Wisconsin basketball included in USA TODAY's way-too-early top 25 for 2025-26 season
Wisconsin basketball included in USA TODAY's way-too-early top 25 for 2025-26 season
Wisconsin basketball appears set for an extended run of success over the next several seasons.
The team has consistently improved after missing the NCAA Tournament in 2022-23. That began with a 22-14 2023-24 campaign, then accelerated forward with an impressive 27-10 2024-25 season. Coach Greg Gard is largely to thank for that improvement and positive trajectory. His reshaping of the program's offensive scheme and play style led directly to the breakout of star wing John Tonje, which both aided the team's 27-win season and made the program an attractive destination for top transfer talents.
Wisconsin has already capitalized on that momentum in the portal this offseason by landing four-star prospects Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. The three are set to lead the team's lineup, complementing returning starters Nolan Winter and John Blackwell (assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft).
While Wisconsin still has more transfer movement to follow, specifically in key depth roles, the team appears primed for a further step forward in 2025-26.
Early rankings are cautiously optimistic in that regard. For example, the team landed at No. 19 in USA TODAY's way-too-early top-25 for the upcoming season.
Here is the thought process behind Wisconsin's position:
With three projected starters coming via the portal, the Badgers are waiting for rising junior guard John Blackwell to decide whether he'll come back next season or keep his name in the draft. If he does return, Blackwell and former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Andrew Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast rookie of the year.
The Badgers are the No. 5 Big Ten team in the early ranking, trailing No. 4 UCLA, No. 9 Michigan, No. 11 Purdue and No. 15 Michigan State.
As mentioned, the team is set to have one of the best backcourts in the conference with Blackwell and Boyd. Rohde, Rapp and Winter are all fantastic complimentary players, with each shooting at least 35% from 3-point range. The team's major question comes with the bench unit. Jack Janicki is the one returning bench contributor after Xavier Amos' recent departure. The team needs to add several prominent rotational players, specifically in the frontcourt.
A No. 19 preseason ranking is a bit measured, given where Wisconsin finished the 2024-25 season and what it has returning to its starting lineup. However, the program tends to excel with lowered preseason expectations. None should be surprised if the team contends for the Big Ten next season and breaks the program's eight-year Sweet 16 drought.
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