On May 12, the Big Ten Conference released the full slate of opponents that the Wisconsin Badgers will face during the 2026‑27 men's basketball season, outlining a balanced mix of home and away contests.
The schedule calls for the Badgers to meet Illinois and Iowa twice apiece, while also traveling to face Minnesota on two occasions. In total, Wisconsin will play ten games on its home floor at the Kohl Center and ten on the road, plus two additional matchups that do not fit the standard home‑and‑away pattern.
Among the highlighted road tests is a visit to East Lansing, where Tom Izzo's Michigan State squad, fresh off a national championship, will look to extend its dominance. The Badgers narrowly missed a victory over the Spartans earlier in the season, a loss that adds extra intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Key rivalries and storylines
Illinois and Iowa both enter the season with strong recent performances, with Iowa reaching the Elite Eight last year. Their double‑header meetings promise competitive games that could shape the Badgers' conference standing.
Michigan, the defending national champions, are slated to make a trip to Madison, offering a marquee showdown that will test Wisconsin's ability to compete against the nation's elite. The Badgers came close to toppling the Wolverines in the conference tournament, a near‑upset that could serve as a catalyst for future success.
Coaches Ben McCollum, Tom Izzo and Greg Gard are all expected to be front‑and‑center during these high‑stakes encounters, each bringing distinct strategies and experience to the court.
The full schedule not only outlines opponents but also underscores the competitive nature of the Big Ten, where every game carries implications for NCAA tournament seeding and conference pride. As the Badgers prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of home‑court advantage and challenging road trips sets the stage for a compelling campaign.