EA Sports Releases Top 25 Rankings for Upcoming Game, Badgers Snubbed on Offense

EA Sports continued its Rankings Week today with the release of the top 25 offenses and defenses. Previously, Camp Randall ranked in the top 10 as one of the toughest places to play in the country. So where did the Badgers land in EA's most recent lists?

In the top 25 offense list the Badgers got snubbed completely. Georgia held the top slot with a 94 overall offense and Big Ten newcomer USC rounded out the top 25 with a rating of 83. The Badger offense was never projected to be top in the country, but with a solid offensive line, the veteran Chez Mellusi, new quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and the return of the best slot receiver in the conference in Will Pauling, you'd think they would have been rated a bit higher.

Now maybe the Badgers ranked number 26 overall and just missed the list, but you have to wonder how much the lackluster offense of 2023 is affecting EA's thoughts regarding the 2024 squad.

On the defensive side of the ball, Wisconsin ranked 15th at an 86 overall. Ohio State holds the top rank at a 96 overall and in total, seven Big Ten teams found themselves ranked in the top 25. The Badgers return one of the top safeties in the country in Hunter Wohler, and an interception machine in Ricardo Hallman. They also brought in some transfers to help boost their anemic 2023 pass rush.

15th seems about right and maybe even a little high considering the Badgers were mostly average across the board on defense last season. But with a new injection of talent there's a lot to be excited about in 2024.

These rankings could change very quickly once the season begins but it seems as though the Badgers will have a lot to prove, especially on offense, in 2024.