Wisconsin Eyes Big Ten Exodus: Two Michigan Forwards on Radar
The departure of Michigan coach Dusty May to the NBA triggers a 15-day transfer window. Wisconsin could target forwards Jalen Reed (7.9 PTS, 4.1 REB in 2023-24; 9.5 PTS, 5.7 REB in truncated 2025-26) and Tennessee transplant J.P. Estrella (10.0 PTS, 5.4 REB, elite offensive rebounder). With Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp and Victory Onuetu as the only reliable frontcourt, Badgers might seek portal reinforcements to shore up depth for 2026-27.
Move over, Recruitment Roadshow—Badgers fans, it’s time to add “reverse heist” to your playbook. Sure, Wisconsin may not have the M1 traffic of Ann Arbor, but why not slip into Michigan’s roster like a stealthy UW detective and swipe a couple of big men? It’s athletic espionage, and we’re ready for it. Who needs loyalty when you have a 15-day shopping spree in the portal? Grab your Wisconsin cheese hat and prepare for Operation: Hoop Hijack.
Nolan Winter Tightens Ankles, Preps for ’27 Roar
Rising senior Nolan Winter underwent right-ankle surgery after a season of repeated rolls dating to high school. The preventative procedure aims to stabilize an ankle that sidelined him late in the NCAA Tournament. Winter, a 7-foot forward averaging 13.1 PTS, 8.5 REB, 1.5 AST, and 1.2 BLK on 57/33/– shooting splits last season, is nearing a return to summer practice but isn’t at full capacity yet.
Because nothing says “next-level college athlete” like scheduling surgery at a charity golf outing. Winter’s ankle has apparently been auditioning for a contortionist role, so he decided to show it who’s boss before the season starts. Rest assured, Badgers fans, the ankle will be tighter than your favorite compression socks. Next up: replacing crutches with cheese curds on the training table.
Badgers’ CFP Chances: Slim, But Dreaming at Camp Randall
On3’s Ari Wasserman ranks Wisconsin 14th in the Big Ten, excluding them from “Best Bets” and “Serious Contenders” for the 12-team College Football Playoff. After a 4-8 2025, the Badgers need a near-perfect season, including a win at Lambeau Field over top-five Notre Dame, and zero more than two losses to even flirt with a playoff berth. Rising expectations hinge on QB Colton Joseph’s health and a 10-win campaign.
Is Wisconsin’s CFP dream more likely than a Lambeau Field summer luau? Probably not. But hey, nothing screams optimism like banking on zero injuries, flawless officiating, and a Wisconsin miracle gang tackling Notre Dame in their own stadium. In other words: set your expectations to “miracle” and your tailgates to “eternal optimism.” At least the cheese will be dairy-fresh.
Freshman Guard Fends Off Transfer Bids, Commits to Wisconsin
True freshman guard Hayden Jones averaged under eight minutes per game in 2025-26 but flashed polished offense from his New Zealand pro background, shooting 61.5% overall and 66.7% at the rim. Despite modest 1.7 PTS and 1.0 REB stats, multiple programs pursued him in the offseason. Jones vowed on Brian Butchie’s podcast to remain a Badger for “four, five years,” focusing on ball-handling and shooting to bolster Wisconsin’s bench scoring.
Breaking news: a freshman guard actually turns down a transfer tour? Next thing you know, pigs will sprout wings and squeal “Go Badgers!” Jones is basically the Obi-Wan of the paint—wise beyond his turnover-troubled years and loyal like a true sitcom sidekick. It’s comforting that, in a world of snap transfers and instant eligibility, someone still says “Nah, I’ll stay put.” Cue the inspirational montage and marching band.
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