The USA TODAY NETWORK released its preseason Big Ten football outlook on July 27, projecting the Wisconsin Badgers to finish 13th out of 14 conference members. That placement marks the third consecutive season the program has been slated for the bottom half of the league, underscoring the challenges faced by head coach Luke Fickell as he seeks to rebuild the roster.
Despite the modest forecast, the Badgers are expected to be competitive in a few marquee matchups. Analysts highlight a home showdown against USC on October 24 and a road test at Penn State on September 26 as the toughest tests on the schedule.
Among the few bright spots, sophomore linebacker Mason Posa earned an honorable‑mention spot on the preseason all‑conference team, the only Badger to receive any recognition from the media.
The prediction also notes that Ohio State and Oregon are expected to occupy the top two spots, while four conference opponents are projected to finish behind Wisconsin, suggesting a modest uplift for the team’s perception.
Season Outlook
Cleveland.com echoed the sentiment, forecasting a 12th‑place finish and emphasizing that the Badgers are adopting a wait‑and‑see stance despite bolstering the squad through the transfer portal. The program’s leadership says the upcoming season will be a test of whether those additions can translate into on‑field progress.
Overall, the preseason polls paint a picture of a team on the cusp of breaking out of its recent slump, with modest expectations but a clear path toward improvement. If the Badgers can rally around Posa’s emerging leadership and capitalize on key home games, the forecast could shift dramatically before the first whistle blows.