Tuesday was an active day in transfer portal news for the Wisconsin Badgers. Star guard John Blackwell is on his way to Durham, North Carolina, to play for the Duke Blue Devils, reportedly seeking a new challenge and increased exposure. That decision led some Badger fans to question whether he was indeed a Badger for life. Blackwell later stated he was “on the ball more”, which angered even more Badger fans.
Later that day, Nolan Winter made his decision on where to play next season. His decision to stay was driven by pride in wearing a Wisconsin jersey, which will undoubtedly ease Badger fans' worries for 2026-27.
Nolan Winter announces his return to the Wisconsin Badgers.
Winter announced his decision on X Tuesday night, reiterating his commitment to Greg Gard and the Badgers with a direct message: "I'm back."
— Nolan Winter (@NolanWinter5) April 22, 2026
Winter returns for his fourth season in Madison, where he has improved each season as a Badger. The forward from Lakeville, Minnesota, has seen his scoring average rise from a mere 2.4 points per game in his freshman season to 13.1 points per game last season. In addition, Winter became one of the Big Ten’s best rebounders last season, finishing fourth in the conference with 8.5 rebounds per game.
If Winter remains healthy through the 2026-27 season, he could become the ninth player in program history to surpass 800 rebounds and 1,000 points. His return provides the Badgers with valuable frontcourt depth for next season, joining Austin Rapp, Will Garlock, and Hofstra transfer Victory Onuetu.
While losing John Blackwell to Duke was a tough pill to swallow, Nolan Winter's expected return to Wisconsin brings much-needed reassurance for next season. Winter has consistently shown improvement each season under Greg Gard and is expected to be an All-Big Ten forward next season. Not only are the Badgers getting their best big man in the frontcourt, but they are getting a senior leader who will be a Badger for life when all is said and done.
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