ESPN, On3 Both Project Wisconsin Badgers Basketball to Hit Milestone Last Reached in 2021

MADISON, Wis. — National media outlets ESPN and On3 are forecasting a breakout 2025‑26 season for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team, projecting them to crack the top 25 rankings for the first time since their 2021 peak.

Earlier this week, both ESPN’s preseason Top 25 and On3 Sports’ way-too-early top 25 list included the Badgers—a milestone Wisconsin hasn’t hit since finishing the 2021‑22 season ranked 14th in the AP poll That season itself marked the last time Wisconsin was top‑25 nationally, when they tied for the Big Ten regular-season title and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament .

Coming off a strong 27‑10 overall record in 2024‑25, capped by a 13‑7 Big Ten ledger and a trip to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32, the Badgers once again find themselves on the national radar ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has slotted Wisconsin as a probable No. 6 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament—marking a third consecutive year as a single-digit seed

What’s fueling the optimism? The Badgers return key contributors such as sophomore standout John Blackwell—who was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team—and dynamic forward John Tonje. The duo combines inside-outside scoring prowess with veteran leadership, a hallmark of strong Wisconsin units .

Coach Greg Gard, a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, is receiving credit for his player development acumen. Under his guidance, Wisconsin has consistently outperformed preseason expectations, earning recognition in both ESPN and On3’s early rankings

On3’s way-too-early Top 25 outlook, released in June, echoes ESPN’s confidence and notes that this marks the first time since 2021 that both outlets are in alignment on Wisconsin’s status . On3’s evaluation highlights the stability of returning personnel, wise portal decisions, and an improved roster balance.

Fans can expect an early-season showcase when Wisconsin hosts a high-profile exhibition matchup against a tournament-caliber SEC team at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee That game will offer the first official test of whether this edition of the Badgers can maintain—and exceed—their 2021‑era standards.

While national respect is building, Wisconsin still enters a brutal Big Ten slate, with a demanding road schedule and several elite conference opponents. However, with projections placing them firmly inside the top 25 and as a potential 6‑seed, internal expectations are elevated accordingly.

Bottom line: ESPN and On3’s endorsements mark a critical turning point for Wisconsin basketball, signaling their return to national relevance not seen since the 2021 season. If the Badgers can stay healthy, capitalize on veteran leadership, and navigate a tough conference gauntlet, 2025‑26 could be their brightest campaign in four years.