ESPN lists Wisconsin football among potential first-time national champions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 11:02 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
ESPN's Bill Connelly has included the Wisconsin Badgers in a ranking of programs that could become first-time national champions, placing them at No. 10. This assessment comes despite Wisconsin's recent struggles and historical decline since their successful run from 2005 to 2019, during which they recorded ten consecutive seasons of at least ten wins. Coach Luke Fickell's tenure has resulted in a disappointing 16-21 record over three seasons. Nonetheless, ESPN's metrics indicate Wisconsin retains the ability to improve, with their SP+ peak being the highest among the identified potential candidates.
- •Wisconsin is ranked No. 10 for potential first-time national champions by ESPN.
- •The Badgers had ten straight seasons with at least ten wins from 2005 to 2019.
- •Luke Fickell's record stands at 16-21 after three seasons as head coach.
- •ESPN cites Wisconsin's SP+ peak as the best among potential candidates.
- •Their projected SP+ rating for 2026 is currently 53rd nationally.
- 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — ESPN names Wisconsin football potential first-time national champions
"The Wisconsin Badgers may have fallen a long way from their days as a consistent Big Ten contender, but ESPN still believes the program has potential.
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