Where Wisconsin football falls in Big Ten 2025 preseason media poll
Media members from across the Big Ten are far from bullish on Wisconsin's chances in 2025.
After a 5-7 finish to the 2024 campaign and overall 12-13 record in two years under head coach Luke Fickell, the Badgers landed at No. 12 in Cleveland.com's 2025 preseason Big Ten football media poll. The poll was unveiled in advance of Big Ten media days July 22-24 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since the conference itself does not conduct a media poll, Cleveland.com's ranking is considered the Big Ten's de facto poll of record.
Penn State unsurprisingly led the media's projected standings, with Ohio State, Oregon, Illinois and Michigan rounding out the top five, respectively. Wisconsin's top rivals, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, fell at No. 7, No. 8 and No. 11, respectively.
Wisconsin's place in the latter half of the standings isn't a major surprise. On one hand, many expect significant improvement from the team after a five-game losing streak to close the 2024 season led to it missing a bowl game for the first time since 2001. Reasons for optimism include a return to the program's old-school offensive style with coordinator Jeff Grimes, a transfer-heavy defensive front and one of the Big Ten's more underrated quarterbacks.
On the other hand, the Badgers will face by far the toughest schedule in the Big Ten, plus one of the most challenging in the entire sport. Even a dramatic improvement could lead to just a 6-6 or 7-5 finish.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell, center Jake Renfro, cornerback Ricardo Hallman and quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. will appear at Big Ten media days on Wednesday, July 23. Only 38 days remain until the team opens its 2025 season at Camp Randall Stadium against Miami (OH).
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