Where Wisconsin basketball lands in ESPN's way-too-early top 25 for 2025-26 season
ESPN's way-too-early top 25 for the 2025-26 college basketball season forecasts the Wisconsin Badgers as a legitimate Big Ten contender.
Jeff Borzello's early look at the upcoming season, released at the conclusion of Monday's national title game, ranks Wisconsin at No. 14 in the nation and No. 4 in the Big Ten Conference, trailing only No. 2 Purdue, No. 5 Michigan and No. 10 UCLA.
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"Wisconsin found success this past season playing at a much faster tempo than previous teams under Greg Gard," Borzello writes. "The Badgers were also more reliant on the 3-point shot. Is that their new formula? Gard has already succeeded in the transfer portal in a big way, landing three potential starters in Nick Boyd (San Diego State), Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and Austin Rapp (Portland). All-Big Ten guard John Blackwell is also back to lead the way."
The placement is more optimistic than USA TODAY's early preview, which has the Badgers down at No. 19. It reflects where the team closed the 2024-25 season, at least before its NCAA Tournament loss to BYU. Wisconsin was No. 13 in the AP Poll at the time, ranked as the third-best team in the Big Ten.
The Badgers return star guard Blackwell from that group (assuming he doesn't stay in the NBA draft), plus forward Nolan Winter. The two class of 2023 standouts played major roles on the 2024-25 Badgers, though mostly complimented seniors John Tonje and Steven Crowl at their respective positions. Each is expected to take a major step forward next season. With a complimentary group of transfers Rohde, Rapp and Boyd, Wisconsin could have one of the better starting units in the conference.
The team's success next season may come down to its depth and bench contributors. Jack Janicki is back to lead the reserve unit, though there are several question marks next to him in the lineup. Wisconsin's remaining transfer activity will likely be focused on that bench group, particularly at forward.
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The Badgers should enter the 2025-26 season ranked anywhere from No. 10 to No. 20. If last season was any indication, the team's trajectory is pointed squarely in the positive direction.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball ranking in ESPN early top 25 for 2025-26 season
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