Wisconsin Badgers rise 26 spots in preseason rankings ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 4:15 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
The Wisconsin Badgers have moved up to No. 54 in The Athletic’s preseason FBS rankings, a substantial jump from No. 80 last season. Coach Luke Fickell faces pressure to improve after disappointing seasons, but optimism surrounds the team due to a stronger roster and a more favorable schedule. Notable players include Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph. The Badgers rank No. 11 in the Big Ten, trailing Minnesota at No. 39, indicating a gap within the conference. Other teams making significant jumps include Virginia Tech and LSU.
- •Wisconsin jumps from No. 80 to No. 54 in preseason rankings.
- •Team ranks No. 11 in the Big Ten conference.
- •Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph joins the Badgers.
- •Wisconsin's roster and schedule provide optimism for the season.
- •Several teams, including LSU and Oklahoma State, also experienced notable upward movement.
- 4:15 PMYahoo Sports — Badgers up 26 spots in latest preseason rankings amid recent hype
"Wisconsin has made a big jump in the latest preseason rankings.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
College Sports•Aug 25, 2026, 5:31 PMYou’re Nuts: Which Ohio State player would you add to the group of 2026 team captains?
NCAAF•Aug 25, 2026, 5:30 PMTwo Longhorn freshmen named to On3’s True Freshman All-America Team
NCAAF•Aug 25, 2026, 5:27 PMOregon lands several stars on USA TODAY's top 100 players rankings
College Sports•Aug 25, 2026, 5:25 PMNCAA reduces Arion Carter suspension to one game for Tennessee football
College Sports•Aug 25, 2026, 5:23 PMThe moments that won Keelon Russell Alabama football quarterback job
College Sports•Aug 25, 2026, 5:19 PMFlorida State RB set to play in season opener