USA Today Network writers pick Wisconsin Badgers to finish sixth in Big Ten in 2025-26

In an exciting matchup, No. 11 St. Thomas Aquinas triumphed over NFL Academy with a close score of 41-38 in London. This victory not only highlights the team's skill and determination but also showcases the growing popularity of American football internationally. Fans are eager to see how this win will impact their season and the future of the sport abroad.

The Houston Texans secured a significant 44-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, yet they remain outside the top half of the NFL power rankings according to USA Today. This raises questions about their overall standing in the league despite the impressive win, highlighting the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges teams face in gaining recognition.

As the Big Ten women's basketball season kicks off, UCLA emerges as a leading contender following the absence of star player JuJu Watkins, who is out for the season due to an ACL injury. Last year, Watkins led the Trojans to a conference title and an Elite Eight finish, making her loss significant. This shift in dynamics positions UCLA as the primary powerhouse in the conference, with Maryland closely trailing. The season ahead will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of competing without key players.

The Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team has welcomed Evan Johnston as an assistant coach, a move that head coach Robin Pingeton believes will enhance the team's coaching staff. Pingeton expressed her confidence in the high caliber of coaches she has assembled, highlighting their intelligence and character. This addition is significant as it reflects the team's commitment to building a strong support system for the players, which could lead to improved performance on the court.

Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of Alabama, has made headlines by ranking among the highest-paid coaches in college football, according to the USA TODAY Sports salaries database. This recognition not only highlights his successful coaching career but also reflects the increasing financial investments in college football programs. As schools compete for top talent, the salaries of coaches are becoming a significant part of the conversation around the sport.

This Saturday, Ohio State and Illinois, both ranked in the top 25, will clash in a highly anticipated Big Ten matchup. It's the 104th meeting between these two teams, and Ohio State has dominated recently, winning the last nine encounters. This game is significant not just for the standings but also for the storied rivalry and the Illibuck trophy at stake, making it a must-watch for college football fans.

The Big Ten Conference is set to enhance its visibility in the 2025-26 season by streaming over 75 men's and women's basketball games exclusively on Peacock. This move not only provides fans with more access to their favorite teams but also highlights the growing trend of sports streaming, making it easier for viewers to catch all the action from the regular season and early rounds of the Big Ten Tournament.

The Florida Gators are making a comeback in college football, as they show improvement in the latest USA TODAY Sports rerank after their victory against Texas in Week 6. This upward trend is significant as it reflects the team's hard work and potential to regain a top position in the rankings, which could boost their confidence and fan support.

In 2025, the financial implications of coaching buyouts in the Big Ten conference are coming into focus. This article breaks down the costs associated with terminating current coaches' contracts, providing insights into how much each school would need to invest to make a change. Understanding these buyout figures is crucial for fans and administrators alike, as they reflect not only the financial health of the programs but also the strategic decisions schools may face in the competitive landscape of college football.

Wisconsin's head coach Luke Fickell has been ranked No. 21 in USA TODAY's latest college football head coach salary database. This ranking highlights the financial landscape of college football coaching, showcasing how competitive salaries have become in the sport. Understanding these rankings is important for fans and analysts alike, as they reflect not only the value placed on coaching talent but also the financial commitments schools are willing to make to secure top-tier leadership.

In 2025, the Big Ten football coaching salaries reveal a mix of high earners and surprising bargains. This ranking not only highlights the financial landscape of college football but also sparks discussions about the value of coaching talent in a competitive environment. Understanding these salaries is crucial for fans and stakeholders as it reflects the investment schools are making in their athletic programs.

Wisconsin basketball star guard John Blackwell has been recognized with preseason All-Big Ten honors, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential for the upcoming season. This recognition not only boosts his profile but also raises expectations for the Wisconsin team, making fans excited about what’s to come.

JJ Redick recently took a jab at media members who were misled by LeBron James' latest career move, referring to them as 'idiots.' This commentary highlights the ongoing relationship between athletes and the media, especially in the NBA, where narratives can shift rapidly. Redick's remarks resonate with fans who often feel that media coverage can be sensationalized, making it a significant moment in sports discourse.

In his debut as head coach of the New York Rangers, Mike Sullivan faced a tough start, losing 3-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team he previously coached for nearly a decade. This matchup was particularly significant for Sullivan, who had to navigate the challenge of coaching against his former star player, Sidney Crosby. The loss highlights the difficulties of transitioning between teams in the competitive NHL, making Sullivan's future with the Rangers a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike.

The Arizona Cardinals are facing scrutiny after a tense moment between head coach Jonathan Gannon and running back Emari Demercado during a recent game against the Tennessee Titans. This incident, which occurred after a narrow loss, has raised concerns about the team's leadership and ability to handle pressure. It's crucial for the Cardinals to address these issues as they aim to improve their performance and maintain team morale moving forward.

The 2025 college football season has kicked off with impressive TV ratings, showcasing a surge in viewership across the nation. This strong start is significant as it reflects the growing popularity of college football, with four games surpassing 10 million viewers in Week 1 alone. The standout match was Texas versus Ohio State, attracting a remarkable 16.6 million viewers. This trend not only highlights the excitement surrounding the season but also indicates a promising future for college football's fan engagement.

Michael Busch continues to impress as he hit another leadoff homer for the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. This exciting moment not only tied the game but also set the tone for a strong start, showcasing Busch's talent and the Cubs' determination in the playoffs. His performance is crucial as the team aims for success in the postseason.

Petr Yan is gearing up for a rematch with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili this December, expressing confidence that the outcome will be different this time around. Yan revealed that he felt he was only at 50 percent during their first encounter, suggesting that he has more to offer in the upcoming fight. This rematch is significant not only for Yan's career but also for the bantamweight division, as it could reshape the title landscape.