The Jump Around

The future of Wisconsin athletics is officially in motion. The Wisconsin Badgers announced the nine-person committee tasked with selecting the university’s next athletic director — and the names are drawing major reactions. From Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard to former Badgers stars Michael Finley and Meghan Duggan, who will have the biggest influence on the future of UW athletics? On this episode of The Jump Around with Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch, we break down: Wisconsin’s newly announced AD search committee Which committee member matters most Whether Badger fans should trust this process What traits Wisconsin SHOULD prioritize in its next athletic director What the search says about the future of football and basketball at UW Evan Cohen joins the show to discuss the committee and search process Clip of the Week reactions Twitter Portal featuring the latest Wisconsin & college athletics takes If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, this is a huge moment for the future of UW football, basketball, recruiting, NIL, and the direction of the athletic department. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers coverage, live debates, recruiting talk, football and basketball analysis, and daily content from ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee.

Are the Wisconsin Badgers being underrated heading into 2026? On this episode of The Jump Around, we break down where Wisconsin truly belongs in the Big Ten after being projected as low as #14 by major outlets. Is the national perception fair... or way off?? We also kick off our Athletic Director search series with a deep dive into Shawn Eichorst: the Wisconsin native and current Texas deputy AD with ties to Barry Alvarez. Plus: -Reacting to Tyrese Haliburton's comments about Donovan Davis and Wisconsin basketball in-state recruiting 👀 -24-team College Football Playoff debate 🔥 -Twitter Portal: Best Badgers takes of the week 🏈 SPECIAL GUEST: Former Wisconsin OL Rob Havenstein joins the show after retiring from an 11-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, including a Super Bowl title. Havenstein reflects on his career, Wisconsin roots, and what’s next.

For the first time since 1978, Wisconsin football had ZERO players drafted in the NFL Draft… 😳 Is this rock bottom for Wisconsin Badgers football under Luke Fickell — or is there reason for optimism? On this episode of The Jump Around, we break down: What the “no draft picks” reality means for the program Key takeaways from spring practice (including major OL improvement 👀) Why the defense may still lead the Badgers in 2026 Greg Gard’s thoughts on NCAA Tournament expansion PLUS: Exclusive interview with Nyzier Fourqurean — former Wisconsin CB and current Los Angeles Rams UDFA — on his journey, the NCAA situation, and what’s next! 📺 The Jump Around — your home for Wisconsin sports coverage on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee

Big news for Wisconsin basketball - John Blackwell is heading to Duke, while Nolan Winter is staying a Badger for life… and the fanbase is split. On this week’s episode of The Jump Around, we dive into: Blackwell to Duke reaction — are you rooting for him or not? Comparing John Blackwell vs Nolan Winter’s legacy at Wisconsin Rapid-fire “one word” breakdown of every major Wisconsin program Big Cat’s comments — does Wisconsin need to lean into donors more? Throwback uniforms & fan debates in the Twitter Portal 💪 PLUS: Wisconsin Football Strength Coach Brady Collins joins the show Offseason changes to the program Player development for the NFL Draft Growth of the Badgers this spring 🔥 A packed episode covering BOTH Wisconsin basketball & football.

The Jump Around is LIVE with the latest on the Wisconsin Badgers, including the ongoing search for a new Athletic Director and the potential role of Barry Alvarez after his appearance on Wilde and Tausch yesterday... In today’s episode, we discuss: Should Barry Alvarez be involved in Wisconsin’s AD search? Did the Badgers make a mistake distancing themselves from Barry? What qualities does Wisconsin NEED in its next Athletic Director? PLUS, Badgers legend and former AD Pat Richter joins the show We break down everything surrounding the future of Wisconsin athletics and where the program stands in today’s college sports landscape. Subscribe for daily Badgers coverage, interviews, and analysis from ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee.

Chris McIntosh is out as athletic director at Wisconsin Badgers, leaving for a senior role with the Big Ten — and it raises a major question: Did he leave… or did he jump ship? In this special emergency episode of The Jump Around, we break down: Why McIntosh made the move now The state of Wisconsin athletics in the NIL era Whether the Badgers have fallen behind the Big Ten The leadership vacuum facing UW right now What comes next for football, basketball, and the entire department From NIL struggles to fan frustration, this moment could define the future of Wisconsin sports. Is this a smart career move… or a sign of bigger problems in Madison?

Where does Wisconsin really fit in today’s college sports landscape? 🤔 On this episode of The Jump Around, we break down the biggest questions surrounding the Badgers: Are Wisconsin’s football and basketball programs closer to a blue blood or a mid-major in today’s NIL era? What does John Blackwell’s departure say about the state of Wisconsin athletics? Can the Badgers realistically compete for championships moving forward? Is there untapped revenue potential Wisconsin should be leveraging? Plus, Wisconsin beat reporter Jim Polzin joins the show to give his insight on Blackwell, NIL, and where the Badgers stand compared to the rest of college sports.

The Wisconsin Badgers are under the microscope 👀 On this episode of The Jump Around, we break down some of the biggest questions surrounding Wisconsin athletics: What grade does Athletic Director Chris McIntosh deserve right now? Are there real concerns about Luke Fickell and Wisconsin football heading into 2026? Early spring practice takeaways, including defensive dominance and QB development Frank Kaminsky responds to the “mid-major” debate Recruiting buzz: Is Fickell building the best class in program history? Plus, former Badgers fullback and new Director of Football Alumni Relations Bradie Ewing joins the show to discuss his new role, the importance of alumni engagement, and his confidence in the future of Wisconsin football. 📍 Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers content 📍 Watch The Jump Around LIVE on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee

Wisconsin had everything lined up for a March run — and still lost to High Point. The Jump Around breaks down the Badgers’ shocking Round of 64 exit, what went wrong late, and the bigger questions now facing Greg Gard and Wisconsin basketball. Jim Rutledge and Pablo Iglesias discuss the brutal ending to a season that felt like it could be different, why Wisconsin couldn’t get stops late, whether roster construction and NIL limitations are holding the Badgers back, and what this loss means for Greg Gard moving forward. They also dive into: Why the High Point loss hurts so much Whether Wisconsin’s March struggles are becoming a bigger issue Greg Gard’s future and the direction of the program The Badgers’ roster build, toughness, and defensive concerns Frank Kaminsky’s comments on Gard and the state of Wisconsin basketball Why other Big Ten tournament runs only made this loss sting more If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, this episode is a full postmortem on one of the most frustrating NCAA Tournament exits in recent memory. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers coverage, analysis, reactions, and interviews from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

The Sweet 16 is set, and for Wisconsin fans, it somehow hurts even more. Alex Strouf and Wisconsin legend Ben Brust react to the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, why the Badgers’ loss to High Point still stings, and how the Big Ten’s success made it all worse. Iowa and Nebraska are somehow one win away from the Final Four, while Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois are all still alive. The guys break down the Big Ten’s Sweet 16 teams, revisit the idea that the 6-seed may have been the better path, and reset their thoughts on the tournament heading into Thursday’s regional semifinals. In this episode: Why Wisconsin’s loss still feels brutal Why High Point pushing Arkansas changes nothing Iowa and Nebraska’s bizarre runs Michigan State skepticism Illinois vs Houston preview Purdue, Michigan, and the Big Ten’s ceiling Final Four reset after the first weekend

The Wisconsin Badgers just suffered a stunning 83-82 loss to High Point… and it’s how it happened that makes it even worse 😳 Jim Rutledge, Riley Jauch, and Molly Brown react to a game Wisconsin led by 8 points with just over 7 minutes left before everything unraveled. High Point closed on a late surge, hitting 7 of their final 9 shots, while the Badgers fell apart down the stretch with turnovers, missed chances, and no final shot. Despite big performances from Nick Boyd (27 points) and John Blackwell (22 points, 10 rebounds), Wisconsin couldn’t stop High Point’s three-point barrage (15 made threes) or execute late when it mattered most. This wasn’t just an upset — it’s another March disappointment for Wisconsin as a No. 5 seed, and it raises serious questions about the program moving forward. From the late-game collapse to the bigger picture, this is a raw, immediate reaction Badgers fans need to hear.

Former Badger and current Wisconsin assistant coach Brad Davison joins The Jump Around Extra! He chats with Pablo Iglesias and Riley Jauch about his journey from playing to coaching, what the Badgers are preparing for against High Point, why this team can make a deep run, what makes Greg Gard special, and much more!

It’s officially March Madness time for the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball. On this week’s episode of The Jump Around, we break down everything you need to know ahead of Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament matchup vs High Point Panthers men's basketball as a #5 seed. High Point enters on a 14-game winning streak and is one of the highest scoring teams in the country (90 PPG) — is this a dangerous matchup for the Badgers? Plus, what lies ahead? A potential matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks (featuring star guard Darius Acuff Jr.) or the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. 🏀 On this episode: Wisconsin vs High Point full breakdown & expectations Impact of Nolan Winter & Jack Janicki returning Nick Boyd’s chase of Frank Kaminsky’s scoring record Is Boyd already one of the greatest Badgers ever? Greg Gard’s comparisons of Boyd & Blackwell 👀 Bracket predictions & upset picks AND: Kamari McGee joins the show! With March Madness here, what’s the ceiling for Wisconsin? Sweet 16? Elite 8? Final Four? Subscribe for more Badgers basketball coverage, March Madness analysis, and weekly episodes of The Jump Around.

March Mode is back as Alex Strouf and Wisconsin legend Ben Brust react to the Badgers’ NCAA Tournament draw and break down Wisconsin’s path in the bracket. The Badgers are a 5 seed in the West Region and will face 12 seed High Point in the first round in Portland. Is the early tip actually a problem? Is High Point being overhyped as a 12-over-5 upset pick? And how should Wisconsin fans feel about a potential second-round showdown with Arkansas? Plus: • Wisconsin vs High Point matchup reaction • Why Ben likes the “underdog” energy around Wisconsin • Big Ten Tournament and Big Ten Sweet 16 predictions • Michigan State, Illinois, UCLA, Duke and Houston thoughts • Ben Brust’s Final Four picks • Alex Strouf’s Final Four picks Drop your bracket thoughts in the comments and let us know: how far are the Badgers going? ⏱ Chapters 0:00 March Mode begins 0:22 Wisconsin vs High Point game time reaction 0:43 Is the early Portland tip actually a problem? 4:10 Accepting the draw and moving forward 4:58 Why High Point became America’s 12-over-5 pick 7:32 Why Ben likes Wisconsin in the underdog role 10:32 Potential Round of 32 showdown with Arkansas 13:37 Favorite NCAA Tournament tip time as a fan 14:51 Big Ten teams in the bracket 17:09 Why Ben does not believe in Michigan State 19:29 UCLA sleeper thoughts 20:21 Penn vs Illinois and Houston discussion 22:07 How many Big Ten teams reach the Sweet 16? 24:17 Ben Brust’s Final Four 25:17 Alex Strouf’s Final Four 27:04 High Point preview tease

The bracket is out. Alex Strouf hosts March Mode LIVE with Wisconsin Final Four legend Ben Brust and producer Riley Jauch reacting to the Wisconsin Badgers being named a #5 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin will face #12 High Point in the first round as the Badgers look to reach the second weekend for the first time since 2017. We break down: • Wisconsin vs High Point matchup • The Badgers’ path in the West Region • Potential second round opponents • Biggest threats in the region • National title contenders • Full bracket reaction Drop your thoughts and predictions in the chat — we’ll answer them live.

It was an offensive explosion from Wisconsin's stars as Nick Boyd went off for 38 points while John Blackwell added 31, powering the #5 seeded Badgers past #4 Illinois in one of the wildest games of the Big Ten Tournament. With the win, Wisconsin advances to the semifinals where they'll face Michigan Wolverines men's basketball tomorrow. On this Jump Around Postgame Show, hosts Riley Jauch and Pablo Iglesias break down: - Boyd’s incredible 38-point performance - Blackwell’s huge 31-point night - The biggest moments from the overtime thriller - How Wisconsin pulled off the upset - What this win means heading into the semifinal matchup with Michigan Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers basketball coverage, reactions, and Big Ten Tournament analysis.

The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball survived a late scare, holding off the Washington Huskies men's basketball 85–82 in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. Wisconsin looked in control for most of the game before Washington stormed back late, turning what looked like a comfortable Badgers win into a one-possession thriller in the final seconds. On this episode of The Jump Around Extra Postgame Show, Riley Jauch breaks down: • The biggest plays in the final minute • Who stepped up for the Badgers when it mattered most • What this means for Wisconsin's NCAA Tournament seeding • Whether the late collapse scare is a concern moving forward

The Wisconsin Badgers are heading into the Big Ten Tournament with NCAA Tournament seeding on the line — but does the conference tournament actually matter? On today’s episode of The Jump Around, we break down: 🏀 Wisconsin’s Big Ten Tournament path (USC or Washington first, Illinois potential matchup) 📊 Updated NCAA Tournament bracket projections (Wisconsin currently a #6 seed) 🔥 Was Nick Boyd snubbed by the All-Big Ten voters? 🏆 Shariff Chambliss wins Howard Moore Assistant Coach of the Year 🎙 Greg Gard discusses the biggest misconception about Wisconsin basketball 🌀 Twitter Portal debates including potential NCAA Tournament matchups Plus — Pablo Iglesias joins LIVE from the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago to give us the latest from the floor. 📊 Poll Question: Does the Big Ten Tournament actually matter for Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament seeding?

March Mode is back. ESPN Wisconsin’s Alex Strouf and Badger legend Ben Brust break down Wisconsin’s 97-point road statement at Purdue, what the win means for seeding, and how defined roles are shaping this team heading into Big Ten tournament week and Selection Sunday. Toplines • Badgers finish the regular season with a huge road win at Purdue • Nick Boyd and John Blackwell combined for a monster night • Austin Rapp’s role growth and Aleksas Bieliauskas’ defensive presence • Wisconsin locks into the 5-seed for the Big Ten tournament — what to expect in Chicago • Selection Sunday countdown and bracket implications Drop questions in the comments and we’ll answer them on Monday’s episode. ⏱ Chapters 0:00 March Mode Ep. 3 — intro 0:15 Big win at Purdue — overview 0:40 Boyd & Blackwell breakout (48 combined) 1:05 Efficient shooting & first-half explosion (12 threes) 3:00 Austin Rapp’s emergence & defined roles 6:29 Braden Carrington & bench impact 10:16 Aleksas Bieliauskas’ presence down low 13:27 Badgers = 5-seed for Big Ten tourney 15:00 Who they might see in Chicago / matchup notes 19:41 Why one win/loss in the BTT won’t shake confidence 23:30 Closing + Selection Sunday preview

Wisconsin star guard Nick Boyd joins The Jump Around to talk about his fearless playing style, leadership with the Badgers, and what it will take for Wisconsin to make a run in March. Boyd discusses: His Final Four experience at FAU and how it shapes his mindset The fearless mentality that drives his game How Greg Gard has challenged him as a leader Why the Badgers believe they can compete with anyone in college basketball What it would mean to create a March Madness legacy at Wisconsin Plus in this episode: 🏀 Wisconsin vs Maryland recap 🔥 Clip of the Week featuring Ben Brust on “March Mode” 🌀 Twitter Portal 🎙 Live interview with Badgers legend Zak Showalter The Jump Around is a Wisconsin Badgers-focused show airing on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee. Subscribe for more Badgers basketball coverage, interviews, and analysis.

March Mode is back. ESPN Wisconsin’s Alex Strouf and Wisconsin legend Ben Brust react to the Badgers’ 78–45 win over Maryland on Senior Day, but the real story is Nolan Winter’s injury and what it means for Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament outlook. How does Winter’s absence affect the rotation? Can the Badgers improve their seed with a win at Purdue? Is a 6-seed actually the sweet spot? Plus: Austin Rapp finding his role Braden Carrington’s surge Big Ten Tournament preview Ben’s Final Four LOCK A sleeper team that could crash the bracket Drop your questions in the comments for Monday’s episode.

March Mode is live. ESPN Wisconsin’s Alex Strouf and Wisconsin legend Ben Brust kick off a twice-weekly NCAA Tournament sprint with a full breakdown of the Wisconsin Badgers as March arrives. The Badgers looked like two different teams on the West Coast: a rough loss at Oregon, then a 17-point win at Washington sparked by Braden Carrington’s 32 points and 9 threes. So what does it mean for Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament seed, their Big Ten Tournament outlook, and the matchups they do (and do not) want? Plus: Ben gives his take on the national title picture, the conferences he trusts most, why he’s skeptical of Duke in March, and quick-hits on Big Ten contenders like Michigan, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue, Nebraska, and Iowa. Drop your questions in the comments and we’ll hit them on the next episode. Chapters 0:00 March Mode begins 0:56 Badgers: Oregon loss, Washington blowout 2:30 NCAA Tournament seeding: 7 seed vs 6 seed conversation 5:06 Matchups the Badgers should avoid 6:00 Wisconsin’s analytics jump (KenPom/Bart Torvik talk) 10:55 Maryland + Purdue preview 15:20 National contenders and why Ben doubts Duke 22:25 Big Ten “say something nice” lightning round 28:20 Audience questions callout + Ben’s March résumé

Nick Boyd is playing like one of the best guards in college basketball. After Wisconsin’s 84-71 win over Iowa, Boyd nearly posted the first Badgers triple-double since Ethan Happ — finishing with 27 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds as he and Austin Rapp exploded late to put the Hawkeyes away. On this episode of The Jump Around, the crew breaks down: Is Nick Boyd the most electric Badger since Frank Kaminsky? Where does Boyd rank among Wisconsin’s best transfers? Are the Badgers peaking at the right time heading into March? Joe Lunardi now has Wisconsin as a #7 seed — CBS says #6. Is a Sweet 16 run realistic? What must Wisconsin fix before the NCAA Tournament? Plus: Twitter Portal, travel concerns out West, and much more! The Jump Around airs live on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee’s YouTube Channels.

The Wisconsin Badgers followed up a MASSIVE 92-71 win over Michigan State by getting brought back to Earth in an 86-69 loss to Ohio State. Is this just a bump in the road… or something bigger to worry about heading into March? On today’s episode of The Jump Around, we break down: 🏀 What went wrong against the Buckeyes 📊 Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament seeding outlook (Joe Lunardi #7, CBS #8) 🔧 The THREE biggest things Greg Gard’s team must fix before March 🎥 Biggest takeaway from A Road At Night 🥇 Badgers playing for gold 🔥 Electric Final Four debate Plus — Badgers legend Ben Brust joins at 1PM to talk Wisconsin hoops, tournament expectations, and more. Is this team still built for a Sweet 16 run?

Wisconsin basketball just made a statement. After a controversial loss at Indiana, the Badgers responded by knocking off #8 Illinois in overtime — adding it to a growing list of HUGE road wins, including #2 Michigan. But here’s the real question: 👉 Is Wisconsin more likely to make the Sweet 16… or MISS the tournament entirely? We break down: Wisconsin’s tournament ceiling What the Illinois win really means Joe Lunardi & CBS seeding projections Whether this team is built for March Greg Gard’s elite troll moment The Badgers’ portal success PLUS — two major football interviews: 🏈 Matt Mitchell (OLB/Special Teams coach) 🏈 Jeff Grimes (Offensive Coordinator) We dive into: Wisconsin’s defensive culture Offensive identity moving forward The Badgers’ offseason direction Drop your take in the comments: Sweet 16 run… or early exit?

On today’s episode of The Jump Around, we dig into the decline of Badgers in the NFL, the lack of Wisconsin players in the Super Bowl, and what it says about the direction of the football and basketball programs. We break down NFL Draft results since 2020, examine Luke Fickell’s record and recruiting, and ask the tough question: 👉 Is Wisconsin’s recent struggle about recruiting, coaching, or something deeper? We also turn the focus to Greg Gard and Wisconsin basketball, looking at NCAA Tournament results, Sweet 16 droughts, and whether the Badgers are falling short in March because of personnel or crunch-time coaching. Plus: 🔍 How many wins does Luke Fickell need in 2026 to keep his job? 📉 Why has Wisconsin produced fewer high-impact pros in recent years? 🗣️ A lively Twitter Portal with fan-submitted questions 🏆 National champion Riley Nowakowski joins us to talk Indiana’s magical run, Curt Cignetti, Fernando Mendoza, and what it’s like to win it all 📍 LIVE on the ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — recruiting, coaching, or both?

The Wisconsin Badgers’ 2026 football schedule is officially here, and it raises a big question — is this finally the year Wisconsin takes a real step forward? On today’s episode of The Jump Around, we break down every game on the Badgers’ schedule, debate whether this is the easiest path to 8 wins in years, and discuss what it all means for Luke Fickell and the program moving forward. 🔹 Full 2026 Wisconsin Football Schedule Breakdown 🔹 Is this an 8-win team… or are expectations too high? 🔹 Badgers basketball rallies from 20 down vs Minnesota — encouraging sign or red flag? 🔹 Six Badgers shine in Senior Bowl showcase games — who has the best NFL future? 🔹 JJ Watt weighs in on Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub 🔹 Twitter Portal chaos: Notre Dame fans, Minnesota slander & more 📍 LIVE on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment — do YOU see 8 wins on this schedule?

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell joined Wilde & Tausch this morning — and The Jump Around is spending the entire show reacting to his most revealing comments yet. -Jim, Pablo, and Riley break down Fickell’s candid thoughts on: -Wisconsin’s aggressive but disciplined transfer portal approach -Why he never wants NIL to just be about money -Agents setting “markets” that may not be real -Why this era has no rules and demands constant adaptability -Building culture through honesty, relationships, and trust -Why Indiana’s title run matters — and why talent alone isn’t everything -His belief that college football is the greatest team sport known to man -What Colton Joseph and Wisconsin’s recruiting strategy say about the future -Why this is now a “grown man’s league” If you want the full context behind Wisconsin’s offseason mindset — straight from Fickell himself — this is a must-watch breakdown for Badgers fans. 🔴 LIVE on the ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels 🦡 The Jump Around — Wisconsin’s Badgers-dedicated show

Momentum is finally building in Madison — and The Jump Around breaks it all down. On today’s episode of Wisconsin’s Badgers-dedicated show, we ask the big question: are the Badgers actually back? After a stunning turnaround on the hardwood and renewed frustration on the football side, there’s plenty to unpack. 🏀 Wisconsin Basketball: Are We Back? Three straight wins following the Purdue blowout Victories over UCLA, #2 Michigan, and Minnesota John Blackwell’s buzzer-beater — signature moment or turning point? What actually changed during this stretch? 🏈 Wisconsin vs Indiana Football Indiana Hoosiers playing for a national title sparks debate Is Curt Cignetti’s model repeatable? Should Wisconsin Badgers follow a similar blueprint? 👀 Watchability Meter Rutgers @ Penn State USC Which games are worth circling on the calendar? 🎥 Clip of the Week **Barry Alvarez’s National Championship preview Predictions for Monday night 🐦 Twitter Portal Chaos Blackwell’s buzzer-beater comparisons Healing signs for humanity How do you feel about the Badgers’ loss to Indiana now? 🎙 Special Guest: Freddie Owens 3× Big Ten Champion at Wisconsin Hit the iconic Sweet 16-clinching three vs Tulsa Former coach at Holy Cross, Montana, & UW-Green Bay Author of Echoes of Stark Park (releasing February)

Wisconsin is making serious noise in the transfer portal, and one of the Badgers’ rising stars believes it’s only the beginning 👀 🏈 Star LB Mason Posa joins The Jump Around and delivers a powerful message to players considering Wisconsin Badgers — including why this roster can compete for the College Football Playoff. We also break down: 🔁 Wisconsin’s HOT start in the transfer portal (21 incoming transfers) ⭐ Big-name additions like QB Colton Joseph, RB Abu Sama III, and CB Bryce West 🤔 Is Badgers basketball still #InGardWeTrust? 🎙️ Kelly Sheffield’s blunt comments on transfers & agents 🐦 Twitter Portal reactions you have to hear 📌 Mason Posa accolades: 2025 Freshman All-American 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team ⬇️ Drop your thoughts below ⬇️ Does this portal class make you believe in Wisconsin football again… or do you need to see it on the field first? 🔴⚪️ New episodes of The Jump Around stream live on the ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels every Thursday at 12:30!

Wisconsin’s transfer portal run keeps rolling, and The Jump Around is here to break it all down. The Badgers now sit with the No. 8 transfer portal class in the country (per 247Sports) after adding even more talent, including offensive lineman Blake Cherry from Arkansas and cornerback Bryce West from Ohio State. On this episode, Jim, Pablo, & Riley dive into: 🔄 Wisconsin’s explosive start in the transfer portal 📈 Moving into the top-8 nationally in portal rankings 🧱 Blake Cherry (Arkansas) and how he fits into the Badgers’ offensive line rebuild 🛡 Bryce West (Ohio State) and what he brings to a retooled secondary 🏈 Previously added portal standouts: QB Colton Joseph (Old Dominion) RB Abu Sama III (Iowa State) WR Shamar Rigby (Oklahoma State) 🧠 What this portal approach says about Wisconsin’s offseason philosophy Is this the most aggressive portal stretch in Wisconsin football history? Are the Badgers finally adapting to the modern era of roster building? 📺 Watch now on ESPN Madison’s YouTube channel 💬 Drop your grade for Wisconsin’s portal class in the comments 👍 Like, subscribe, and follow for more Badgers football breakdowns

It’s Final Four night in Kansas City, and The Jump Around Extra is here with a full-throttle Wisconsin Volleyball preview ahead of the Badgers’ NCAA Semifinal showdown vs. Kentucky! Hosted by Pablo Iglesias and Riley Jauch, this volleyball-only special dives into every storyline, every matchup, and every high-stakes moment as Wisconsin chases another national title. We’re joined throughout the show by the voices of Wisconsin Volleyball: 🎙 Jesse Nelson — studio anchor, Wisconsin Volleyball Radio Network 🎙 Jon Arias — play-by-play broadcaster for Wisconsin Volleyball Radio 🎙 Pete Waite — former Wisconsin head coach & analyst Plus, a pre-recorded exclusive interview with: 🏐 Lauren Carlini, Wisconsin volleyball legend, Olympic medalist, pro setter & current UW assistant coach What we’re breaking down: 🔥 How Wisconsin matches up with Kentucky’s offense and serving pressure 🧠 Key adjustments entering the NCAA Semifinals 💣 Postseason mindset — “win or go home” energy 🏆 What it takes to get back to a national championship match ⭐ X-factors, matchups, serving targets & momentum players 🐦 Your live reactions, predictions & fan hype This show is for Badgers Volleyball fans, NCAA tournament junkies, and anyone looking for expert breakdowns before first serve. 📺 Watch live on ESPN Madison YouTube channel 💬 Tell us in the comments — are the Badgers winning tonight? 👍 Like & subscribe for more Wisconsin volleyball tournament coverage

A massive day of Wisconsin news on The Jump Around, and we’ve got a loaded show — including 2021 National Champion and Badgers volleyball star Devyn Robinson LIVE at 1 PM, plus an exclusive interview with Social House Vodka following their new partnership with Wisconsin Athletics. We kick things off at 12:30 PM with the biggest headline of the day: 💰 Wisconsin’s New NIL Department: Badger Athlete Partners Wisconsin officially launches Badger Athlete Partners, a full-service NIL agency under Learfield — built to: Retain top talent Compete in the transfer portal Connect athletes with corporate sponsors Add five full-time hires, making UW one of the largest NIL departments nationally Support football roster-building without endlessly hitting donors Is this a game-changer for Wisconsin? Is it too little too late? Can the Badgers finally compete in NIL recruiting? 🎥 Clip of the Week — CFP Debate Barry Alvarez says James Madison & Tulane in the CFP is GOOD for college football. Do you agree — or are you Team Tarek? We give our predictions for the College Football Playoff field. 🐦 Twitter Portal Penn State QB Beau Pribula hits the portal — should Wisconsin go after him? Nebraska Volleyball LOST 😂 Who has the most insufferable fanbase in college sports? Is the UW marching band actually cool? 🏐 Devyn Robinson LIVE at 1 PM! The reigning MVP joins us to talk: What it takes to reach this point in the NCAA Tournament Her best memories from the 2021 National Championship team Preparing for another deep run Locker-room culture & big-moment mentality 🍸 Social House Vodka x Wisconsin Athletics We close with a special interview with Cary Joshi of Social House Vodka, fresh off partnering with the Varsity Collective and Wisconsin Athletics.

Wisconsin Badgers head wrestling coach Chris Bono joins Riley Jauch and The Jump Around Extra for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of Wisconsin Wrestling, the challenges of the NIL and transfer portal era, and what it takes to build a sustainable championship culture in the Big Ten. Coach Bono discusses: Wisconsin’s 5–0 start and goals heading into Big Ten play How the Badgers can close the gap on Penn State, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska Why development, not the portal, remains the foundation of the program The importance of All-Americans and national champions in March How Wisconsin measures progress beyond dual-meet wins The rapid growth of wrestling nationally and in the state of Wisconsin The future of women’s wrestling and why the sport is at an all-time high Bono also opens up about: The difficulty of adversity as a coach vs. athlete Building lifelong relationships with his wrestlers Maintaining roster continuity in the NIL + transfer portal era Recruiting and retaining Wisconsin in-state talent The culture of hustle, effort, accountability, and commitment inside the room Plus, Coach Bono explains why fans should make it a priority to pack the UW Field House, what makes this team especially entertaining to watch, and his vision for taking Wisconsin Wrestling events across the state. This is a must-watch conversation for Badgers fans, wrestling fans, and anyone interested in how college athletics is evolving.

A massive week in Wisconsin sports means a loaded episode of The Jump Around. We kick things off with Clip of the Week, reacting to Tarek Saleh's claim that Tulane and JMU’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff is “ruining college football.” Do you agree? And if not Tulane or JMU—who should have made the CFP? Then, the Wisconsin Twitter Portal heats up with Luke Fickell making his first major offseason move: hiring offensive line coach Eric Mateos away from Arkansas while parting ways with AJ Blazek. Arkansas OL under Mateos (via PFSN College): ⭐ #1 in QB pressure rate allowed (69.9%) ⭐ #5 in yards before contact (2.7 YBC) ⭐ #2 in yards per attempt (6.2) ⭐ #2 overall OL grade (Wisconsin ranked 84th in 2025) Plus, Mateos reunites with OC Phil Grimes from their BYU and Baylor days. We also react to the latest Wisconsin departures: Cade Yacamelli, Joseph Smith Jr., Atticus Bertrams, Tackett Curtis, and most notably, Trech Kekahuna. How big of a deal are they—and how much should fans really care? At 12:45 PM, Jim Polzin of BadgerExtra joins to discuss: Wisconsin Football’s disappointing season Whether Luke Fickell will still be the coach in 2027 The early outlook for Wisconsin men’s basketball His reporting on UW’s response to abuse allegations against former WBB coach Marisa Mosely — and how the university could call her actions “heroic” At 1:00 PM, Jon Arias joins the show to talk Wisconsin Volleyball and Women’s Basketball: Badgers VB heading into the Sweet 16 / Elite Eight Whether a Final Four run would be a surprise How Wisconsin WBB earned a massive ranked win over #20 Michigan State Whether he’s a believer in Robin Pingeton and how her leadership differs from past approaches 📺 Watch live on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee’s YouTube Channels 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly Badgers talk and exclusive interviews.

The Wisconsin Badgers closed their season with a 17-7 loss to Minnesota, dropping the Axe for the fourth time in the last five meetings and finishing the year at 4-8, their worst record since 1995. With back-to-back losing seasons under Luke Fickell, fans are searching for answers. On this week’s edition of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge & Pablo Iglesias break down everything from the rivalry disappointment to what Wisconsin needs to fix heading into 2025. We cover: 🪓 Another Axe Game loss — What went wrong vs. Minnesota? 😬 Season emotions — frustration, disappointment, or something deeper? 📺 Clip of the Week: Barry Alvarez believes the turnaround can happen quickly 🔮 How fast can Wisconsin rebound? How many wins next year? 📝 National Signing Day 2026 discussion 🔍 Most important positions to target in the portal and in recruiting Plus: 🔥 Wisconsin Twitter Portal topics • Melvin Gordon being “Lane Kiffin’ed” • Texas fans melting down about the CFP At 1:00 PM, former Badgers star Brian Calhoun joins the show. The 2005 All-American discusses: His perspective on the state of Wisconsin Football What the team needs to regain national relevance And more! 📺 Watch live on the ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly Badgers content, interviews, and analysis.

The Badgers are BACK… or are they? Wisconsin football rolled No. 21 Illinois 27–10 behind a breakout performance from Darrion Dupree, who ripped off an 84-yard touchdown, and Darryl Peterson, who dominated with three sacks and took home Big Ten Player of the Week honors. In this week’s edition of The Jump Around, we break down everything you need to know heading into Axe Week as Wisconsin prepares for its rivalry showdown against Minnesota. Luke Fickell kept his press conference simple, respect the tradition, win the Axe, but what does this game really mean for the program? We discuss: Are the Badgers officially back? Optimism levels heading into the offseason Is the Minnesota game season-defining for Wisconsin? What Luke Fickell has proven so far in Year 2 Clip of the Week: Jay Vilai knocks the M off the helmet At 1:00 PM, former Badgers safety Collin Wilder joins the show, a proud Minnesota hater, to preview the rivalry, break down the vibes inside the locker room, and give his keys to keeping the Axe in Madison.

After a promising first half, the Wisconsin Badgers ran out of gas against #2 Indiana, falling 31-7, and Luke Fickell’s postgame message was clear: the team needs a killer instinct. On this week’s episode of The Jump Around, the crew breaks down the latest on the Badgers’ offense, the future of Carter Smith at quarterback, and where the program stands heading into matchups with Illinois and Minnesota. 🏈 Topics This Week: Fickell’s “killer instinct” message & reaction to the Indiana loss Carter Smith’s performance - QB1 of the future or another transfer portal search? Is it insulting to be compared to Illinois? Wisconsin Twitter Portal: Vakos vs Lahm, favorite Big Ten villains, and returning transfers Special guest Evan Cohen (ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike, UW alum) on Fickell’s future, fan trust, and in-state recruiting 📺 The Jump Around streams live Thursdays at 12:30 PM CT on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee - your home for all things Badgers football.

The Badgers finally did it — Wisconsin football earned its first ranked win under Luke Fickell (and first since 2021) with a gritty 13-10 victory over Washington. On today’s episode of The Jump Around, the crew breaks down what the win means for the direction of the program and whether it signals a genuine turning point for Fickell’s first era in Madison. 🏈 Topics This Week: How Wisconsin’s defense — led by Cooper Catalano & Mason Posa — carried the day Carter Smith’s performance and whether he’s truly the QB of the future Mason Posa’s bold “National Title Contenders” quote 🔥 A look ahead to Wisconsin vs Indiana with Brewers & BTN voice Jeff Levering Plus: Wisconsin Twitter Portal, Big Ten rivalries, and some Veteran’s Day shout-outs

The Wisconsin Badgers offense has hit rock bottom — ranked 125th in passing and near the bottom of the Power Four. With Carter Smith rumored to start at quarterback, The Jump Around crew debates whether Luke Fickell should hand the keys to the freshman and start planning for the future. NBC’s Nicole Auerbach joins the show to give her national perspective on the Badgers, the growing pains of Fickell’s first seasons, and how Wisconsin fits into the modern college football landscape. Plus: 🏈 Could former Badger Jason Eck be a better fit than Fickell as head coach? 🔥 JJ Watt’s frustration on The Pat McAfee Show - are former players turning on the program? 🏀 A quick look at Wisconsin basketball’s 96-64 win and John Blackwell’s breakout performance. 💻 The Matt Brown Saga on Twitter - why can't Badgers fans have anything nice? 📺 The Jump Around airs Thursdays at 12:30 PM CT on ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee

It’s Pablo Iglesias & Jim Rutledge on The Jump Around! Today, they discuss Wisconsin football super-donor Ted Kellner standing by Luke Fickell and Chris McIntosh despite the Badgers’ struggles... should fans trust the process? They break down Kellner’s comments from Jim Polzin’s BadgerExtra article, debate the future of Wisconsin football, and tackle the big questions: Should the Badgers recruit more in-state talent? What’s the truth about the NIL and transfer portal changes coming next year? Plus, former Badgers safety Collin Wilder joins the show to share his thoughts on the state of the program and his best memories from Madison.

It’s Pablo Iglesias & Jim Rutledge on The Jump Around! Today, they discuss the feeling that Luke Fickell still seems like an outsider in the state of Wisconsin despite it being year three of his tenure. They also try to hammer down what the bigger issue is with Badgers football right now: the NIL/recruiting or the coaching itself? UW seems to answer that question differently than most... Riley takes the fellas into the Wisconsin Twitter Portal with some broader questions about college football and some preseason disrespect towards Badgers basketball from national pundits. Finally, Wisconsin basketball legend and UW Hall of Famer Jordan Taylor joins the show! He talks being teammates with Ben Brust, his time at Wisconsin, why he's incredibly high on this year's Badgers team, and much more!

It’s Pablo Iglesias & Jim Rutledge on The Jump Around EXTRA! Today, they discuss the hopeless state of Wisconsin Badgers football and the letter of support that AD Chris McIntosh sent out to Badgers fans and alumni this morning. It seems like Fickell is sticking around for at least the rest of the season... what does that mean for the Wisconsin football program?

It’s Pablo Iglesias & Jim Rutledge on The Jump Around! Today, they discuss the hopeless state of Wisconsin Badgers football heading into Saturday's game versus No. 1 Ohio State at Camp Randall. What's going to be at stake with the 1994, 1999, and 2000 Rose Bowl teams in town, what did Barry Alvarez have to say about the lack of PRIDE for this football team, and how much is the Wisconsin administration losing by not firing Luke Fickell sooner rather than later? They also discuss The Athletic ranking Wisconsin football as the most HOPELESS program in college football and the latest proud UW alums calling out Wisconsin's administrators to DO SOMETHING about Luke Fickell and this program! Then, Wisconsin Badgers football legend David Gilreath joins to talk about the 15th anniversary of his 2010 team upsetting No. 1 Ohio State and his iconic opening kickoff TD return!

It’s Pablo & Jim on The Jump Around! Today they ask the question, which stat is more damning in the Luke Fickell era, his 0-8 record against Top 25 teams or his 2-4 record in trophy games? They quickly recap the Michigan game before previewing potentially the Badgers most winnable game the rest of the season against Iowa. The guys also talk about the incredibly low over/under for Wisconsin's game this weekend, which, while typically for Iowa, may reflect how inept the Badgers offense has been this season. Finally, Riley takes the guys into the Twitter Portal involving some Big Noon, RBU, and coaching comparison conversations before former Wisconsin punter, host of Kyle, Brust, and Nortman, and fake punt extraordinaire Brad Nortman joins the show!

It’s Pablo & Jim on The Jump Around! Today they ponder the question, would things be different if Fickell just had his starting QB the past three seasons? They also question, why exactly are you still watching the Badgers? What makes you want to turn on the TV and struggle through a Wisconsin football game? There's also some basketball discussion for the first time in a while as the sudden news of Kirk Penney's departure has the guys rattled. Finally, Riley takes the guys into the Twitter Portal involving some sports betting, underdogs, and Mr. Brightside before ESPN college football analyst and former Seattle Seahawks QB Kelly Stouffer joins the show!

It’s Pablo & Jim on The Jump Around! They react to Barry Alvarez's viral clip stating that Badgers fans are spoiled rotten, which the guys think might be a bit tone deaf. Then they look at the debacle that is the current Wisconsin Badgers football team and ponder how they can salvage their season, what changes need to be made moving forward, and do either Fickell or AD Chris McIntosh survive to see next season? Riley takes the guys into a more depressing than usual Twitter Portal before ESPN Big Ten reporter Adam Rittenberg joins the show!

It's Pablo and Jim on an emergency episode of The Jump Around Extra! After a brutal, program-defining loss to Maryland over the weekend, it's time to take a look at the state of the Wisconsin Badgers program. It's clear they aren't moving in the right direction under Luke Fickell, so where do they go from here? The guys discuss as well as start looking at which coaches should replace Fickell in the near future.

It’s Pablo & Jim on The Jump Around! They recap the brutal showing for the Badgers against Alabama, preview Maryland this weekend, and start to ponder the question: Is Luke Fickell's time at Wisconsin in jeopardy with a loss or unconvincing win against Maryland? When will we start to see improvements? They react to a disheartening discussion from Jen, Gabe, & Chewy, Barry Alvarez, and the head coach himself! Riley lightens the mood with some Badgers Twitter Portal shenanigans before they play interviews with Wisconsin LB Mason Reiger and WR Jayden Ballard!

It’s Pablo & Jim on The Jump Around! Today after a quick takeaway from the Badgers 42-10 victory over Middle Tennessee, it's all about the Badgers looking to roll over the Tide. The guys give their takes on what needs to happen for Bucky to pull off the upset, and what they need to avoid if Wisconsin doesn't want to walk away whipped. They delve a little bit into a conversation on historical matchups and then turn their attention to a fun conversation from Unsportsmanlike about safety schools. Riley brings the fellas into the Twitter portal with a Luke Fickell quote, some AP Poll drama, and the Badgers national relevancy before former All-Big 10 Badgers CB Sojourn Shelton joins the show! He discusses what differences he sees between this year's team and the last couple of Fickell squads, his experience playing against Alabama, Wisconsin's keys to victory, and much more!