Wisconsin looking to take next step in early Big Ten football power rankings reveal

It’s never too early for a “way too early” Big Ten power ranking! Things will change. Players will hurt the portal, players will transfer in, injuries will happen but for the most part, we have a pretty good understanding of rosters after National Signing Day and so much transfer portal movement.

In each part of this series, we will unveil where each of the 18 teams in the new look conference begins. We started at No. 1 with the revamped Ohio State Buckeyes. Then, the Oregon Ducks come in at the second spot. Coming in at No. 3 were the defending National Champion Michigan Wolverines, who are in a bit of a transition period.

At No. 4, we unveiled the Penn State Nittany Lions, who are returning a lot of talent from their 2023 roster. Then we made way for the old reliable, the Iowa Hawkeyes. At No. 6, another new addition to the conference, the USC Trojans. Next up at No. 7, the Wisconsin Badgers.

In the first year under new head coach Luke Fickell, you saw a lot of positive signs of growth. The offense under Phil Longo took on an identity shift. The Badgers had traditionally been a heavy power run scheme but the objective was to get more balanced, and the passing attack going. They brought in former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke this offseason, with hopes of reviving his once promising career. He has their top pass catcher returner in Will Pauling returning, which will be big for the passing attack.

The offensive line for Wisconsin should be one of the best returning units nationally. Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlman return at offensive tackle, which is one of the better duos anywhere. Add in Jake Renfro and Joe Huber together and you have a potentially excellent unit.

On defense, Wisconsin should be a good overall unit, which is usually the case. Mike Tressel has a couple standouts on all three levels, including linebacker Jaheim Thomas that spent some time with Coach Fickell while he was still at Cincinnati.

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