Two Wisconsinites join Badger Wrestling on signing day
November 11, 2025 | Wrestling
Top in-state recruits Stevens and Leonard commit to the Badgers
MADISON, Wis. - Head coach Chris Bono has announced the signing of two in-state standouts, Hunter Stevens and Eli Leonard, as part of Wisconsin Wrestling's Class of 2026 recruiting class.
Hunter Stevens
A native of Linden, Wisconsin, Stevens comes to Madison from Mount Horeb High School, where he's built an impressive record on the mat. A two-time WIAA state placewinner, Stevens captured back-to-back conference, regional, and sectional titles during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He placed fifth at state in 2023 and followed it up with a third-place finish in 2024, compiling a dominant 96-6 record across those two years.
Beyond high school competition, Stevens has made his mark nationally as a 2024 16U Fargo finalist, 2024 Brian Keck Preseason National Champion, 2023 U.S. Open All-American, and 2025 Super 32 All-American (third place). Ranked first in Wisconsin (D2, 150 pounds), sixth nationally on FloWrestling (144), and ninth on MatScouts (144), Stevens brings strong credentials to the Badger lineup.
"I chose Wisconsin because the people, culture, and opportunities here will help me reach my full potential," Stevens said. "I'm beyond excited to keep growing as a person, student, and wrestler. My goal is to make a lasting impact and enjoy every moment as a Badger."
From Head Coach Chris Bono: "We're thrilled to announce the signing of Hunter Stevens, a local standout from Mount Horeb High School and Sarbacher Academy, to our program. Hunter has exceptional talent, the work ethic, and the character we are looking for in our program. We cannot wait for  Hunter to represent the W at the next level. Welcome to the family!"Â
Eli Leonard
Also hailing from Mount Horeb, Eli Leonard adds another accomplished in-state recruit to the roster. A three-time state placer and two-time conference champion, Leonard posted records of 43-8, 47-3, and 48-1 over his first three seasons, earning Badger Conference Wrestler of the Year (2024-25) honors.
Nationally, Leonard is ranked first in Wisconsin (D2, 190 pounds) and sixth on FloWrestling at 175. His achievements include 2025 Fargo All-American (4th place) and 2025 Super 32 All-American (5th place) honors. Leonard also represented Wisconsin on both the 16U and Junior National Dual Teams in freestyle and Greco competition.
"I chose Wisconsin because of its exceptional wrestling program, strong coaching staff, and very supportive team culture," Leonard said. "It's a place where I can continue to push myself on and off the mat. The coaches believe in developing not just great athletes, but great men as well, and have believed in me from day one. That's exactly the type of environment I want to be a part of."
From Head Coach Chris Bono: "We're excited to welcome Eli to our program! It's always special to add a talented local athlete who represents what our program standards are all about! The hustle, effort attitude that Eli brings to all phases of his life are unmatched. Â Eli is also from Mount Horeb High School and the Sarbacher wrestling academy. We cannot wait to have Eli wearing the W on his chest. Â Welcome to the Family, Eli!"Â
Hunter Stevens
A native of Linden, Wisconsin, Stevens comes to Madison from Mount Horeb High School, where he's built an impressive record on the mat. A two-time WIAA state placewinner, Stevens captured back-to-back conference, regional, and sectional titles during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He placed fifth at state in 2023 and followed it up with a third-place finish in 2024, compiling a dominant 96-6 record across those two years.
Beyond high school competition, Stevens has made his mark nationally as a 2024 16U Fargo finalist, 2024 Brian Keck Preseason National Champion, 2023 U.S. Open All-American, and 2025 Super 32 All-American (third place). Ranked first in Wisconsin (D2, 150 pounds), sixth nationally on FloWrestling (144), and ninth on MatScouts (144), Stevens brings strong credentials to the Badger lineup.
"I chose Wisconsin because the people, culture, and opportunities here will help me reach my full potential," Stevens said. "I'm beyond excited to keep growing as a person, student, and wrestler. My goal is to make a lasting impact and enjoy every moment as a Badger."
From Head Coach Chris Bono: "We're thrilled to announce the signing of Hunter Stevens, a local standout from Mount Horeb High School and Sarbacher Academy, to our program. Hunter has exceptional talent, the work ethic, and the character we are looking for in our program. We cannot wait for  Hunter to represent the W at the next level. Welcome to the family!"Â
Eli Leonard
Also hailing from Mount Horeb, Eli Leonard adds another accomplished in-state recruit to the roster. A three-time state placer and two-time conference champion, Leonard posted records of 43-8, 47-3, and 48-1 over his first three seasons, earning Badger Conference Wrestler of the Year (2024-25) honors.
Nationally, Leonard is ranked first in Wisconsin (D2, 190 pounds) and sixth on FloWrestling at 175. His achievements include 2025 Fargo All-American (4th place) and 2025 Super 32 All-American (5th place) honors. Leonard also represented Wisconsin on both the 16U and Junior National Dual Teams in freestyle and Greco competition.
"I chose Wisconsin because of its exceptional wrestling program, strong coaching staff, and very supportive team culture," Leonard said. "It's a place where I can continue to push myself on and off the mat. The coaches believe in developing not just great athletes, but great men as well, and have believed in me from day one. That's exactly the type of environment I want to be a part of."
From Head Coach Chris Bono: "We're excited to welcome Eli to our program! It's always special to add a talented local athlete who represents what our program standards are all about! The hustle, effort attitude that Eli brings to all phases of his life are unmatched. Â Eli is also from Mount Horeb High School and the Sarbacher wrestling academy. We cannot wait to have Eli wearing the W on his chest. Â Welcome to the Family, Eli!"Â
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