Wisconsin’s 2021 recruiting class just got a lot better.

Tuesday night, 5-star offensive tackle Nolan Rucci gave his verbal pledge to Wisconsin, picking the Badgers over several big-time programs. Rucci had also been considering Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State before making a verbal commitment.

Rucci becomes the 17th prospect in the 2021 class to commit to Wisconsin. He’s the second 5-star offensive lineman to commit to Paul Chryst and company in the past three recruiting classes. The Badgers also received a pledge from Logan Brown, a 5-star talent, as a member of the 2019 class.

From 247Sports recruiting analyst Barton Simmons:

Huge offensive line prospect with length, an athletic build and one of the more unique body types you will find. Plays with good knee bend and leverage for a player of his size. Coordinated and fluid as a second level blocker. Overwhelms defenders with size and force. Finishes blocks and runs his feet through contact. Has innate punch. Length and balance to be a high-end pass protector.

Rucci is a native of Lititz, Pennsylvania and lists as a 6-foot-8, 295-pound tackle. He ranks as the top overall prospect out of Pennsylvania and the No. 5 offensive tackle in the class. Overall, Rucci ranks as the No. 14 prospect of the cycle, regardless of position.

With Rucci’s commitment, Wisconsin now owns the third-best recruiting class in the B1G, behind Ohio State and Michigan. The Badgers sit at No. 16 in the national rankings.