West Virginia Flips Wisconsin Running Back Commit Amari Latimer
One of the highest-ranked running back recruits in Wisconsin program history is gone. After a late, aggressive push from West Virginia, Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek tailback Amari Latimer has flipped his commitment to the Mountaineers at the start of the early signing period.
Latimer announced his commitment to the Badgers in July over Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, Penn State, Florida State, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, Florida, and many others. In total, Latimer held nearly 60 scholarship offers. While the public commitment came earlier this summer, Latimer and his family stated this decision had been made, in their heads, roughly a year ago. The actual commitment took place in April.
In addition to WVU, Latimer mentioned Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, Miami (FL), Florida State, and others who continued to stay in pursuit. During the season, Latimer made visits to Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and West Virginia.
During our trip to Georgia in September, the Rivals 300 tailback said this about a potential flip away from Wisconsin.
“I’d say it’s slim to none,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll flip. I feel like the coaches are going to be there for a long time.”
At the time, Latimer reiterated that message to head coach Luke Fickell as well.
“I always reassure coach, ‘I’m not going anywhere,’” he said.
Latimer is in the midst of a monster senior season for Sandy Creek. In 13 games, Latimer has racked up 2,171 yards and 40 touchdowns while averaging 10.1 yards per carry. For his career, Latimer is pushing 4,700 rushing yards. This season, Latimer has also caught 20 passes for 352 yards and four scores.
The Badgers do have another tailback signed, Qwantavius Wiggins (Fairburn, Ga./Langston Hughes). Collectively, Wisconsin has 12 verbal commitments in their 2026 recruiting class.
