The Badgers Are Sleeping on: Wisconsin Ranked 7th in Big Ten Preseason Poll
The stage is set for the 2025-26 Big Ten season, and the media has spoken: Wisconsin is flying under the radar at No. 7 in the preseason poll. But here's where it gets controversial - can the Badgers prove their doubters wrong and exceed expectations once again?
After a remarkable turnaround last season that saw them finish in the top five and make the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, some might say a seventh-place ranking is a bit of an underestimation. Especially considering their 12th-place ranking last year didn't hint at the dramatic leap they'd make. Let's take a closer look at the rankings and what they might mean for the upcoming season.
The Top Contenders: Favorites to Win It All
The Big Ten preseason media poll has Purdue and Michigan at the top of the heap, and it's hard to argue with that assessment. Purdue boasts an incredible returning core, including stars Braden Smith and Trey Kauffman-Renn, who are sure to make waves in the conference. The addition of top transfer center Oscar Cluff gives them a formidable inside presence. And let's not forget about Fletcher Loyer, who will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch this season. But with quality depth and 7'3 sophomore Daniel Jacobsen healthy, Purdue's lineup is looking almost unbeatable.
Michigan, on the other hand, has brought in some serious talent with projected first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg joining the squad. Lendeborg's impressive stint at UAB has everyone buzzing, and he'll be a great addition to a team already featuring returners Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle. Transfers Elliott Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara will undoubtedly make an impact as well.
The Middle Pack: Where Wisconsin Fits In
The real question is what lies beneath the top two. Teams like Illinois, Oregon, UCLA, and Michigan State are all looking strong, and Wisconsin finds itself nestled among this group of powerhouse programs. The Badgers will undoubtedly be looking to prove themselves and make a statement this season.
But is seventh place a fair assessment? Can Wisconsin capitalize on their momentum from last season and surprise some doubters? Or will they struggle to live up to expectations?
The Full Rankings
- Purdue (25 first-place votes) - The Boilermakers look like a force to be reckoned with this season.
- Michigan (3 first-place votes) - The Wolverines have some serious talent on their side.
- UCLA - The Bruins are looking to make a statement in the Big Ten.
- Illinois - A dark horse in the conference?
- Oregon - Can they keep the momentum going?
- Michigan State - A top-six finish wouldn't be a surprise.
- Wisconsin - The Badgers are looking to prove themselves.
- Iowa - The Hawkeyes will be looking to upset some of the top teams.
- Ohio State - A perennial powerhouse looking to get back on track.
- Indiana - Can they turn things around this season?
- Washington - Looking to make some noise in the Big Ten.
- USC - The Trojans are looking to make a splash.
- Maryland - A potential Cinderella story in the making?
- Nebraska - The Cornhuskers will be looking to prove themselves.
- Northwestern - Can they pull off some upsets?
- Minnesota - A bit of a long shot, but stranger things have happened.
- Rutgers - The Scarlet Knights will be looking to make a statement.
- Penn State - Can they turn things around and make a push for the top?
The Debate Starts Here
So, Badgers fans, do you think Wisconsin will exceed expectations and crack the top five? Or will they struggle to live up to their preseason ranking? Let's hear it - will the Badgers prove the doubters wrong, or will they fall short?
