The Wisconsin Badgers made another statement on Saturday, Oct. 3, defeating Michigan State 31-3 to extend their winning streak to four games.
After an impressive comeback victoryover then-No. 14 Penn State the week before, Wisconsin has continued to build momentum and put itself in the conversation for a spot in the AP Top 25.
However, will a dominant win over the Spartans be enough to finally get the Badgers ranked?
Wisconsin entered the weekend just outside the rankings, receiving the most AP votes of any unranked team. In addition, they received votes in the US LBM Coaches Poll as well.
With its latest victory, the Badgers have certainly strengthened their case, improving to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.
Is Wisconsin a Top 25 team?
Rolling the highlights from today’s
win against Michigan State 👐 pic.twitter.com/6V6HT7cTHE
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) October 3, 2026
Quarterback Colton Joseph accounted for four touchdowns against the Spartans, while the defense held Michigan State to just three points and forced five fourth-down stops. Still, there is an argument to be made that Wisconsin will need another week before breaking into the Top 25.
While the 28-point victory was certainly convincing, Michigan State entered the matchup with a 2-2 record and has now lost three consecutive games. Beating a struggling Spartans team, even by a significant margin, may not be enough to move the Badgers past the teams currently occupying the final spots in the rankings.
A graphic featured on Saturday afternoon's game also put Wisconsin's lengthy absence from the AP Top 25 into perspective, stating that the team has been unranked in the last 53 AP polls, the 5th longest drought in program history.
Goodnight Badger Nation 😴 pic.twitter.com/VIJgtnq7tJ
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) October 4, 2026
That said, the Badgers have already proven they can compete with ranked opponents after taking down Penn State on the road. Four consecutive wins, including a victory over a previously ranked opponent, make a compelling argument for Wisconsin's inclusion.
Ultimately, Wisconsin may have done enough to earn consideration, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has done enough to earn a ranking. With a bye week ahead, the Badgers will have to wait and see whether voters believe their recent performances warrant a return to the Top 25. A ranking this week is possible, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Wisconsin remain just outside the cutoff for another week.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Will Wisconsin be ranked after blowout win vs. Michigan State?
