When the Wisconsin Badgers secured point guard Nick Boyd through the transfer portal for the 2025-26 college basketball season, they knew they had something special on their hands. Boyd has not only lived up to expectations but has arguably become the top point guard in the Big Ten, and possibly the entire nation.
Boyd's journey has been remarkable, starting his college career with the Florida Atlantic Owls before moving to the San Diego State Aztecs. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Just this past Sunday, he led the No. 24 Badgers to an 84-71 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Boyd was on the brink of a triple-double, racking up 27 points, dishing out 10 assists, and pulling down nine rebounds over 36 minutes of play.
Facing Iowa's defense, which ranks 34th nationally with an adjusted defensive efficiency of 100.1 according to KenPom, made Boyd's performance even more impressive. Iowa head coach Ben McCollum acknowledged Boyd's dominance against their defense.
Boyd's ability to drive to the paint was evident, with 24 of his 27 points coming from within two-point range or at the free-throw line. This kind of performance is impressive against any opponent, but particularly striking against an Iowa team that had previously held all but one opponent below their season scoring average.
"Letting Boyd get downhill to the left every single possession was not the game plan," admitted Iowa coach Ben McCollum.
In his 27 games with the Badgers, Boyd has been a consistent force, averaging 20.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 48 percent from the field. Boyd's presence has been a game-changer for Wisconsin, making him a standout player to watch this season.