Badgers Bet Big on Transfer Portal – Will It Pay Off?
The Badgers added more than 30 transfers this offseason to patch what Scout and Athlon call one of the weakest Big Ten rosters. Despite bringing in experienced names like ex–Iowa State back Abu Sama and Missouri safety Marvin Burks Jr., Wisconsin still ranks near the bottom of the conference talent chart. Key gaps remain at receiver and along the offensive line, leaving new faces the heavy lift of filling massive roster holes. Luke Fickell hopes competition among newcomers and returnees will spark a turnaround and get the program back to bowl contention in 2026.
In true Badger fashion, the coaches have turned the roster into an all-you-can-eat buffet of transfers, praying that one of them sticks. It’s like hiring 30 amateur bakers to deliver a wedding cake on Saturday—sure, someone might know how to frost, but good luck with the tiers. Fickell’s development skills are about to face their toughest test: turning roster chaos into on-field cohesion without collapsing under the weight of unmet expectations.
Your Ultimate Guide to Badgers in Olympic Hockey Final
Wisconsin alumni make up six skaters on Team USA and five on Team Canada as the two rivals face off in the 2026 women’s hockey gold medal game in Milan. Current Badger defender Caroline Harvey leads all players with nine points, while the event airs live on USA Network at 12:10 p.m. CT with streaming available on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Full replays are archived on NBCOlympics.com’s Replays hub.
Clear your afternoon: this is the only time it’s socially acceptable to scream at your TV about someone else’s penalty box misfortune. If you’re not glued to USA Network, prepare for a lifetime of shame in group chats and the inevitable “Where were you?” questions every time someone posts a slo-mo highlight of a former Badger scoring gold. Don’t be that person—set a reminder, memorize the puck drop, and brace for glory.
The Elite Ex-Badgers Chasing Olympic Hockey Gold
Former Wisconsin stars populate both sides of the women’s hockey final: six alums on the undefeated U.S. squad—including captains like Hilary Knight and ace blue-liner Britta Curl-Salemme—and five on Canada’s roster, featuring Olympic vets Ann-Renee Desbiens and Sarah Nurse. Each player boasts impressive stat lines, collegiate titles and professional laurels, making this a Badger alumni reunion on the world’s biggest stage.
It’s like a high school reunion where everyone showed up in spandex and carries six championship rings—on ice. While casual fans cheer “USA! USA!” from their couches, these Badgers-turned-worldbeaters skate circles around the rest of the field. The only awkward part: realizing your old chemistry partner is now an Olympic captain who probably bench-presses more than you.
Big Ten’s Surprise Coach of the Year Contenders
Michigan’s historic start propels coach Dusty May into the frontrunner conversation, but unblemished Nebraska’s slide under Fred Hoiberg and sly Iowa hire Ben McCollum make for a crowded field. Voters must weigh Michigan’s AP No. 1 ranking against Nebraska’s early streak and Iowa’s defensive turnaround. This week’s SI Power Rankings list all 18 teams, led by the Wolverines, with upsets, wins and gaudy stats shaping the debate.
Engrave those trophies early, folks—because nothing says “fair voting” like crowning coach of the year after a quarter of the season. It’s basically choosing prom king by attendance alone. Michigan fans are already printing banners, Nebraska is dusting off participation trophies, and somewhere in Iowa, McCollum is plotting how to sneak into the ceremony wearing a disguise. May the best-midseason-hype train win.
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