Taft senior DT Drayden Pavey announces verbal commitment to Wisconsin

CINCINNATI – Taft senior defensive tackle Drayden Pavey announced Tuesday morning his verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin.

Pavey, a three-star player by 247 Sports, had been verbally committed to Purdue since early July. His move to the Badgers is significant for coach Luke Fickell, who tweeted a video coinciding with Pavey’s announcement.

“I can’t wait to tell Badger Nation,” Fickell says in the video. “We’re so excited for you.”

Pavey, who is 6-foot-5 and 294 pounds, is one of the defensive leaders for the Senators (7-2, 3-1, Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference Red Division). He has 60 tackles, including 8 ½ sacks and 17 tackles for loss this season.

“I’m really happy for Drayden and his family,” Taft coach Tyler Williams said. “He’s been working really hard and had a great senior year. I knew he would do great at Wisconsin.”

Pavey considered Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana as his final three last summer before originally announcing a verbal commitment to the Boilermakers on July 2.

Pavey had several other scholarship offers, including the University of Cincinnati, West Virginia, University of Miami, Colorado State, Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, North Carolina State and others.

This past weekend, Pavey announced on social media that he has opened his college recruitment.

Pavey is ranked as Ohio’s No. 28 overall player in the class of 2025 by the 247 Sports Composite.

Pavey is eligible to sign with the Badgers during the NCAA early signing period beginning December 4.

Taft is ranked 4th in the Division IV, Region 16 computer point standings and has unofficially clinched a playoff spot. Taft concludes the regular season at Woodward (0-9, 0-4 GMC Red) at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

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