Wisconsin’s basketball program entered the 2025‑26 season with a 24‑11 overall record and a 14‑6 mark in Big Ten play, positioning the Badgers as a solid contender for another deep tournament run.
The Road Gauntlet
The first test comes against Illinois, a team the Badgers split with twice last season, both victories arriving in overtime thrillers that highlighted Wisconsin’s resilience.
A short trip to East Lansing follows, where Michigan State’s legendary coach Tom Izzo is renowned for extracting every ounce of effort from his squad, making any game in his arena a battle of wills.
The Badgers then head west to face UCLA, a program that shared sixth place in the conference standings last year and boasts a deep tournament pedigree that could test Wisconsin’s defensive schemes.
Iowa awaits in a matchup that carries added intrigue after Ben McCollum’s Iowa squad made a surprising run deep into the NCAA tournament, suggesting the Hawkeyes are poised for an even stronger campaign.
The toughest test may be Ohio State, whose 86‑69 victory over Wisconsin on February 17 underscored the Buckeyes’ firepower and left the Badgers with a clear target for redemption.
Beyond the marquee matchups, the schedule’s structure — featuring three teams played twice — means the Badgers must maintain consistency, as each road win could prove pivotal for seeding and momentum.
If Wisconsin can navigate this gauntlet, the experience could cement its status as a perennial contender and set the stage for a postseason run that fans have come to expect.