Can the Badgers capitalize on a strong 2025 campaign with a new team?
The Wisconsin Badgers had a strong 2024-25 season, earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they bowed out to No. 6 seed BYU in the Round of 32.
Nonetheless, it was one of the program’s better years in recent history, but Wisconsin had a senior-laden team, which meant changes were coming this offseason.
Well, the Badgers were able to reload well in the transfer portal, landing five rotational pieces: San Diego State guard Nick Boyd, Virginia wing Andrew Rohde, Portland forward Austin Rapp, Tulsa guard Braeden Carrington, and Temple forward Elijah Gray.
That, paired with four incoming freshmen, gives Wisconsin a brand-new look in 2026, as they look to push further in the NCAA Tournament this season?
What are their current odds in the way-too-early title picture?
FanDuel Sportsbook released its latest odds, with Purdue being the favorite at +900 odds. That’s an increase from its +1400 odds back in April, which was third behind Houston and Duke.
Wisconsin is tied for 25th with Baylor, Indiana, Iowa, and N.C. State at +6000 odds, which is where they also were back in April.
That ranks sixth in the Big Ten behind Purdue (+900 odds), Michigan (+1900 odds), Illinois (+3500 odds), UCLA (+3500 odds), and Michigan State (+4000 odds).
When considering long-shot teams with +6000 odds or above, CBS Sports had another Big Ten team as the team to watch: Oregon. They stand at +8000 odds, but return lead guard Jackson Shelstad and center Nate Bittle.
The Badgers overwhelmingly exceeded expectations last year, when they were projected as the 12th-best team in the Big Ten. Can they do the same this season?