Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball will have more newcomers than returners in 2026-27 The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team is set to undergo significant roster turnover for the 2026-27 season, with more newcomers than returning players expected on the final roster. As the transfer portal window closed on April 21, 2026, Wisconsin had filled 13 of its 15 available scholarship spots, leaving two openings to be filled before the season begins. Returning players form the core of Wisconsin’s retained talent. Head coach Greg Gard’s staff successfully retained six players who had the option to return through the transfer portal. Among the returning players, Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp are highlighted as key frontcourt contributors. Winter, entering his senior season, was second in the Big Ten with 12 double-doubles during the 2025-26 campaign and became the third UW player since 2000 to record 10-plus double-doubles in a season. Rapp confirmed his intention to return for the 2026-27 season immediately after Wisconsin’s loss to High Point. The backcourt will feature a mix of returning guards and new additions. Returning guards Jack Janicki, Hayden Jones, and Zach Kinziger will be joined by transfer portal acquisitions Trey Autry and Eian Elmer. The Badgers added four freshmen or international players to the backcourt: LaTrevion Fenderson, Jackson Ball, Owen Foxwell, and Josh Manchester. Notably, Foxwell brings professional experience, having played five seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League and averaging 10.8 points and 4.5 assists per game as the starting point guard for the South East Melbourne Phoenix in 2025-26. Wisconsin’s frontcourt will spot substantial changes due to departures. Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde, and Braeden Carrington exhausted their eligibility after the 2025-26 season, although John Blackwell entered the transfer portal. These losses signify the Badgers will lose at least four of their top six scorers from the previous season, representing approximately 65% of their scoring production and 54% of their minutes from 2025-26. Additional departures of reserve players Jack Robison and Riccardo Greppi further increase the reliance on newcomers. With at least eight of the 15 roster spots expected to be filled by new players, the 2026-27 Wisconsin Badgers will rely heavily on transfers, freshmen, and international recruits to replace departed talent. The coaching staff continues to evaluate options for the final two open scholarship positions as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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