College football teams are coming out of spring practice and on the other side of the spring transfer portal window, marking an ideal time for ESPN to update its top 25 rankings. As expected, there was a heavy dose of the SEC and Big Ten,

Wisconsin sat at No. 41 (6.1) in Connelly's initial late-February 2025 rankings release. After spring practice, another transfer cycle and further updates, the Badgers are up to No. 37 overall (7.2). Notably, the team jumped Minnesota and Washington to slot No. 10 in the Big Ten.

The Cougars have trips to Texas Tech and Iowa State in the middle of what otherwise stands as a manageable conference schedule. And they won’t lack for motivation after the disrespect shown last season by the playoff selection committee.