Wisconsin ends 1,141-day AP Top 25 drought at No. 25

Run defense trims opponent rushing average to 96.6 yards.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated yesterday1 min read

What happened: The Badgers returned to the national rankings on Tuesday following a multi-year absence spanning more than three seasons. Defensive gains led by linebackers Catalano and Posa have anchored the turnaround since the September opener against Eastern Michigan.

Why it matters: Jumping from 24th to 13th nationally in total defense has raised Wisconsin's ceiling in the 2026 Big Ten regular-season standings. Re-entering the poll also shifts national perception after a CBS panel unanimously picked No. 16 USC over the Badgers while 61% of polled fans backed the upset.

By the numbers: Wisconsin ranks 13th nationally in total defense (up from 24th in 2025) and 16th in rushing defense at 96.6 yards allowed per game, cutting 8.7 yards per contest off last season's 105.3 average (15th); the No. 25 AP spot marks the program's first ranking in 1,141 days.

What to watch: Wisconsin carries a Top 25 ranking into the next leg of its Big Ten regular-season schedule as it looks to hold its poll position.

Sources

Yahoo Sports 2026-10-27T21:25:36.792910+00:00

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Wisconsin ends 1,141-day AP Top 25 drought at No. 25

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