Wisconsin’s slide in the US LBM Coaches Poll was as ugly as the loss that triggered it.
After getting blown up in Iowa City, the Badgers barely showed up in the Nov. 1 rankings, collecting just three votes. That was the fifth fewest among teams outside the top 25 and leaves Wisconsin effectively sitting at No. 37 in the nation - a long way from where voters were willing to place them after the dominant win over USC.
The contrast with the teams around them only sharpens the hit. USC’s victory over Ohio State lifted the Trojans to No. 17, while Iowa climbed all the way back into the top 20 at No.
- The Hawkeyes earned 448 points in the poll and moved up four spots.
At the top, Miami (FL) held firm at No. 1 with 68 first-place votes, followed by Georgia, Indiana, Utah and UCLA. Notre Dame stayed put at No. 6, Kentucky moved up to No. 7, and BYU rounded out the top eight.
Ohio State took the biggest tumble near the top, falling from No. 2 to No. 10. Florida dropped out of the rankings entirely after sitting at No. 20 last week.
The full list of teams receiving votes included South Carolina with 91, Florida with 81, UTSA and Duke with 76 apiece, Virginia Tech with 53, Oregon with 41, Minnesota with 10, Oklahoma State with 9, Liberty with 6, North Texas with 4, Wisconsin with 3, Memphis with 2, and North Dakota State, Nebraska and Cincinnati with 1 each.
In Other News...
Wisconsins Rivalry Loss Just Put One Badgers Problem In Plain Sight
Wisconsins setback against Iowa did more than dent the standings. It put a spotlight on the kind of issues that can linger long after a rivalry game ends. Sebastian Cheeks pointed to a lack of readiness and effort from teammates, and that fits with the broader concern around this group: the Badgers have shown enough early success to raise expectations, but not enough consistency to make anyone comfortable.
Luke Fickell has already warned about the danger of complacency, and this loss made that warning feel a lot less theoretical. The next step for Wisconsin is not just about correcting a game plan or cleaning up execution, but about reestablishing the grit and physicality that have to define the program. Until the culture and motivation sharpen up, the Badgers are going to keep inviting the same questions. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Just Created A Ranking Debate Fans Wont Ignore
USCs path through the AP Top 25 has already taken a sharp turn, and Wisconsin is part of the reason why. The Trojans dropped out of the poll after losing to the Badgers, then turned around and beat No. 2 Ohio State at home, a result that immediately changed the conversation around both teams and sent ripples through the rankings.
Ohio States offense never looked settled without its regular quarterback, and the Buckeyes paid for it when the latest poll came out. With several other ranked teams also winning and losing, the standings shifted in a way that made the top of the poll feel anything but stable, and Wisconsins earlier win over USC now sits inside a much bigger debate about what it all means. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsins Iowa Loss Exposed An Offensive Shift Fans Cant Ignore
Wisconsins 30-0 loss to Iowa did more than leave the Badgers searching for answers on the scoreboard. It also laid bare a noticeable shift in how the offense is being deployed, with the snap counts offering a clearer picture of who is being leaned on and where the staff is still trying to find something that works. The result was an attack that never found much rhythm, even as the rotations around it kept changing.
One of the biggest takeaways was the heavier usage of true freshman Hopkins at quarterback, a sign the staff is willing to keep exploring options there. Up front, the right guard spot turned into a revolving door, another indication that the line is still unsettled as Wisconsin tries to piece together a functional run game and pass protection. For a team that needs stability, the numbers from this one suggest the search is still very much on. [Read more 🡒]