What's Happening?
The Wisconsin Badgers have risen to No. 22 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball coaches poll following a successful start to the 2025-26 season. The team secured victories against Campbell and Northern
Illinois, with scores of 96-64 and 97-72, respectively. This marks a two-spot increase from their preseason ranking. Despite the improvement, Wisconsin remains the sixth-highest-ranked team in the Big Ten, trailing Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, UCLA, and Michigan State. The Badgers are also ranked No. 18 in KenPom's national rankings and No. 27 in ESPN's Basketball Power Index. Upcoming games against Ball State and SIUE are expected to provide further growth opportunities for the team, which is still integrating new transfers.
Why It's Important?
Wisconsin's rise in the rankings is significant for the Big Ten conference, which is highly competitive this season. The team's performance could influence their standing in future polls, especially with upcoming games against higher-ranked opponents like BYU. A strong showing could propel Wisconsin into the top 20, enhancing their visibility and reputation nationally. This momentum is crucial for the Badgers as they aim to solidify their position in the conference and potentially secure a favorable seed in the NCAA tournament.
What's Next?
Wisconsin's next major test will be a road trip to Salt Lake City to face No. 8 BYU on November 21. This game will be pivotal in determining whether the Badgers can continue their upward trajectory in the rankings. Success in this matchup could lead to further recognition and a higher ranking, while a loss might stall their progress. The team will focus on improving cohesion among its transfer-heavy lineup to maximize their performance in upcoming games.
