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After a rare down year for Wisconsin football, the Badgers are firmly in the middle of the Preseason USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.
As a team that returns a number of key contributors on defense and hopes for QB Graham Mertz to take the next step in year two at the helm, the Badgers are presumptive Big Ten West favorites heading into the year. The USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll sees it that way, with the Badgers as the highest ranked team in the division.
The Big Ten East, however, is all over the poll, with Ohio State at No. 4 leading the way for the conference as a whole.
The Badgers start the year off at No. 15, and face No. 20 Penn State in Week 1.