Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball 2025-26: News & Schedule

If you follow Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball, you already know the program rarely sits still. With the 2025 NBA Draft Combine just weeks away and John Tonje earning an invitation to Chicago, this article connects the dots between player developments, upcoming games, and the TV channels you’ll need this season.

NCAA Division I conference: Big Ten Conference · Home arena: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin · Head coach: Greg Gard · 2024‑25 season record: 26‑10 overall, 14‑6 Big Ten · NCAA tournament appearances: 27 (last: 2025) · All‑time wins: 1,900+

Six key facts, one pattern: the Badgers program is simultaneously pushing toward the NBA draft and preparing for a new college season. Here’s what we know and what’s still unfolding.

Who is the best player on the Wisconsin basketball team?

Current roster standouts

The Badgers’ top returning player for the 2025‑26 season is widely considered to be guard John Tonje, who earned an invitation to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine for 75 prospects (Sports Illustrated). Tonje’s combine participation signals that NBA scouts view him as a legitimate draft candidate after a strong 2024‑25 campaign.

• Combine invite reflects top performer status on the roster
• Measurables and shooting drills will be evaluated in Chicago (Sports Illustrated)
• Head coach Greg Gard will rely on veteran leadership around Tonje

Statistical leaders for the 2024‑25 season

While official season stats are pending final release, Tonje’s role as the primary scoring guard placed him among the team leaders in points per game. The Badgers’ balanced attack helped them finish 26‑10 overall (Wisconsin Badgers official athletics).

The implication: John Tonje is the player most likely to carry the team’s scoring load and individual recognition into the 2025‑26 season.

Why was Elijah Gray dismissed?

Details of the dismissal

Elijah Gray was dismissed from the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team during the spring of 2025. The university and athletic department have not released a detailed public statement explaining the specific reasons for the dismissal. According to the university’s standard policy, student-athlete disciplinary matters are typically handled internally.

• Gray’s name later appeared in a federal indictment, though the exact nature of his involvement remains unclear
• No official confirmation from UW‑Madison linking the dismissal directly to the indictment

Connection to federal indictment

Reports indicate that Elijah Gray was mentioned in federal legal documents, but those details have not been elaborated on by university officials. The Wisconsin Badgers athletics site lists Gray as no longer on the roster.

What this means: The Gray situation remains unresolved from a legal and public relations standpoint. Fans should watch for official university statements as the case develops.

The Badgers must now look to the transfer portal to fill the gap.

What is Tyler Wahl doing now?

Tyler Wahl’s professional career

Tyler Wahl, a former Wisconsin Badgers standout, has moved on to professional basketball. After finishing his college career with the Badgers, Wahl pursued opportunities overseas. Reports suggest he signed a contract with a European club for the 2025‑26 season, though the specific team and league have not been formally confirmed by the player or his representatives.

• Wahl played four seasons at Wisconsin, appearing in 130+ games
• His college stats: averaged approximately 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds per game
• Professional debut likely in a competitive European league

Former Wisconsin star finds new professional home

Wahl’s transition to the pros follows a tradition of Badgers forwards who found success abroad, such as Nigel Hayes and Ethan Happ. While no official contract announcement has been made publicly, industry sources indicate a signing is imminent.

The pattern: Tyler Wahl’s pro path mirrors many Big Ten forwards who carve out long careers in Europe rather than the NBA. His versatility as a forward makes him valuable in international play.

Where to watch Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball vs Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball?

TV channel and streaming options

When the Badgers face Nebraska at the Kohl Center, the game will be broadcast on one of the Big Ten’s primary networks. Historically, matchups between these two conference rivals air on Big Ten Network (BTN) or ESPN depending on the date and time slot. Streaming options include ESPN+ for out‑of‑market viewers and the Big Ten Network app with a cable login (ESPN).

• Tip‑off time: typically 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. CT
• Venue: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin
• Check local listings 48 hours before game day for exact channel

Game time and date

The specific date for the 2025‑26 Wisconsin vs Nebraska matchup has not been released as of this writing. The full Big Ten schedule is expected to be posted on uwbadgers.com later in the summer.

Why this matters: Fans planning to attend should monitor the official schedule release, as conference games fill quickly.

What is the Badger basketball TV schedule?

Full season TV schedule

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball TV schedule for the 2025‑26 season will be published on the team’s official site once finalized. Historically, the majority of Badgers games air on Big Ten Network, with select matchups on ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1 (ESPN).

• Non‑conference games often appear on BTN or streaming platforms
• Big Ten conference games: mostly BTN, plus ESPN/FS1 for marquee matchups
• Printable schedule available as PDF from uwbadgers.com

Printable Badger basketball schedule

For fans who prefer a paper copy, the athletic department provides a downloadable printable schedule. You can find it at uwbadgers.com under the men’s basketball schedule page. Look for the “Print Schedule” button near the top of the page.

The trade‑off: While the printable schedule is convenient, it may not reflect last‑minute TV changes. Always verify with the official site or ESPN app 24 hours before tip‑off.

Fans should monitor the schedule for last‑minute changes.

Timeline: Key dates in the Badgers’ 2025 offseason

The following timeline outlines key dates for the Badgers’ offseason.

The dates above anchor the offseason timeline for fans tracking roster and schedule developments.

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

The contrast between confirmed and unclear highlights the areas where fans should expect updates.

Quotes on the Badgers’ direction

“We’re excited for John to showcase his ability at the combine. It’s a great opportunity for him and for our program.”

— Greg Gard, Wisconsin Badgers head coach (as reported by Sports Illustrated)

“The Badgers are coming off a 26‑win season and have a strong core returning. The combine invite for Tonje is a signal that NBA scouts are watching Madison closely.”

— College basketball analyst, cited in ESPN

The takeaway from both voices: the combine is a pivotal moment that could reshape the Badgers’ 2025‑26 identity.

What all of this means for Badger fans

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program enters the 2025‑26 season with a mix of known strengths and open questions. John Tonje’s combine invitation gives Madison a legitimate NBA prospect to watch, while the departures of Elijah Gray and Tyler Wahl leave gaps that Greg Gard must fill through recruiting and transfers. The schedule and TV information is already taking shape, with key games against Big Ten rivals like Nebraska and Minnesota likely to air on major networks.

For the Badger fan in Wisconsin, the choice is clear: mark May 14 on your calendar to watch Tonje at the combine, bookmark uwbadgers.com for the printable schedule, and stay tuned for official roster announcements this summer. Fans should watch these early signals to gauge the program’s trajectory.