In a move that's been stirring up conversations across the college sports landscape, the NCAA has rolled out the "five-in-five" rule, a game-changer for college athletes everywhere. This new regulation sets a firm five-year eligibility window for athletes, starting from their high school graduation or, for international players, five years post their 19th birthday. Gone are the days of the redshirt system, as athletes will now have to apply for waivers if they seek an extra year on the field or court.
For teams like the Wisconsin Badgers, this new rule brings a mixed bag of impacts. Take Owen Foxwell, for instance.
He finds himself losing a year of eligibility, a tough break for any athlete. But for most of the Badgers' roster, this rule is a boon.
Players who were on the verge of graduation now have the opportunity to stay an extra year, giving them more time to develop under the guidance of Greg Gard. This added experience could elevate the team's performance, potentially making them a formidable force in the upcoming seasons.
Looking ahead, the Badgers' roster is shaping up to be quite the powerhouse. With Nolan Winter, Trey Autry, and Eian Elmer now eligible for an extra year, the 2027-28 season is set to be thrilling. Add to that the excitement of welcoming two top-100 recruits, Baboucarr Ann and Jalen Brown, and Wisconsin is gearing up to be one of the most competitive teams we've seen in recent years.
However, as the Badgers gear up for the current season, there's a looming question mark: who will step up as the go-to playmaker? Winter, Rapp, and Elmer have proven themselves as reliable finishers, thriving off plays set up by their teammates.
With Foxwell in the mix, there's a chance he could orchestrate the offense, distributing the ball and setting the tempo. Yet, when the clock's ticking down and the game hangs in the balance, the Badgers need a clutch performer to take charge-a role that's yet to be filled.
Looking to the future, the 2027-28 roster holds promise, especially with the potential development of Brown and Ann. Both recruits have shown glimpses of being able to create their own shots, a skill that could prove invaluable. Brown's polished handle and shooting range give him an edge at this stage, while Ann's flashes as a dynamic transition player and passer suggest a high ceiling.
All in all, the Badgers are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run in the coming years. If they can iron out the wrinkles and continue to develop their talent, Wisconsin fans could be in for an exciting ride.
In Other News...
Wisconsin May Already Have 3 Freshmen Ready To Force The Issue
Wisconsins willingness to let freshmen crack the lineup looks a little different now with the NCAAs 5-in-5 rule in place, and the Badgers seem prepared to live with the growing pains if the talent is ready. In a class that still has time to develop, three 2026 recruits have already started to separate themselves as the most plausible early contributors: Yahya Gaad, Carson Eloms and Keeyshawn Tabuteau.
The path is not the same for each of them, especially with the line positions usually demanding more time and the defensive backfield and receiver room each carrying their own layers of urgency. Gaad, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound EDGE who flipped from UCLA, and Eloms, an early-enrolling corner with speed and NFL ties, both fit needs Wisconsin may have to address sooner rather than later, while the wide receiver group is crowded with transfers and still searching for proven production from the returnees. [Read more 🡒]
Which Greg Gard Recruiting Class Was Really Wisconsin's Best
Greg Gards recruiting history at Wisconsin has been a study in patience as much as talent evaluation, with the Badgers often getting more mileage out of developmental wins than splashy rankings. The breakdown of his classes from 2015 through 2027 shows how the staff has pieced together everything from under-the-radar contributors to higher-end talent, and why some classes age better once the players actually get on the floor.
The 2027 group adds a fresh layer to that conversation, since it is already sitting near the top of the national rankings and has a chance to reshape how Gards recruiting legacy is viewed in Madison. Still, the answer to which class ultimately stands above the rest depends on what the newest arrivals become once their Wisconsin careers are written, which is exactly what makes the comparison so interesting for a program that has long valued proof over promise. [Read more 🡒]
John Tonjes Celtics Path Suddenly Feels Far Less Certain
John Tonjes path in Boston has entered a quieter, more uncertain stretch as the Celtics sort through the final pieces of their Summer League roster. The former Wisconsin standout is still in the mix as a restricted free agent, and the teams decision to keep him in that status gives it a chance to hold onto him while other NBA suitors remain in play.
Tonjes case is built on promise more than volume after a brief NBA look last season and a strong run with the Maine Celtics in the G-League. With Boston still shaping the rest of its Summer League group, including the expected addition of veteran guard Kyle Mangas, the next step for Tonje will depend on how the Celtics choose to use the flexibility theyve preserved. [Read more 🡒]