​College Football analyst Phil Steele has released his annual, information-packed College Football Preview magazine for the 2026 season, a comprehensive guide that runs over 350 pages and features numerous references to the Wisconsin Badgers. After a challenging campaign, Steele remains optimistic about Wisconsin’s trajectory in 2026, predicting improvements across several areas and a more favorable standing within the Big Ten.
In Steele’s projections, Wisconsin isForecast to finish 12th in the Big Ten, an improvement from the previous season but still positioned in the lower third of the conference. He places the Badgers ahead of Northwestern, UCLA, Rutgers, Michigan State, Maryland, and Purdue, while suggesting that several programs behind them could pose more formidable challenges in the 2026 campaign.
One area where Steele is particularly bullish concerns Wisconsin’s linebacker corps, led by Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano. He even notes that this unit could be the No. 1 linebacker group in the Big Ten, highlighting the potential for increased playmaking and leadership from the in-the-box and pass-rushing roles. However, outside of the defensive line, which ranks No. 8 in the conference, and the quarterback position, at No. 9, Wisconsin does not crack Steele’s top-half lists for any other position groups.
Running backs are a notable area of concern in his evaluation, with Wisconsin’s backfield pegged as the No. 13 group in the Big Ten. The offensive line is ranked No. 15 in the conference, a category where improvement would be particularly impactful for both the run game and pass protection. In the secondary, the defensive backs land at No. 14 out of 18, though Steele notes that the secondary could show marked improvement from the 2025 unit that Wisconsin used throughout the season.
The outlook for Wisconsin hinges on how quickly the team can translate offseason investments into meaningful on-field results. Steele’s assessment suggests a path toward more competitive play and better outcomes, especially if the defense can sustain its strength along the front seven while the offense makes strides in the trenches and in the backfield. A gentler schedule in 2026 adds a layer of optimism, presenting the Badgers with opportunities to bank momentum early in the year.
Ultimately, the truth will be told once the September games roll around and Wisconsin takes the field. The combination of a potential top-tier linebacker corps, targeted improvements in the trenches, and a renewed emphasis on overall balance could raise Wisconsin’s ceiling in 2026. If the offense can elevate efficiency and the defense can build on its expected progress, the Badgers could surprise some conference rivals and reposition themselves within the Big Ten pecking order. As with any pre-season evaluation, much of Steele’s forecast will be tested by actual results on game days, with Wisconsin aiming to convert projected growth into tangible wins.