Wisconsin basketball falls in ESPN's early top 25 ranking after transfer portal window
Wisconsin basketball falls in ESPN's early top 25 ranking after transfer portal window
Wisconsin basketball dropped to No. 17 in ESPN's updated top 25 ranking for the 2025-26 season.
The update follows the conclusion of the postseason transfer window, which officially closed on April 22. While uncommitted players continue to search for transfer destinations, the date marks the end of the significant flurry of postseason movement.
The Badgers previously sat at No. 14 in ESPN's initial ranking, released on April 8. The team had already done much of its transfer work by that date, with commitments from Virginia wing Andrew Rohde, Portland forward Austin Rapp and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd. The only notable roster difference in that 15-day stretch is the departure of top bench forward Xavier Amos, who has since transferred to Loyola Chicago.
Wisconsin found success this past season playing at a much faster tempo than previous teams under Greg Gard," Jeff Borzello wrote on April 8. "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 Badgers remain his fourth-best Big Ten team, behind Purdue (No. 1 overall), Michigan (No. 8) and UCLA (No. 14). The other conference foes in the top 25 are Michigan State (No. 20) and Ohio State (No. 24).
Greg Gard's team finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll. It entered the NCAA Tournament at No. 13 nationally, then had its season conclude with a second-round loss to an underrated No. 6-seed in BYU (No. 13 in final AP Poll).
The Badgers still have remaining roster needs, including at backup point guard and in the frontcourt. The team's starting five of Boyd, Rohde, Blackwell, Rapp and Winter appears set, though its bench unit still requires a few significant upgrades.
For more on Wisconsin's offseason transfer movement, bookmark our 2025 portal commitment and departure tracker.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
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