Wisconsin Badgers: Top five coaches in the Big Ten

2. Paul Chryst – Wisconsin

Yes, Chryst is the second best coach in the Big Ten as it stands today. Since Chryst returned to Madison as the head coach three years ago, Wisconsin has won double-digit games and is 3-0 in bowl games. Last year, he won 13 games, which is the most in Wisconsin’s history.

He hasn’t been able to get over the hump by beating the big boys in the East until last year when Wisconsin knocked off Michigan to remain undefeated. That’s easily the biggest knock on Chryst’s resume. Where Chryst shines is in his talent development. Wisconsin’s recruiting classes have consistently been ranked in the 30’s and 40’s the last few years. Teams that recruit those kinds of players don’t typically finish ranked top 10 in the nation. Chryst does.

This year might be the year for Wisconsin as it returns 10 starters on offense, including several All-American caliber players on the offensive line and Heisman favorite Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. Alex Hornibrook has as much experience as any quarterback in the country and his receivers are as deep as they come. Wisconsin has typically won with defense since Chryst rejoined the program, but offense may carry the load in 2018.

Wisconsin will get a shot at Michigan and Penn State this year in the regular season, both on the road. It’s likely the Badgers will play one of those teams twice, or Ohio State again, in the Big Ten Championship too. Unlike 2017, the Badgers will have earned whatever good fortunes come their way in 2018. The schedule this year is no slouch.

Being a great coach is about winning games, recruiting at a high level and meeting expectations. Wisconsin has won games and is in the process of recruiting its best class ever in 2019. Meeting expectations, which in 2018 is the College Football Playoff, is what we’re all waiting to see.