Wisconsin Badgers Recognized in Top 25 College Football Programs of the 2000s
Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Badgers, long seen as a cornerstone of consistency in college football, have earned a noteworthy spot in The Athletic’s rankings, placing 16th among the top college football programs of the 2000s.
Throughout a strong run from 2005 to 2019 under coaches including Barry Alvarez and Bret Bielema, the Badgers secured at least 10 wins in all but five seasons, and achieved three consecutive Rose Bowl appearances from 2010 to 2012. Despite their strong record, the Badgers have faced criticism for their failure to reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) and have only accumulated ten top-10 wins during this period, tying them for 28th in that category.
In The Athletic’s survey, Wisconsin ranked as the fifth-highest Big Ten team, ahead of schools like Penn State and Michigan State, while trailing Ohio State, which claimed the top spot overall. Their win percentage of 68.1% since 2000 is commendable, ranking 13th nationally; however, a lack of major victories and Big Ten titles hindered their higher placement.
Currently, the Badgers are experiencing a transition with new head coach Luke Fickell, who faces immense pressure to restore the program to its former level of excellence. As The Athletic highlights, the expectations remain high for Wisconsin to regain its prominence in college football amidst recent struggles.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on whether Fickell can bring the Badgers back to the forefront of the college football landscape, where they have been a respected presence for decades.
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