The Jump Around

Wisconsin football is reportedly spending around $27–31 million on its roster. So what should Badgers fans expect in return? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down Wisconsin's place among the Power 4 in roster spending and ask what that investment should mean for the Badgers' 2026 season. We also welcome former Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder back to the show to discuss the Badgers' start to the season, what gives him hope that this team can be better than outside expectations suggest, and what he's looking for from Wisconsin ahead of the Eastern Michigan game. On this episode: 🏈 Collin Wilder Returns His thoughts on Wisconsin's start to the 2026 season Why he believes the Badgers could be better than many expect What gives him hope about this Wisconsin team What he wants to see from Wisconsin against Eastern Michigan 💰 Wisconsin's $30M Roster The Athletic's college football roster-spending data Wisconsin's estimated $27–31 million roster Which Big Ten teams spend the same or less than Wisconsin UCLA, Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Iowa and Purdue Are these games Wisconsin NEEDS to win? What would the results in those games tell us about the Badgers? 🔥 Week 3 Superlatives Which Wisconsin player will make a SportsCenter Top 10 play? Which defensive player will have a "3-sack Jack" moment? Which receiver will post a "Randy Moss" stat line? Subscribe to The Jump Around for Wisconsin Badgers football, Wisconsin basketball, recruiting, Big Ten coverage, college football analysis, interviews and more from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin football is 1-1, but The Jump Around crew has some serious questions after the Badgers' uneven performance against Western Illinois. The defense and special teams deserve plenty of credit, but the biggest concerns are on offense — particularly Colton Joseph, the running game and Wisconsin's ability to find consistency. Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch discuss Joseph's accuracy, his ability to stay healthy while using his legs and why his performance could ultimately define Wisconsin's ceiling this season. But the bigger conversation is about Luke Fickell and Wisconsin's identity. Fickell described the Badgers as “arrogant and delusional” when explaining why the team struggled to maintain its early momentum against Western Illinois. The Jump Around crew breaks down what Fickell meant — and whether his mentality and coaching philosophy are actually the right fit for Wisconsin. They also debate what Wisconsin's identity has historically been, whether the Badgers need more of an underdog mentality and whether Fickell's approach can work in Madison. Plus, a closer look at Abu Sama, the Wisconsin running back room, the defense, special teams and what the Badgers need to show against Eastern Michigan.

Montee Ball joins The Jump Around to discuss Wisconsin football following the Badgers’ loss to Notre Dame, his thoughts on the 2026 team, areas that need improvement, and which Wisconsin running back he’s most excited to watch. We’ll also welcome former Wisconsin and Western Illinois running back Aaron Stecker ahead of Saturday’s matchup. Stecker shares his experience playing for both programs and discusses the upcoming game. Plus, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch reacts to Barry Alvarez’s comments on the Notre Dame loss, play a Wisconsin football superlatives game ahead of Western Illinois, and bring you the latest Wisconsin sports conversation from the Twitter Portal. In this episode: 🏈 Montee Ball reacts to Wisconsin’s loss to Notre Dame 🏈 What Ball likes about the 2026 Wisconsin Badgers 🏈 Which Wisconsin running back could break out 🏈 Aaron Stecker previews Wisconsin vs. Western Illinois 🏈 Stecker’s experience playing for Wisconsin and Western Illinois 🏈 Reaction to Barry Alvarez’s comments 🏈 Superlatives vs. Western Illinois Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers football, Wisconsin athletics, recruiting, Big Ten coverage, game previews, reactions, and interviews.

Can Wisconsin football win back its fans? Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch discuss the Badgers' response to the Notre Dame loss, the pressure on Luke Fickell, and whether Wisconsin can still turn the 2026 season into something fans can believe in. The guys debate whether the Badgers have shown enough to earn back fan confidence, why the next few weeks matter, and what a strong stretch of football could mean heading into the Penn State game. In this segment: 🦡 Can Wisconsin football win back its fans? 🏈 Why Riley is still choosing to believe in the Badgers 🤔 Why Jim is skeptical about Wisconsin's ability to climb out of its hole 📈 How a strong stretch of games could change the narrative 💪 Why the Badgers need to respond after Notre Dame 🏟️ What fan attendance and ticket prices might say about confidence in the program 🔥 Whether Wisconsin can build momentum heading into Penn State 🏆 Why the best thing for Wisconsin is still for Luke Fickell to turn the program around Is Wisconsin football still capable of turning this season around? Let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers football coverage, analysis, interviews, and debate from The Jump Around.

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame at Lambeau Field is finally here. Can the Badgers pull off another historic upset? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge, Riley Jauch, & Matt Lepay get you ready for Sunday's Wisconsin–Notre Dame season opener with matchup analysis, game superlatives, a flashback to Wisconsin's unforgettable 2016 upset, and insight from former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. We'll debate: 🏈 Notre Dame Superlatives Who will be the first Badger to perform the Lambeau Leap? Who is the most important Wisconsin player? Who could be the unsung hero? Where is Wisconsin's biggest matchup advantage? What would qualify as a statement moment? 🏈 2016 Flashback Looking back at Wisconsin's upset of No. 5 LSU at Lambeau Field What made that Badgers team so successful? Can Wisconsin replicate the formula from that 2016 upset? 🏈 Chalk Talk with Lepay How can Wisconsin keep Notre Dame competitive? What needs to happen offensively and defensively? Which players and moments could decide the game? What's the one thing Wisconsin needs to prove in Week 1? 🏈 Notre Dame Perspective Marcus Freeman's connection to Luke Fickell from their time at Cincinnati What Freeman learned from Fickell and has brought to Notre Dame Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. joins The Jump Around to preview the matchup and give his perspective on the Fighting Irish Subscribe to The Jump Around for Wisconsin Badgers football, Notre Dame coverage, Big Ten football, college football analysis, interviews and more from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Which game could make or break Wisconsin's 2026 football season? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down the Wisconsin Badgers' 2026 schedule and hand out our biggest game-day superlatives. From the best win and worst loss to the biggest trap game and potential season killer, which matchup will ultimately define Wisconsin's season? We also discuss: • Wisconsin's 2026 schedule from top to bottom • The best win on the Badgers' schedule • The worst potential loss • Wisconsin's biggest statement game • The toughest game of the season • The biggest trap game • The must-win matchup • The most exciting and most underrated games • The potential season killer • Which game could become the season-defining matchup Plus, we dive into the changing economics of college football and what it takes to build a contender: • Why professional athletes are attempting to return to college football • Whether college football can now offer more money than an NFL practice squad • Reports that some college football programs are spending nearly $50 million on their rosters • Quarterbacks earning $3.5 million or more at numerous Power 4 programs • Wisconsin reportedly committing around $25-30 million to its roster • Does Wisconsin's investment make you more confident the Badgers can compete? And Jim Polzin of BadgerExtra and the Wisconsin State Journal joins The Jump Around to share his biggest observations from Wisconsin fall camp, the position battles to watch, and what he's learned about the 2026 Badgers. Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, recruiting, Big Ten analysis, NIL and roster spending discussion, fall camp coverage, and more from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin football fans saw one rough open practice and immediately hit the panic button 🚨—but is the concern actually justified? Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch push back on the doom and gloom surrounding the Badgers offense and explain why the talent, depth and upside look **significantly different in 2026**. How much better can Colton Joseph and the offense be? Could Wisconsin realistically win **8 or 9 games** if everything clicks? 👀 And with major investment in the roster, how high should expectations be for Luke Fickell and the Badgers this season? Plus, the guys debate which era truly represents the **golden age of Wisconsin football** 🌹, celebrate Matt Lepay joining the ESPN Wisconsin team and tackle whether the Badgers actually have a puncher’s chance against Notre Dame. Then, former Badgers fullback **Bradie Ewing** joins Riley to go inside Wisconsin’s renewed push to reconnect former players with the program. Ewing shares how Badgers legends are getting involved at fall camp, what he’s seeing from the 2026 roster and why this team’s size, physicality and running back room have him excited for what’s ahead. 🦡 **Are Badgers fans sleeping on how much better Wisconsin could be in 2026? 🔥** Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers coverage and listen live and on demand on the ESPN Wisconsin App.

Is 8 wins enough for Luke Fickell to keep his job at Wisconsin? There is renewed excitement around Wisconsin football heading into the 2026 season. The Badgers have a revamped roster, expanded resources, an easier schedule, and a quarterback in Colton Joseph who believes this offense can create more explosive plays and score a lot of points. But after two difficult seasons, is that enough for Luke Fickell to turn things around? On this episode of The Jump Around, Riley Jauch and Jesse Nelson debate: 🏈Is 2026 truly a make-or-break year for Luke Fickell? 🏈 Is 8 wins enough for Fickell to keep his job? 🏈 Can Wisconsin realistically win 8 or more games this season? 🏈Why is there renewed excitement around the Badgers? 🏈What does an easier schedule mean for Wisconsin's 2026 season? 🏈Colton Joseph previews an offense built around explosiveness, big plays and scoring 🏈If Wisconsin's offense takes a step forward, how good can this team be? 🏈 Justin Williams of The Athletic joins The Jump Around to discuss Luke Fickell, Wisconsin's offseason, and the "Burn the Boats" mentality 🏈Why expanded resources and increased investment have created more confidence inside the program 🏈Can Wisconsin's offseason finally "bear fruit" in 2026? Subscribe to The Jump Around for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, Big Ten news, coaching analysis and exclusive interviews from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin football has officially unveiled the new Kellner Family Athletic Center. Is this proof the Badgers are finally catching up in the modern era of college football? On this episode of The Jump Around, Riley Jauch shares his firsthand experience touring Wisconsin's brand-new football facility and discusses what it means for the future of the program. We also discuss: 🏈 Wisconsin unveils the Kellner Family Athletic Center 🏈 How important elite facilities are in today's college football landscape 🏈 Whether Wisconsin is finally embracing the NIL era 🏈 Biggest takeaways from the first day of Badgers fall camp 🏈 Which players stood out during practice 🏈 The biggest questions facing Wisconsin before Notre Dame at Lambeau Field 🏈 Jeff Grimes says Wisconsin is "more talented and deeper everywhere" 🏈 Is this the deepest roster of the Luke Fickell era? 🏈 Twitter Portal featuring the latest Wisconsin and college football discussions 🏀 Wisconsin assistant coach Sharif Chambliss joins the show to discuss the Badgers basketball roster, defensive identity, and building a "hungry and humble" culture Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, NIL, Big Ten analysis, and exclusive interviews every week on The Jump Around from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Did Luke Fickell change the conversation around Wisconsin football? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch traveled to Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago to hear directly from Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell—and they came away with very different impressions. Riley believes Fickell's confidence reflects a coach who truly believes in his football team. Jim isn't convinced yet, pointing to the strength of the Big Ten and wondering whether the Badgers can climb out of the hole they've dug over the past two seasons. Plus, ESPN college football reporter Adam Rittenberg joins the show to discuss: 🏈 Why Colton Joseph could change Wisconsin's offense 🛡️ Why the defense is the Badgers' blueprint for success 📅 Why surviving September is critical after recent injury-plagued starts 📈 Wisconsin's outlook in a loaded Big Ten You'll also hear exclusive one-on-one interviews from Big Ten Media Days with Wisconsin players: Sebastian Cheeks Chris Brooks Jr. Matt Jung Can Wisconsin exceed expectations in 2026, or is there still too much ground to make up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers football coverage, interviews, and analysis from The Jump Around.

Former Wisconsin standout linebacker, Chris Orr, joins Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch on The Jump Around! Orr has moved around since his days in Madison and currently is in Kansas City working as an assistant coach for the Chiefs, but he still loves his Badgers! Orr shares what he likes to see from the current linebacker duo in Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano continuing the great linebacker tradition at Wisconsin. But he feels like the Badgers need to be back in the conversation of competing in the Big Ten, the College Football Playoff, and overall being feared again. How can Wisconsin get back to its dominance when Orr was dominating opposing backfields at Camp Randall? Plus, Orr shares his favorite stories of recruiting Mason Posa while at Baylor, his favorite Camp Randall memories, and his proposition to change the College Football Playoff. All of that and more from Chris Orr on The Jump Around!

Can Wisconsin football become OLineU again? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch sit down with new Wisconsin offensive line coach Eric Mateos to discuss why he came to Madison, his relationship with offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, and his vision for rebuilding one of college football's most respected position groups. We also discuss: Takeaways from Wisconsin basketball's open practice Which newcomers stood out the most Our Top 5 defensive instant-impact players for the Badgers in 2026 Why Eric Mateos believes Wisconsin can return to its OLineU identity His coaching philosophy and expectations for the offensive line room Tyler Herro's comments about decommitting from Wisconsin and how different his career might have been Twitter Portal featuring the biggest Wisconsin Badgers conversations If you're a Wisconsin Badgers fan, subscribe for weekly football and basketball coverage, recruiting updates, exclusive interviews, and Big Ten analysis from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Shawn Eichorst has officially taken over as Wisconsin's athletic director — and his first public comments are already generating debate. On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to Eichorst's introductory press conference, including his comparison of Wisconsin to Texas and what his vision could mean for the future of Badger athletics. In this episode: Shawn Eichorst's introductory press conference Why he compared Wisconsin to Texas Is that comparison inspiring or unrealistic? What Eichorst's leadership style could mean for Wisconsin football, basketball, and the entire athletic department Should football be the top priority, or can Wisconsin continue supporting all of its successful programs? Eichorst's "talk is cheap" comments and whether he'll back them up Twitter Portal featuring the latest Wisconsin Badgers conversations Former Wisconsin standout Ben Brust joins the show to discuss what Eichorst's arrival means for Wisconsin basketball and the future of UW athletics Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, NIL, Big Ten news, and weekly live coverage from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin has officially named Shawn Eichorst as its next athletic director. Was this the right move for the future of Badger athletics? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to Wisconsin's biggest offseason decision and discuss what the hire means for football, basketball, NIL, and the future of the athletic department. In this episode: Our reaction to Wisconsin officially hiring Shawn Eichorst Why the fan reaction has been so mixed What Eichorst's track record says about his leadership and NIL strategy How Wisconsin compares to Eichorst's previous stops The domino effect this hire could have on Luke Fickell, Marcus Sedberry, and the rest of the athletic department Whether fans place too much importance on the athletic director position Lane Grindle's perspective after working with Eichorst at Nebraska Twitter Portal featuring the latest Wisconsin Badgers discussions Jim Polzin joins the show to explain how Wisconsin's athletic director search unfolded, why Eichorst was chosen, and what comes next for UW athletics Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, NIL, and Big Ten coverage from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

The Jump Around is LIVE on ESPN Madison reacting to reports that Shawn Eichorst is expected to become Wisconsin's next Director of Athletics. Jim Rutledge & Riley Jauch are on the air! What does the reported hire mean for the future of Wisconsin football, Luke Fickell, Badgers basketball, NIL, revenue sharing, and the direction of the athletic department? Eichorst is a Wisconsin native and former Badgers deputy athletic director under Barry Alvarez who later served as athletic director at Miami and Nebraska before returning to a senior leadership role at Texas. Reports indicate Wisconsin is set to bring him back to Madison to replace Chris McIntosh as the Badgers' athletic director. On today's LIVE show: Immediate reaction to the reports Why Wisconsin reportedly chose Shawn Eichorst What this means for Luke Fickell and Badgers football How the hire could impact NIL, fundraising, and revenue sharing Biggest opportunities and concerns for Wisconsin Athletics Your live reactions and questions Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers coverage, and listen live or on demand anytime on the ESPN Wisconsin App.

The Wisconsin Badgers open the 2026 season with one of their biggest challenges in years: a showdown against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field for the 2026 Shamrock Series. On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down whether the Shamrock Series matchup could set the tone for Wisconsin’s entire season and what the Badgers need to show against a national title contender to leave fans optimistic. We also discuss: Why Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame is such a pivotal opener Whether Luke Fickell’s team can build momentum with a strong performance What would make Badger fans feel confident, win or lose Dusty May’s surprising departure from Michigan and what it could mean for Greg Gard Whether Greg Gard would ever leave Wisconsin for another coaching opportunity Luke Fickell’s latest comments on the changing landscape of college football Twitter Portal featuring the biggest conversations in Wisconsin athletics Voice of the Wisconsin Badgers, Matt Lepay, joins the show to discuss the Badgers If you love Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, and Big Ten analysis, subscribe for more live coverage and discussion from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Can Wisconsin football exceed expectations in 2026? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to Phil Steele’s latest preseason preview and discuss why he believes the Badgers are poised for a major improvement this season. From projected offensive production to quarterback Colton Joseph’s outlook, we break down whether Wisconsin fans should share that optimism. In this episode: Phil Steele’s predictions for Wisconsin football Whether averaging around 27 points per game would be enough for the Badgers If Wisconsin’s success would come from internal growth or a favorable schedule Our top instant-impact players for the 2026 season The importance of transfers and first-year contributors in today’s college football landscape Bradie Ewing’s role in reconnecting Wisconsin football alumni with the program Twitter Portal featuring the latest Badgers and college football conversations Jake Kocorowski joins the show to share his insights on Wisconsin football and react to Phil Steele’s projections If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan looking for football analysis, recruiting discussion, transfer portal talk, and Big Ten coverage, subscribe for more content from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin football is on a recruiting heater. The Badgers have added several key commitments to their 2027 recruiting class and now sit among the top-ranked classes in the country. Is this a sign that Luke Fickell's vision is finally taking shape, or are recruiting rankings less important in the transfer portal era? On this episode of The Jump Around with Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch, we discuss: • Whether the NCAA still has any real power in college athletics • The latest ruling involving college football eligibility and what it means for the future of the sport • Wisconsin's rapidly rising 2027 recruiting class • Why the Badgers now have 20 verbal commitments • What fans should know about the recruiting process • How much recruiting rankings actually matter in today's college football landscape • Whether Wisconsin can sustain success through high school recruiting • Does Caroline "KK" Harvey have the greatest athletic résumé in Wisconsin history? • Twitter Portal featuring the latest Wisconsin and college athletics reactions • Nick Osen of 247Sports joins the show to break down Wisconsin recruiting momentum and what it means for Luke Fickell's future Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football coverage, recruiting news, NIL updates, Big Ten analysis, basketball discussion, and weekly live shows from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Has Luke Fickell actually improved Wisconsin football? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch examine the biggest question surrounding the Badgers heading into the 2026 season. Despite several difficult years for the program, Luke Fickell has brought in promising young talent, including Cooper Catalano, Mason Posa, and quarterback Colton Joseph. But has it been enough? Topics include: • Wisconsin hiring Morocco Brown as football general manager • Luke Fickell's best move since arriving in Madison • Are Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa Fickell's most important recruits? • Colton Joseph landing in ESPN's Top 100 newcomers rankings • Whether Joseph is the most impactful addition of the Fickell era • Is Fickell doing enough to promote Wisconsin football? • Comparing Luke Fickell's public presence to Paul Chryst and Bret Bielema • Recruiting momentum for the Badgers • Brian Butch joins the show to discuss Wisconsin basketball and the impact of the athletic department transition Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, Wisconsin basketball, recruiting news, Big Ten analysis, NIL discussion, coaching insight, and weekly live shows from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Is Wisconsin football becoming irrelevant in the modern college football landscape? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to anonymous Big Ten coaches taking shots at the Badgers and debate whether Wisconsin football is still viewed as a nationally relevant program. We discuss: Why many people seem down on Wisconsin football What the Badgers must do to become nationally relevant again Anonymous Big Ten coach comments about Wisconsin Colton Joseph being ranked in Tier 15 of ESPN’s FBS quarterback rankings Whether Joseph can fix Wisconsin’s offense What Wisconsin’s record could look like if Joseph starts every game Joel Klatt saying the current college football model is “unsustainable” NIL, revenue sharing, and the future of college football Twitter Portal reactions to the latest Wisconsin & college football takes Jim Polzin joins the show to discuss the Wisconsin athletic director search and the state of the Badgers If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, this episode is packed with football debate, recruiting discussion, quarterback talk, NIL conversation, Big Ten analysis, and everything surrounding the future of UW athletics. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers football coverage, basketball analysis, recruiting updates, CFP discussion, NIL news, and live shows from ESPN Madison & ESPN Milwaukee.