Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Badgers Showcase Potential in 2025-26 Red-White Scrimmage
10/20/2025, 2:00:58 PM
Overview of the Red-White Scrimmage
The Wisconsin Badgers held their annual Red-White scrimmage on October 15, 2025, at the Kohl Center, providing a first look at the team's new roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Red team narrowly defeated the White team 46-44 in a closely contested matchup, highlighting the competitive spirit and potential of the squad.
Key Performers and Game Highlights
Nick Boyd emerged as a standout player, leading all scorers with 21 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. His performance included crucial late-game free throws that secured the victory for the Red team. Boyd's ability to push the tempo and attack the basket adds a dynamic element to Wisconsin's offense, which struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing with a combined 24% from three-point range.
John Blackwell, a key player for the White team, contributed 13 points and displayed clutch shooting, including a game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds. Austin Rapp also played a significant role, scoring 15 points and showcasing versatility in his offensive game. Nolan Winter added 11 points, demonstrating his growth and importance as a cornerstone of the team.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Insights
Head coach Greg Gard emphasized the importance of competition among players, particularly between Boyd and Blackwell, who were intentionally placed on opposing teams to elevate their performances. Gard noted, “John lifts his team, Nick lifts his team and takes it to another level,” highlighting the positive impact of their rivalry on team dynamics.
The scrimmage also revealed promising contributions from newcomers and returning players alike. Andrew Rohde's steady playmaking and the versatility of freshman Hayden Jones were noted as vital components for the team's cohesion. The bench players, including Jack Janicki and Aleksas Bieliauskas, showed potential, although they faced challenges typical of first-year players.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the competitive nature of the scrimmage, both teams struggled with outside shooting, which could be a concern moving forward. The Red team shot 6-of-25 (24%) from beyond the arc, while the White team managed only 4-of-19 (21.1%). Gard acknowledged the need for improvement in scoring efficiency, particularly in the paint and from three-point range.
Looking Ahead
The Badgers will continue to refine their roster as they prepare for their exhibition game against the Oklahoma Sooners on October 27, 2025, followed by the season opener against Campbell on November 3, 2025. With a mix of transfers and returning players, expectations remain high for the upcoming season, as the team aims to build on the foundation established during the scrimmage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I kind of make game-winning plays. I've been doing that my whole career.” — Nick Boyd, Guard
- “John lifts his team, Nick lifts his team and takes it to another level,” — Greg Gard, Head Coach
The Red-White scrimmage provided a glimpse into the potential of the Wisconsin Badgers for the 2025-26 season, showcasing both individual talent and team dynamics that could lead to a successful campaign.
