The Wisconsin Badgers represent one of the most respected programs in NCAA sports history. Known for their passionate fans and consistent performance, the Wisconsin Badgers football team and Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program have built a proud tradition of championships, legendary players, and unforgettable rivalries that continue to shape the school’s athletic legacy.
College Sports Established
1896
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
College Name
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1896 – Present / Big 10 Conference
Nickname
Badgers - The University of Wisconsin is home to one of the most successful NCAA teams in the country: The Wisconsin Badgers. As fans, we know this team has a long and proud history, but many may not know how they came to be known as “Badgers.”
Wisconsin Badgers Origin
It all started in 1889 when UW students sought a nickname for their athletic teams. At first, they considered names like Bumblebees and Antelopes before eventually settling on "Badger," inspired by the miners who had settled in southwestern Wisconsin during the 1820s and 1830s. These miners were so harsh that locals referred to them as badgers!
From there, it didn't take long for "Badger" to become an official mascot at UW sporting events. It wasn't until 1949 that a live badger named Regdab (short for Registered Badger) debuted at football games - he quickly became a fan favorite! Since then, Regdab has been joined by numerous other live mascots over the years, including Buckingham U., Queen Bess II & III, Chauncey T., Abraham Van Halen III & IV, Reveille V & VI, Miss Wisky VII-XI. With such a rich tradition behind them, it's no wonder why Badgers are synonymous with success both on and off the field!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1941
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 1
1995
- 1941
- 1950
- 1995
- 2015
- 2020
- 2022
-
1941 Basketball NCAA Champions
In 1941, Foster led the Badgers to their only NCAA Championship in history. With the help of tournament MOP John Kotz and All-American Gene Englund, the Badgers beat Washington State 39–34 in the final game of the NCAA Tournament. It was their first-ever invitation to the NCAA Tournament, after winning the Big Ten Championship in that year. Foster coached three ... -
Badgers baseball team won the Big Ten Conference championships
The Wisconsin Badgers baseball team won the Big Ten Conference championships in 1902, 1912, 1930, 1946, and 1950. -
Soccer NCAA Champs in 1995
The 1995 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament was the 36th organized men’s college soccer tournament by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, to determine the top college soccer team in the United States. The Wisconsin Badgers won their first national title by defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the championship game, 2–0. The semifinals, on December 8, 1995, and the ... -
Badgers basketball team NCAA tournament Final Four Apppearance
The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team has made it to the NCAA tournament Final Four four times (1941, 2000, 2014, 2015). -
Wisconsin Win Big Ten Men’s Basketball Championship
In 2020, The Wisconsin men’s basketball team clinched a share of the 2019-20 Big Ten Championship after defeating Indiana, 60-56, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Saturday afternoon. The Badgers finished the season with a 14-6 record in Big Ten play en route to their 19th Big Ten Championship and first since 2015. -
The Wisconsin Badgers 2021-22 Big Ten Champions
The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team has won 20 regular season Big Ten titles.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Wisconsin Badgers History
The Wisconsin Badgers are one of the most celebrated programs in NCAA history. With over 130 years of tradition, the Wisconsin Badgers football team and the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program have become household names among college sports fans. Their fierce rivalry with the Minnesota Golden Gophers has been a cornerstone of their history since their first game in 1889.
Over the decades, the Wisconsin Badgers football program built a reputation for toughness, consistency, and championships. The Badgers have claimed numerous Big Ten titles and have appeared in many Rose Bowls, establishing themselves as one of the conference’s flagship programs. Legendary players such as Ron Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner, Melvin Gordon III, the 2014 Doak Walker Award winner, and Russell Wilson, the 2012 Rose Bowl MVP, showcased their talents at Camp Randall Stadium, leaving an indelible mark on the program.
The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team has also created a legacy of success. From historic Final Four appearances to consistent NCAA Tournament runs, the program has produced All-Americans and NBA talent. The Badgers won national titles in 1917–18, 1942–43, and 1998–99, while continuing to compete at an elite level in the Big Ten Conference. Legendary figures like Pat Richter, who earned the 1972 Outland Trophy, helped set a standard of excellence that continues today.
Beyond the field and court, the Wisconsin Badgers are known for their passionate fan base, famously called “the sea of red.” Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center provide some of the loudest and most intimidating environments in college sports. This enthusiasm has twice earned them ESPN’s Best College Football Atmosphere award since 2003, showing the national recognition of Badger pride.
Badgers Achievements
In recent years, the Wisconsin Badgers football team has maintained its tradition with regular bowl appearances and a steady pipeline of NFL players. The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program continues to rank among the nation’s best, making deep NCAA Tournament runs and consistently challenging for Big Ten championships. Both programs exemplify the commitment to excellence and sportsmanship that defines the University of Wisconsin.
For fans everywhere, the Wisconsin Badgers represent more than a team; they symbolize tradition, success, and unity. Whether you’re cheering for the Wisconsin Badgers football team at Camp Randall Stadium or watching the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team at the Kohl Center, you are part of a legacy built on passion and achievement that continues to inspire new generations.
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