Wisconsin Flips Safety Kah’ni Watts, a Recruiting Setback for Houston

The University of Houston has taken a recruiting hit as three-star safety Kah’ni Watts flipped his commitment to Wisconsin. The decision, reported this week, shifts a projected defensive piece away from the Houston program and toward the Badgers as national signing season approaches.

Watts Chooses Wisconsin After Houston Commitment

Watts, a defensive back prospect known for his speed and range, had previously committed to Houston during the summer. However, Wisconsin continued to push for him. Their persistence paid off as he made the switch following a recent visit to Madison.

The Cougars have been working to rebuild their defense after joining the Big 12. Because Watts was expected to add depth in the secondary, his flip creates a gap the staff will now need to address.

Why It Matters for the University of Houston

The timing of the flip adds pressure to an already competitive recruiting cycle. Houston has emphasized stronger defensive recruiting to compete in a league featuring fast offenses and physical line play. Although single-player losses are common in modern recruiting, losing a committed safety so late forces the staff to reassess priorities.

Watts was valued for his ability to play multiple secondary roles. Therefore, his departure means Houston may need to target another defensive back through high school recruiting or the transfer portal.

Impact on Houston Fans

Cougar fans have watched the program attempt to stabilize after a challenging Big 12 debut. Recruiting momentum plays a major role in that process. Flips like this can feel discouraging, yet they often open opportunities for new prospects or future transfers.

Fans can expect the staff to stay aggressive. The portal window offers immediate options, and Houston has leaned on that resource in recent years.

What’s Next for the Cougars

The staff is expected to evaluate remaining high school targets while also monitoring transfer prospects who could step in more quickly. Because defensive depth remains a priority, additional moves are likely before national signing day.

Houston’s broader recruiting efforts have still produced several defensive additions for the 2025 class, so the program will now work to reinforce its momentum.

This article is a summary of reporting by Yahoo Sports. Read the full story here.