The Wisconsin Badgers are currently preparing for the 2025-26 season, with summer workouts kicking off as they move forward with a brand new team.
The Badgers added nine new players to their roster for the upcoming season, landing five transfers and four freshmen to complement their key returners.
As a result, they’ve positioned themselves to be a deep team once again, although the roles are shifting, with John Blackwell assuming the lead spot with John Tonje heading to the NBA.
Complementing him in the
backcourt is San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd, while Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde, Portland transfer Austin Rapp, and Nolan Winter round out the remainder of the team’s projected starting five.
Before the season begins, Wisconsin’s top-tier talent and depth make them a Top-25 contender, which they’ll certainly get to prove with a tough non-conference schedule this season.
But, considering the strength of the Big Ten, where does Wisconsin fall in the way-too-early Bracketology for 2026?
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi created his first bracket projection for next year’s March Madness, and Wisconsin came in as a No. 6 seed, taking on No. 11 seed Memphis.
They were ranked as the No. 7 team in the Big Ten, coming behind Purdue (No. 1 seed), Michigan (No. 2 seed), Michigan State (No. 4), Illinois (No. 4 seed), UCLA (No. 4 seed), and Ohio State (No. 6 seed).
The other Big Ten teams listed in the bracket included Oregon (No. 7 seed), USC (No. 7 seed), Maryland (No. 10 seed), and Iowa (No. 10 seed). Washington and Indiana were both seen as First Four Out teams, while Nebraska and Northwestern were seen as Next Four Out teams.
The Big Ten has proven to be extremely competitive annually, with a few surprises sprinkled in the mix. Wisconsin was one of them in 2025, as they earned a No. 3 seed in the tournament after being picked to finish 12th in the Big Ten before the season.
How will the 2025-26 season fall for the Badgers?
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