​Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard reacts during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Kaleb KrausThe Wisconsin Badgers have some work to do to keep their recent run of NCAA Tournament berths going. They have made the last three tournaments primarily because of their work in the transfer portal. They had to use it big time once again, as John Blackwell transferred to Duke in the offseason. They do have two players back who have been in Madison for three years or more now. Those are Jack Janicki and Nolan Winter.Head Coach Greg Gard might have the Badgers back in NCAA tournament form, but they haven’t reached the Sweet 16 since 2017. Gard was still an assistant coach the last time they went to the Elite Eight in 2015.Time will tell if the 2026-27 Wisconsin Badgers can get back to that level.Injured Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter, left, talks with injured guard Jack Janicki before the second half of their third-round game of the Big Ten tournament Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Washington 85-82. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWisconsin Badgers Roster Make-UpWinter returns after a productive junior season, where he averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds. He’s starting to turn into the type of Big man that Wisconsin is long known for. He’s made the right steps to being in line with Badgers all-time greats like Frank Kaminsky. Janicki is another big returner despite his low-point output in his first two seasons. Braeden Carrington is another massive piece Wisconsin has back, as he will play a sixth season of college ball.Austin Rapp is another big that has a chance to take the next step this season. He will also have some new friends from the portal, as Trey Autry joins after three seasons at George Washington. He should fill the Blackwell role well.  Eian Elmer joins Wisconsin after an All-MAC season in 2025-26. Victory Onuetu is the other big portal addition as he brings his six-foot-eleven, 238-pound frame from Hofstra.The Badgers will showcase Australian skill with three of their incoming newcomers coming from the Land Down Under.Returners: Janicki, Hayden Jones, Winter, Will Garlock, Rapp, Zach Kinziger, and Carrington.Newcomers: Autry, Josh Manchester, Oneutu, Owen Foxwell, Elmer, Isaac Riddle, LaTrevion Fenderson, and Jackson Ball.Being a Badger is more than just wearing the jersey.Learn more about this years team in Episode 1 of All Access presented by @Culvers https://t.co/Y7Ru1m9TvZ— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) October 22, 2026Schedule OutlookThe Badgers open their season on November 2nd when the Denver Pioneers visit. They get three more home games at the Kohl Center before they head to the Bahamas for the 2026 Baha Ma