There's nothing better than occupying headspace in your Big Ten rivals, especially when you don't have to pay rent. This week, Wisconsin has Michigan, Michigan State, and Illinois fans all fighting over whose loss to Wisconsin was the best (and worst). Wisconsin fans are sitting back and eating their popcorn while the three bicker about how each team was put in a locker by the Badgers.
A few examples are below. If you look at X yourself, you'll see good examples of all the fanbases. Here are a few of the better ones.
All our rivals thinking about us on Valentine’s Day. ❤️ https://t.co/Om3gmnrauV
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) February 14, 2026
Michigan State point differential in loss to Wisconsin: 21 points
— Mr. Goodwrench, #8 Illini fan (@MrG00dwrench) February 14, 2026
Illinois point differential in 5 losses all year (4 against ranked opponents): 24 points
Michigan State also lost to Minnesota 🤣
We are not the same
Since we comparing losses y'all both suck , both had healthy rosters compared to our 6 man rotation and it took them overtime to do that 🤦🏾♂️ 🔶🔷 https://t.co/2Gb5DAWjxG
— #ILL-GANG (@Reecedavoice) February 14, 2026
Wisconsin now has 3 top-10 wins against Big Ten foes
Related: 4 bracketologists give Wisconsin tournament updates after upsetting Michigan State
When Wisconsin beat Michigan, they were ranked NET 1, and the Badgers are still the only team to have beaten them. When Wisconsin beat Illinois, they were ranked NET 5. When Wisconsin beat Michigan State, they were ranked NET 11 and gave Michigan State and Tom Izzo their worst loss of the season.
The Wisconsin Badgers were unranked in all three of them and still currently are. That makes it even sweeter as all three have to deal with the fact that Wisconsin were underdogs and put their rivals in a blender.
Michigan fans are arguing that Wisconsin barely beat them and helped them improve, and they haven't seen a loss since. Illinois fans are claiming injuries and also a close loss, while Michigan State fans have the excuse of being on the road, which the other teams can't claim. Losing at home to Wisconsin.
Regardless, it's hilarious to watch Big Ten rivals fight over whose loss to Wisconsin isn't as bad as the others. It's a good place to be; it would be even sweeter if the Badgers find their way into the AP Top 25 next week.
