There are a lot of national pundits who are down on Wisconsin football, and maybe rightfully so. Last season was a disappointment in many ways, including missing a bowl game for the first time in two decades. Now, going into 2025, they have the most difficult schedule in the entire Big Ten, and so there's not a lot of fanfare for a good season coming from the media. And then Phil Steele dropped his ranking of all the college football teams from 1 to 136. The Badgers are at 32.
Phil Steele's Preseason Poll of all 136 FBS Schools pic.twitter.com/L1i751SiPr
— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) July 9, 2025
Phil Steele's ranking of Wisconsin at No. 32 is far more optimistic than most national outlets
This puts the Badgers just seven spots outside the top 25, ahead of Nebraska, Washington, and Minnesota. This is high praise for a team that struggled throughout 2024 and had Wisconsin fans calling for Luke Fickell's job.
However, there's some anticipation for a new offensive scheme under Jeff Grimes, who has succeeded at every stop. It fits more of a balanced style and will help get the Badgers back to what the Badgers do best, be strong up front with an aggressive rushing attack.
The Badgers also added QB Billy Edwards Jr. from Maryland, who seems to fit Grimes' vision perfectly and will not only aid Wisconsin's leap forward but also enhance his own game as he develops as a Big Ten quarterback.
Fickell seems to be saying all the right things and has a plan to take on 2025 and beyond, and many fans have bought back in, at least hoping for a bowl game season, but others are expecting more. Phil Steele may have also bought into what Fickell is selling. The Badgers are on their way back. 32 seems high as a preseason ranking, but it is one that should give Wisconsin fans some hope for the season to come.