The Big Ten basketball media days are open for business, and Greg Gard, John Blackwell, and Nolan Winter are representing Wisconsin. There will be all sorts of quotes, excitement, and things to talk about from these media days, but the first bit of news comes by way of the Big Ten media poll. The media ranked all 18 teams, and Wisconsin continues to be overlooked.
The media have the Badgers predicted to finish seventh in the Big Ten behind Purdue, Michigan, UCLA, Illinois, Oregon, and Michigan State (in that order). Here's a full look at it:
A look at the 2025-26 @bigten preseason media poll 👀#B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/mXgHbXblxf
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) October 9, 2025
Wisconsin Badgers basketball predicted to finish No. 7 in the Big Ten by the media
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The Badgers did move up in many media members' eyes compared to last season, when they were predicted to come in 12th. The jump from 12 to 7 is significant, but Greg Gard led his team to a tied third-place finish in the standings. They also finished second in the Big Ten Tournament, losing to Michigan after an impressive run.
This idea may be in the back of the minds of many in the media, but once again, Greg Gard is putting out a pretty new roster. He's only returning two starters: John Blackwell and Nolan Winter. The rest of his lineup and depth will all be new. Jack Janicki may be the only name the Big Ten media knows from the Badgers that carries over from last season.
This turnover has to have them sinking a little lower than they should. It's not a surprise to see Purdue and Michigan at the top. Wisconsin probably shouldn't even be third in the preseason rankings, but somewhere in that fourth or fifth spot would make sense.
Yet, and here's the key. Greg Gard doesn't care; the disrespect for the team fueled the Badgers last season, and hopefully, that happens again, allowing them to rise to the top once more.