Wisconsin basketball finalizes another notable nonconference opponent
Wisconsin basketball will begin the Rady Children's Invitational against the Providence Friars, according to CBSSports' Jon Rothstein.
The Badgers are part of a four-team field at the 2025 'Feast Week' event in San Diego, California, along with Providence, TCU and defending national champion Florida. The tournament will take place on Nov. 27 and 28, with the semifinal games on the 27th and the championship and third place game on the 28th.
Wisconsin will face a Providence team that went 12-20 (6-14 Big East) in 2024-25 and finished ranked No. 96 in KenPom. The program has struggled in its first two years under Kim English, following an impressive 12-year run under Ed Cooley. However, CBSSports believes it could be primed for a resurgent 2025-26 campaign after a transfer-heavy offseason.
The Badgers' matchups against Providence and either TCU or Florida, depending on the semifinal results, add to a loaded nonconference schedule. The team will begin with an exhibition against Oklahoma in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in late October. It will then travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, in mid-November for a high-profile rematch against BYU, a projected national title contender entering the season. That game precedes the Rady Children's Invitational, as well as the annual matchup against in-state rival Marquette (date is to-be-determined) and a mid-December contest against Villanova at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Wisconsin's full nonconference schedule has yet to be finalized. But the team already has five high-profile contests, not including the exhibition against the Sooners.
Wisconsin's new-look starting lineup, led by returning starters John Blackwell and Nolan Winter, plus high-profile transfer additions Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde and Austin Rapp, will be tested from the first game of the season. The team's nonconference schedule should accurately preview what to expect when Big Ten play picks up in January 2026.
If the team performs against the listed gauntlet nonconference slate like it did against then-No. 9 Arizona to start the 2024-25 season, a win that was led by a dominant 41 points from future All-American wing John Tonje, Badgers fans could brace for a special season.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New York Jets: 3 Storylines for Preseason Opener Against Packers, Including Why Justin Fields Will Play
The New York Jets kick off their 2025 preseason schedule, and the Aaron Glenn era, when they visit the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday. Though the game doesn't count, there are impressions to make, jobs to be won. And Glenn said it'll be special to lead the Jets on to the field for the first time as coach, 31 years after the former cornerback was their first-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. Glenn said he wants to win 'every time we hit the grass.' But a preseason W in early August is not the most important thing here for the Jets. Let's examine three key storylines to follow when the Jets visit the Packers in their preseason opener Saturday. Related: 1. Justin Fields, Jets starters will play against Packers In a distinct shift from recent years, the Jets plan to have most of their starters play in the first preseason game. That includes their new starting quarterback Justin Fields. It's a risky move by Glenn, one that has massive implications should Fields or another key player get injured. In fact, the last time the Jets played their QB1 in the preseason opener, Zach Wilson sustained a knee injury and missed the first three games of the regular season in 2022. But Glenn didn't sound scared Thursday when he declared that the starters will play. 'We're playing,' the coach stated emphatically. 'I can't tell you how much the guys will play. That's going to factor on how the game goes. But, we're playing.' When pushed by reporters, he quickly responded, 'I want our guys to play. That's the reason.' OK then. This means all eyes will be on Fields, who's had an inconsistent training camp so far. He may only play a series or two at most, but if Fields is decisive, shows a firm grasp of the offense, makes quick decisions (something he's struggled with his entire four-year career), moves the ball downfield, and doesn't get injured, well, that'll be a big win for the Jets no matter the final score. The offense should have nine of its 11 starters available to play Saturday. Left guard John Simpson (back) and rookie tight end Mason Taylor (high ankle sprain) are out. But there'll be enough regulars out there building continuity with Fields and new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, a first time play caller in the NFL. 'I think we need to at least see the field each and every game,' Fields explained. 'I think that will be good for our team. It will be good for Tanner with the in-game stuff. It will be good for me and the guys on offense. I know some guys, they sit out the whole preseason, but I don't think that's the case for us. Just because of the new team, new offense and stuff like that.' The Jets defense could be missing several injured starters. Stud lineman Quinnen Williams (calf) is definitely out, as is veteran lineman Byron Cowert (ankle) and defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who remains on the PUP list after sustaining a torn Achilles last season. Edge rusher Will McDonald IV (back spasms) also may not play. Since the Packers reportedly are going to play their starters a bit, too, on Saturday, it's a good early test — albeit a brief one — for the Jets best players. Related: 2. Joe Tippmann vs. Josh Myers: Centers of attention Glenn didn't reveal who will start at center against the Packers. However, incumbent Joe Tippman is first team on the depth chart and likely will get the starting nod. But he's in a serious training camp battle with Josh Myers, who was surprisingly signed as a free agent this offseason after playing four years with the Packers. In fact, their competition is the most serious and important one at Jets camp. You'd think that Tippmann, who's entering his third season, played over 1,000 snaps last season with the Jets, and was their second-round pick in 2023, is the favorite. Especially because he played well in 2024 and is viewed as a cornerstone piece of the offensive line. But the Jets signed Myers, who was Fields' center at Ohio State, and declared an open competition this summer. A bit perplexing, maybe, though Tippmann has embraced the competition. 'It's been great, just battling it out with Josh,' the 24-year-old said this week. 'In practice, we know we're battling it out, and then after practice, we're able to sit down, no hard feelings, it's just how can we each get better as a player? And I think we're both doing a great job, both taking that next step as the center to just make the team better.' It'll be interesting to see which center gets the chance to play with Fields and the ones on offense Saturday. Perhaps it'll be a sign of who'll start Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Or maybe Glenn switches it up and goes with the other center with Fields in their next preseason game, Aug. 16 against the New York Giants. Glenn, for one, is enjoying the competition between these two proven NFL starters vying for the same spot. 'It is a fierce, fierce battle,' Glenn said with a smile. Related: 3. After Garrett Wilson, who'll step up in receiving game for Jets? Here's something to watch for Saturday: can anyone outside of Garrett Wilson establish himself in the receiving game for the Jets? No matter what he does against the Packers, we all know who Wilson is and what he can do after three 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his NFL career and a 101-catch campaign in 2024. He and Fields are building their rapport in camp and there's no doubt who the No. 1 receiving option is on the Jets. But after Wilson, then who? Taylor emerged quickly as a Fields favorite early in training camp, and the rookie tight end appeared well on his way to starting Week 1. That is until he sustained a nasty high ankle sprain. You're probably thinking it, so we'll just say it: that is so Jets. With Taylor out, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt will get longer looks Saturday. Zack Kuntz should, as well. But there's not a real receiving threat in that bunch. Also Read:: NFL games today: Week 1 NFL Preseason Schedule As for the actual wide receivers, behind Wilson, rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith is the most intriguing. He's a burner, though comes with a bad reputation for dropping passes. He's been pretty good in camp, though, so let's see what he delivers against the Packers. Conversely, Malachi Corley has shown little in camp and needs a big preseason to avoid getting cut. He was a third-round pick in 2024 and caught three passes last season, showing all the makings of being a bust. He's listed as second string on the depth chart, but that's being kind since he was here last year. A no-show or poor performance Saturday could grease the skids for his quick exit out of Florham Park. The Jets are counting on Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson as receivers, though neither has overly impressed in camp. Then there's former Packers WR Allen Lazard, trying to hang on with the Jets after two poor seasons with them. The other thing to watch for in the passing game? That's how the running backs are often utilized as receivers. There's been plenty of passes coming to Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isiah Davis in training camp. Let's see if that's a staple in New York's passing attack against the Packers. Related Headlines NASCAR Xfinity Results Today: Mission 200 Winner, Xfinity Stage Results and Points WATCH: Austin Hill Causes Massive Wreck in First Race Back from Suspension, NASCAR Reactions Morice Norris Update: Detroit Lions Get Positive News on Safety After Scary Injury Ex-NBA Coach Claims George Karl is Racist, DeMarcus Cousins Tried to 'Beat Up' Former Kings Head Coach
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Nebraska lands five-star safety and Omaha native Tory Pittman III for class of 2027
The Huskers landed their second commit and first five-star recruit for the class of 2027. Safety Tory Pittman III announced on social media that he is coming to Lincoln. Pittman is one of the top prospects in the nation for the 2027 class. The Omaha, Nebraska, native is ranked No. 1 in the state of Nebraska and among safeties across the country, according to the 247Sports Composite score. Pittman is entering his junior year at Omaha Central High School, but held a strong presence in the state even before entering high school, receiving an offer from the Huskers in eighth grade. In his freshman and sophomore years, he played both safety and wide receiver for the Eagles, totaling 88 tackles, five interceptions, and 29 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns across 18 games. Pittman chose Nebraska over Colorado, Florida State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Sacramento State, Tennessee, USC, and Wisconsin. He joins four-star quarterback Trae Taylor in the class, who committed to Nebraska in May. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners true freshman running back impressing in fall camp
The Oklahoma Sooners made a big splash in the transfer portal with the addition of former Cal running back Jaydn Ott. Ott is expected to be the Sooners' feature back in 2025, but he's battling a sprained shoulder in training camp and has been limited. Sophomore running backs Xavier Robinson and Taylor Tatum have also been limited at times, which has opened the door for true freshman running back Tory Blaylock to get some first-team snaps. And Blaylock has taken advantage of his opportunities. Nothing's set in stone when it comes to the running back rotation, but the former four-star running back has given the coaching staff a lot to think about in the first couple of weeks of fall camp. Blaylock has impressed his head coach. Speaking to reporters after practice on Friday, Venables heaped praise on the young running back (via John Hoover media). "His physical maturity, his explosiveness, his durability. He's taken a lot of snaps," Venables said. "Tory Blaylock has been as impressive as a freshman as I've been around. We'll see what the season brings, but he's been fantastic." Blaylock was a star at Atascocita High School in Texas, showing off blazing speed and contact balance to finish as the No. 17 running back in the 2025 recruiting class. He helped set records in the 4X100 relay and ran a 10.62 100-year dash as a junior. Though he has elite speed, Blaylock's gotten bigger in his short time with the Sooners in order to hold up to the rigors of carrying the football at the SEC level. He's done all the right things to work his way into the lineup this season. With the 2025 season right around the corner, the Sooners will be forced to find opportunities for Blaylock in the offense. He's a big-play threat waiting to happen. As Oklahoma looks to rebound on offense, Blaylock's big-play ability is something the Sooners will want to get on the field. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
