In a significant development for the Wisconsin Badgers' football program, wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr., the son of former Pro Bowl wideout T.Y. Hilton, has committed to playing for the team. The younger Hilton, a four-star prospect in the Class of 2024, becomes the first 247Sports Composite four-star wide receiver to join the Badgers since 2017.

Despite receiving offers from prestigious universities like Georgia, Ole Miss, and Missouri, Hilton ultimately chose Wisconsin. His decision was influenced by an official visit to Madison, Wisconsin, during the weekend of June 7, where he got the chance to experience the program led by head coach Luke Fickell.

Hilton expressed his excitement about joining the Badgers, stating, "I was already like really high on them. I think this really opened up my eyes a little bit more. What I knew already and thought about them already, it all kind of just helped me see the place and the people, if I do potentially go there, see the people I would be around and all of that."

With Hilton's commitment, the Wisconsin recruiting class has jumped to the impressive No. 12 spot in the 247Sports Team Composite recruiting rankings. This addition is seen as a significant achievement for the Badgers, as Hilton has the potential to follow in his father's footsteps and become a star player.

T.Y. Hilton, known for his exceptional performance during his college years at Florida International University (FIU) from 2008-2011, was a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection and the 2010 Sun Belt Player of the Year. He amassed an impressive career record of 3,531 yards and 24 touchdowns receiving.

In the 2012 NFL Draft, Hilton was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round. He quickly made a name for himself, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team and going on to make four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2014 to 2017. A standout season in 2016 saw Hilton lead the league in receiving with 1,448 yards, marking his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving year. Over his ten-year NFL career, he accumulated 9,812 yards and 53 touchdowns receiving, consistently maintaining impressive statistics.

As Eugene Hilton Jr. embarks on his collegiate journey with the Wisconsin Badgers, the football community eagerly looks forward to witnessing his growth and potential, particularly considering the legacy left by his father.