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It's the return of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge talking all things Badgers football on ESPN Madison! Jim sits down with former Badgers and fellow ESPN Wisconsin hosts to discuss the biggest topics and questions surrounding Badgers football each week.
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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
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