The Badgers are getting their star sophomore guard back for the 2025-26 season.
The Wisconsin Badgers got some significant news on Wednesday, as star guard John Blackwell is returning to school for the 2025-26 season, his agent Todd Ramasar told Jon Rothstein.
#Badgers star guard is back. https://t.co/qhySmhDqfW
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) May 28, 2025
Blackwell was expected to return to school, but decided to test the NBA waters and receive feedback before making a decision. He was not invited to the 2025 NBA Combine and is now heading back to school ahead of the withdrawal deadline.
Blackwell averaged 15.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25, taking on a lead role in Wisconsin’s offense, while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three.
Wisconsin operated this offseason as if they’d have Blackwell in the mix, bringing in San Diego State guard Nick Boyd to complement their star in the backcourt, while filling in their remaining gaps via the transfer portal.
Blackwell returns to Wisconsin with All-Big Ten first-team upside after winning All-Big Ten second-team honors this past season, and could take on more of an off-ball role, where he thrived as a freshman, with Boyd at point guard this year.
The Badgers guard has professional aspirations, but will now put those aside for another year and officially return to Wisconsin.