Wisconsin football recruiting: Skyler Bell announces commitment to UW

Just a few months ago 3-star wide receiver Skyler Bell (Bronx, N.Y.) was planning to announce his commitment, with the Iowa Hawkeyes standing as the perceived favorite. After a last minute offers from Wisconsin and West Virginia shook up his original decision, Bell saw his interest in the Wisconsin Badgers skyrocket within the past few months culminating in his decision to commit to the Badgers on Sunday.

The 6-foot-1 pass catcher took to Instagram to announce his decision, adding to a strong 2021 recruiting class for the Badgers. The decision comes after his senior football season was canceled due to COVID-19, and the NCAA pushed back in-person visits through at least September 30.

Bell is rated as a 3-star prospect by the major recruiting services, and the No. 7 best player in the state of Connecticut. In the end he chose the Badgers over other offers from Georgia Tech, Iowa, Northwestern, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest and West Virginia to name a few. Both Notre Dame and Penn State were also in recent communication with the talented wide-out.

As a junior Skyler Bell had 36 receptions for 549 yards, and eight touchdowns, as well as two touchdowns from kickoff returns. In watching his film (shown above) he demonstrates great elusiveness after the catch and as a kickoff returner. Bell also flashes an ability to make contested catches in traffic using his size and athleticism to pair with his reported 4.49 40-yard dash time posted on his Hudl profile. In addition to his time as a receiver, Bell also took snaps at running back and defensive back on occasion and he should be a solid addition to the receiving room given his basketball background as well.

Bell represents the first commitment for new wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted, and adds to an already talented collection of players in the 2021 class. Overall the group of 16 prospects now ranks No. 17 according to the 247 Sports Composite team rankings, and it could continue to grow in the coming days or weeks as Wisconsin looks to start a new hot streak on the recruiting trail.

The top receiving target for Whitted, Bell represents a big get for the Badgers on the trail, as there are four seniors expected to depart heading into the 2021 season. In addition to the opportunity to potentially play early at Wisconsin, Bell noted back in June on Bucky’s 5th Podcast that he has dreams of making it to the NFL, and that he was searching for a team that could help him do that as well.

Stay up to date with more news with the 2021 recruiting class here at Bucky’s 5th Quarter.