The college basketball season is just a few weeks away from us, and the preseason AP Poll was revealed over the weekend, giving us a glimpse into what voters think about the upcoming season.
The Wisconsin Badgers have been in the preseason AP Poll just twice in the last eight years, yet have found themselves in the Top 25 during every one of those seasons. This year, it’s no different, as the Badgers were not among the Big Ten teams voted in the Top 25.
However, there was a bigger surprise: they didn’t get a single vote, unlike 19 other teams that missed out on the AP Top 25.
Missouri (167 votes), Nebraska 70 (votes), Purdue 53 (votes), Ohio State 39 (votes), North Carolina (20 votes), TCU (17 votes), Saint Louis (13 votes), VCU (12 votes), Iowa (12 votes), Virginia Tech (10 votes), Indiana (8 votes), Texas A&M (6 votes), Villanova (6 votes), Auburn (4 votes), Marquette (3 votes), Nevada (2 votes), Grand Canyon (2 votes), Utah State (2 votes), and Santa Clara (1 vote) all received votes, but missed the Top 25.
So currently, Wisconsin isn’t being considered among the top 40 teams in the country, as they head into the season with a new-look roster. The Badgers landed several new players in the offseason, with guard Owen Foxwell and forward Eian Elmer being the primary additions. Wisconsin also got guard Trey Autry and center Victory Onetu in the transfer portal, while adding several freshmen as well.
Those additions will join Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, Braeden Carrington (assuming his eligibility holds), Zach Kinziger, Will Garlock, Hayden Jones, and Jack Janicki as the rotational pieces for the Badgers.
Looking at the Top 25, there are several Big Ten teams listed. Illinois comes in at No. 3 after their Final Four appearance. Michigan State is next at No. 6, with Player of the Year candidate Jeremy Fears Jr. back. Then come Michigan (No. 16), USC (No. 21), and UCLA (No. 22).
Listed outside the Top 25, but still receiving votes, are Nebraska, Purdue, Ohio State, Iowa, and Indiana. So, currently, the Badgers are seen as a team outside the top 10 of the Big Ten.