
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wisconsin Badgers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Wisconsin Badgers are just about six weeks away from the 2025 season opener, where they’ll take on Miami (OH) for their lone Thursday night game of the year.
That’s the start of what is projected to be one of the hardest schedules in the country.
First, Wisconsin has
a tough non-conference game, heading to Alabama for a matchup with the Crimson Tide in Week 3. Then comes the brutal conference schedule with matchups against Michigan (road), Iowa (home), Ohio State (home), Oregon (road), Indiana (road), Illinois (home), and Minnesota (road).
Beyond that, even Washington should be a tough opponent as they move forward with former four-star quarterback Demond Williams Jr.
That leaves only three games where Wisconsin is very likely to be favored in 2025: Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee, and Maryland.
So, what is the ceiling for the Badgers in 2025?
When considering the ceiling, we’re of course looking at Wisconsin clicking on both sides of the ball, with the run game being a major success and the defense coming back together after a down year.
Still, with those factors, it doesn’t seem realistic that Wisconsin would beat most of Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon. A best-case scenario would honestly be stealing just one of those games.
When considering the ceiling, Wisconsin has to beat both Iowa and Minnesota, with the latter coming on the road. Would I predict that to happen? Probably not. But, rivalry games always have an extra edge of physicality.
Wisconsin would probably also have to split the matchups between Illinois and Indiana, with the latter game seeming like the likelier victory, albeit on the road.
Including a Washington win, totaling all of that together equals eight wins, which seems like a best-case scenario for the Badgers in 2024.
What do you think Wisconsin’s ceiling is this season? Let us know above in our weekly reacts poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
More from buckys5thquarter.com: