Zavier Zens recaps Wisconsin, Utah State and Illinois visits

Zavier Zens recaps Wisconsin, Utah State and Illinois visits

Wisconsin Lutheran senior Zavier Zens has become one of the surprising late additions to the 2026 college basketball recruiting class after requesting his release from an NLI with Northern Iowa on March 30.

The 6-foot-7 senior had visits with Utah State, Illinois and Wisconsin over the past weekend, which he recapped with the Journal Sentinel on April 14.

The first of those visits came with Utah State on April 10, whose new head coach Ben Jacobson's departure from Northern Iowa spurred Zens' request for a release from his NLI.

"It's a really special place, and basketball's really special out there to them and all the fans. It was really great to be there and see all the mountains. They sell out every game. It's just a super cool program that is also a good program, going in the Pac-12," Zens said.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Riley Walz (2) tries for three against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) is blocked by Madison Memorial's Andrew Braun (11) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran students cheer on their team against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Memorial's Caleb Liggon (4) steals a pass from Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) is fouled under the hoop during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Madison Memorial on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) shoots from the line against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Memorial's Kimyora Cross Jr (32) elevates for two against Wisconsin Lutheran during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) breaks for the paint against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) grabs a rebound from Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) breaks past Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for three over Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Memorial students cheer for their team during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Riley Walz (2) tries for three against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) is blocked by Madison Memorial's Andrew Braun (11) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran students cheer on their team against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Madison Memorial's Caleb Liggon (4) steals a pass from Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) is fouled under the hoop during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Madison Memorial on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) shoots from the line against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Madison Memorial's Kimyora Cross Jr (32) elevates for two against Wisconsin Lutheran during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) breaks for the paint against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) grabs a rebound from Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) breaks past Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for three over Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship

Madison Memorial students cheer for their team during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Former Northern Iowa sophomore and De Pere native Will Hornseth entered the transfer portal and ultimately signed with Utah State on April 10 to join Jacobson for his junior season. Hornseth and Zens did cross paths during the latter's visit. The familiarity with Hornseth, as well as fellow Class of 2026 recruit Jordan Boyd, makes Utah State a "more tempting" option, according to Zens. Boyd is a Missouri native who originally signed with Jacobson at Northern Iowa before flipping this week to Utah State as well.

"Will is a great guy along with Jordan ... so I'm glad they're going there, and I know I'd have a fun experience with them and be cool about being teammates with them," Zens said.

The following day, Zens was in Champaign, Illinois, for a visit with an Illinois program fresh off a Final Four appearance. Zens said he was impressed by the Illini's track record for developing players into NBA prospects, along with the campus and facilities.

"Nothing not to like about Illinois," Zens said. "Immediately when my recruitment opened up, they were on the phone with me and they were on top of things. Even in the week they were going to the Final Four, they were watching games of me on Hudl or wherever they could find it, and that just meant a lot to me that they would sacrifice super important time before the Final Four to recruit me."

A whirlwind of visits concluded closest to home in Madison, where Zens made an official visit with Wisconsin. He had made an unofficial visit last summer with the program, but his return allowed him the opportunity to meet more assistant coaches on Greg Gard's staff, along with returning 6-foot-10 forward Austin Rapp.

"It's pretty cool because all of those guys are former, most of them, are former Wisconsin guys," Zens said of the assistant staff. "They were just amazing, outstanding guys, who were super fun to be around. People I could see playing for and love being around."

Despite some interest from other programs, Zens is narrowing his choice to the three he just visited. As far as timeframe, a decision could very well be coming inside of the week.

"As soon as I know, personally. Like this is a really, really tough choice for me, so I'm trying to figure it out and get a bunch of advice from other people, but I'm trying to figure it out, so as soon as I know. Hopefully a day or two," Zens said.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) shoots from the line against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) brings the ball downcourt against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) blocks a shot by Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) grabs a rebound against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) shoots from the line against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) brings the ball downcourt against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) blocks a shot by Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) grabs a rebound against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal

Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Lutheran star Zavier Zens recaps recent college visits