5. Wisconsin Badgers
Greg Gard has deployed a model of consistency throughout his 10 years leading the Wisconsin Badgers. Expect no different in 2025-26.
Despite losing All-American John Tonje and three of its five starters, the Badgers return All-Big Ten guard John Blackwell and Nolan Winter -- both of whom are poised to be the focal points in Wisconsin’s high-tempo offense.
The Badgers also made significant splashes in the transfer portal, landing the likes of San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd, Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde, and Portland transfer Austin Rapp.
Boyd is a terrific two-way player, Rohde shot over 40% from three with a stellar 2.35 assist-to-turnover ratio, and Austin Rapp was a nightly double-double threat in just his freshman season. Put simply, that should bode well for Wisconsin come November.
In addition, the Badgers bolstered their depth with the additions of Minnesota/Tulsa transfer Braeden Carrington and Temple transfer Elijah Gray.
On paper, the pieces seem like a seamless fit, making the Badgers not only a top-five team in the Big Ten but a likely preseason top-25 team entering the 2025-26 season.