The Wisconsin Badgers haven’t been ranked since they entered the 2023 season at No. 19.
At that point, Tanner Mordecai was leading the charge. Wisconsin dominated Buffalo in Week 1 (38-17) before falling to Washington State, 31-22, the very next week.
For reference, that game against the Cougars took place on September 9, 2023. Wisconsin is creeping in on three years without having a number attached to its name, something that is quite uncommon for Badger football.
Coming off a 2025 season that saw Wisconsin have the nation’s toughest strength of schedule, the Badgers are desperate to string some wins together.
Back-to-back losing seasons are a rare sight for the program, and it’s put Luke Fickell in win-now mode entering his fourth year in Madison.
Looking at the Badgers’ schedule, a win over Notre Dame in Week 1 would do wonders. The Fighting Irish could be the No. 1-ranked team come September 6. If not, they’re basically a lock to be in the top five.
Elsewhere, Wisconsin needs to dominate its non-conference games and then impress early in Big Ten play. Wins at Penn State and UCLA would go a long way, especially with a Halloween showdown at Iowa on the horizon.
Wisconsin avoids having to play the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana this season, which is a huge plus. Obviously, wins over those teams would’ve made it easier to re-enter the top 25, but the Badgers would much rather have an easier schedule highlighted by a marquee Week 1 victory in Green Bay over Notre Dame.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Can Wisconsin Badgers football program re-enter AP Top 25 in 2026?
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
