The Wisconsin Badgers take on the Denver Pioneers in their season opener on Monday, as they look to kick off the 2026-27 season with a new-look roster that features eight new players.
Wisconsin lost several key contributors from a year ago, including star guard tandem Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, and went to the transfer portal to land wing Eian Elmer, center Victory Onuetu, and guard Trey Autry, while signing point guard Owen Foxwell from overseas.
They also return several key pieces, with star center
Nolan Winter being the most prominent. Joining him back in a Badgers uniform are Austin Rapp, Braeden Carrington, Will Garlock, Jack Janicki, Zach Kinziger, and Hayden Jones.
Wisconsin got good news on Braeden Carrington, who was ruled eligible last month, and the senior is expected to play a key role for the Badgers at shooting guard.
In their three exhibition games, with Austin Rapp still working up to 100 percent, the Badgers started Foxwell, Janicki, Elmer, Winter, and Onuetu, while rolling out an 11-man rotation.
Facing Denver, we’ll see what Greg Gard wants to do on Monday, but the Badgers will have their full arsenal of players with them.
Denver enters 2026-27 under second-year head coach Tim Bergstraser, who went 15-17 last season with the Pioneers. Denver has 12 new players on their roster this season.
Here’s how you can watch Monday’s game between the Badgers and the Pioneers.
Date: Monday, November 2nd
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Arena: Kohl Center
Channel: Big Ten Plus
Spread: Wisconsin -25.5
Total: 161.5 points
