive backs Cody Haddad and Jaimier Scott.

Here are three things to know about Anes.

Most schools wanted Anes to play inside linebacker. UW recruited him to play outside

Anes is a three-star prospect by Rivals and 247sports. He announced on X offers from Tennessee and Vanderbilt plus nine other schools before committing to Wisconsin. An offer from Georgia Tech came after he announced his commitment…

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