The Wisconsin Badgers came up short in their pursuit of three-star defensive lineman Anitoni Tahi, who announced his commitment to Kansas State on Wednesday, April 29.

In a classic recruiting ceremony, Tahi chose the Wildcats' hat from a lineup of four options, signaling a big win for K-State's 2027 class. Standing at 6-foot-2 and tipping the scales at 312 pounds, the Chandler, Arizona native brings impressive size and momentum after helping Basha High School capture a state championship.

This decision stings for Wisconsin, which had battled top programs to earn a spot in Tahi's recruitment. Interestingly, 247Sports still lists an upcoming visit to Madison on May 28, leaving a sliver of hope for Badgers fans.

The Badgers recently bolstered their defense with the addition of DJ Davis, but Tahi would have been a key second piece in the trenches for head coach Luke Fickell. Despite the miss, Wisconsin remains highly ranked in the 2027 class standings.

For Kansas State, Tahi's commitment is a significant boost. The Wildcats, ranked No. 24 nationally before the pledge, now have 11 incoming freshmen locked in for the 2027-28 season. Adding a powerful interior lineman like Tahi could help solidify their defensive front for years to come.