A Familiar Opening Test
The Badgers will step onto the hardwood at the Kohl Center on November 2 to kick off the 2026‑27 season against the Denver Pioneers. It marks the seventh straight year that Wisconsin has opened its schedule with a victory, a streak that began with a win over St. John's in 2013‑14 and has continued through recent triumphs over Western Illinois and St. Mary's.
Denver arrives in Madison with a modest recent record, having finished 15‑17 a year ago and not posting a winning season since 2017. The Pioneers fell to Washington and Arizona by a combined 44 points last season, underscoring the gap between the Mountain West program and the Big Ten powerhouse.
Wisconsin’s coaching staff, led by head coach Greg Gard, will look to maintain the momentum that has carried the program through six consecutive opening‑day wins. Gard, who took over the program in 2019, has built a reputation for steady development and disciplined play.
A Threat From the Perimeter
The biggest question mark for the Badgers is the presence of Carson Johnson, a 6‑foot‑1 guard who returns to the Denver roster after averaging 20.1 points per game last season. Johnson’s scoring ability could test Wisconsin’s defensive schemes, especially in the early minutes of the contest.
Rocco Miller, another veteran for the Pioneers, adds depth to a backcourt that will need to keep pace with the Badgers’ tempo. While the odds favor Wisconsin, the team is aware that any lapse could allow the Pioneers to pull off an upset.
The upcoming matchup also carries historical significance. The last time Wisconsin opened its season against a fellow high‑major program was in 2013‑14, when the Badgers defeated St. John's 86‑75. Since then, the team has avoided such marquee non‑conference openers, making this game a rare early‑season barometer.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether the Badgers can extend their opening‑win streak to seven games. The result will not only set the tone for the season but also provide an early gauge of how the new roster meshes under Gard’s leadership.