This article is written with the full knowledge that there is a large group of Wisconsin fans who openly and vehemently don't want the 5-seed. This group would rather have the 6-seed or the 7-seed in the NCAA Tournament than the 5-seed. There's a feeling as if the 5-seed is cursed. So, if that's you, which it's okay if it is, then you can read this with a negative viewpoint, rooting against this scenario.
However, if you aren't into the curse thing and you would like to see Wisconsin get as high as possible, feel free to read this in a positive light. Either way, one major bracketologist shared on social media how Wisconsin gets to the 5-seed.
That’s a 5
— T3™️ (@T3Bracketology) February 22, 2026
Wisconsin's ceiling might be a 5-seed in the NCAA Tournament and here's how they get there
Related: Vegas released Final Four odds, and Wisconsin’s line is intriguing
According to T3 Bracketology in the post above, and this scenario does feel fairly likely, Wisconsin wins at Oregon, Washington, and Maryland and loses to Purdue. Then adds one Big Ten Tournament win, that would be a 5-seed. It may take the Badgers winning out in the regular season and a tournament game to get all the way to a 4-seed.
Right now, most major bracketologists are declaring Wisconsin a 6-seed, though a few are still labeling them a 7-seed. However, winning against Oregon, Washington, and Maryland is likely. Wisconsin will be favored in all three contests. Purdue beat the Badgers earlier this season, but you never know.
The bigger deal for Wisconsin may actually be getting that triple-bye in the Big Ten Tournament, for they could pull off a win in that or even a runner-up like last year, they will have one of the better resumes in all of college basketball. Will that be enough to jump the cursed 5-seed spot? Maybe.