What happened: Wisconsin claimed the 25th spot in the latest AP Poll after spending more than three years outside the national rankings. The return to the poll follows a regular-season stretch in which a CBS panel unanimously backed No. 16 USC over Wisconsin while 61% of fans polled picked an upset.

Why it matters: Cracking the top 25 restores national standing for a roster that navigated early-season action against Eastern Michigan before entering conference matchups against UCLA and USC. Holding a national ranking in late October gives the program a foothold in the broader Big Ten and postseason picture.

What to watch: Wisconsin will look to hold its spot in the rankings as the November regular-season slate begins.