Flip Watch: Five Midwest commitments to watch

We’re gearing up for what will be an exciting finish to the 2026 cycle with the potential there for several high-profile commitments to flip their pledges before National Signing Day.

Here are five prospects in the Midwest that are worth monitoring over as we head toward the early signing period

Wisconsin 3-star DL commit Djidou Bah

The three-star defensive lineman out of Germantown (Tenn.) High committed to Wisconsin back on June 1. But that hasn’t stopped teams like Colorado and Penn State from still trying to flip him.

Djidou Bah has developed great relationships at Wisconsin and wants to be loyal to the program. But he has told Rivals that the on field performance of the team will have a big impact on his future decision. Bah was in Madison Sept. 20 for the loss to Maryland.

He’ll be back in Madison this weekend for the big matchup with Iowa. The Badgers have a good opportunity to show Bah why his future can be bright at Wisconsin with a good showing. Penn State remains the biggest threat to pull him away from the Badgers.

NC State 3-star OL commit Landry Brede

The Mentor (Ohio) High standout has an interesting dilemma on his hands. Ohio State offered him in September and he quickly visited the program on Sept. 13 on an unofficial visit. Landry Brede was back in Columbus this last weekend to see the program dominate Minnesota.

But does he want to be a big fish in a small pond at NC State? Or does he want to be in one of the premier programs in America but have to wait a couple years to see the field? He grew up rooting for the Buckeyes but also has great relationships at NC State.

This one isn’t the slam dunk it once appeared to be but I’m still liking my prediction for the Buckeyes to win out.

Alabama 3-star DL commit Jerimy Finch

The Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central defensive lineman committed to the Tide over Tennessee, Michigan, Purdue, LSU and others. But that hasn’t stopped those programs and others from reaching out consistently.

It’s mainly the schools that he initially selected Alabama over that are still reaching out.

“I’d have to say Miami, LSU, Tennessee and Purdue are the main ones still reaching out. They are trying to get me down for a game. I don’t have any plans to visit them currently.”

Despite telling Rivals that he has no plans to take visits this is still something to monitor. If Jerimy Finch pops up somewhere else the visit will be kept quiet. I expect him to visit Miami this fall. The Tide seemed like the ship is back on course this season though so that could become an interesting factor to help him stick.

Michigan State 4-star LB Braylon Hodge

Michigan State four-star linebacker commit Braylon Hodge has become one of the hottest recruits in America. The Spartans staff did a great job of identifying him early and getting him into the class. Now his recruitment has blow up. Keeping him in the class feels nearly impossible for the Spartans.

Hodge has taken an unofficial visit to Texas and an official to Michigan. Oregon is up next for an official visit and Texas will get one too. The intel favors Texas right now as the leader but both Oregon and Michigan are dangerous in this recruitment.

This one could be wrapped up by Thanksgiving as Hodge doesn’t want things to drag out too long.

Indiana 3-star LB Ja’Dyn Williams

For a program that is on a serious rise Indiana has done a great job of hanging onto its early commitments. The evals are strong for coach Curt Cignetti and his staff. They found a gem with Ohio linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams. But now the Ohio State Buckeyes have also figured out Williams is a player to watch.

The program offered him last week and has been expanding its recruiting board as we move through the season. Keep an eye on Williams setting a visit to Ohio State. That’s when Indiana fans should worry. Right now it seems like the Buckeyes favor Jacob Curry who did take an official visit to Ohio State last weekend.