Wisconsin fans are eager for basketball season as the football program is a burning trash heap right now. The men's basketball program, on the other hand, is starting the season as a ranked program. Greg Gard and Wisconsin have often started under the radar and surprised people, but that won't be the case this year as the Badgers come in ranked No. 24 in the nation.
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) October 13, 2025
The Wisconsin Badgers are No. 24 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll
Related: Greg Gard has an animal comparison for John Blackwell that will make you laugh
The Badgers check in at the bottom of the top 25, but still finding themselves listed as one of the best teams in the nation before the season even starts shows that the media is beginning to respect what Gard does in Madison.