BREAKING: Wisconsin Badgers Named No. 1 Athletic Program in the Nation for 2025 Following Historic All-Sport Success
MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin Badgers have officially been named the No. 1 athletic program in the United States for 2025, following a historic year that saw the university excel across nearly every major collegiate sport. From the gridiron to the hardwood, the rink to the track, Wisconsin’s dominance in multiple arenas has cemented its place as the nation’s premier all-around athletic institution.
In a year that will go down as legendary in school history, the Badgers achieved a rare level of success that few athletic programs ever dream of reaching. With deep postseason runs in football, men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, volleyball, and track and field, Wisconsin didn’t just show up — they competed at the highest level in nearly every sport they entered.
“This recognition is the result of relentless effort, dedication, and belief in our mission,” said Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh. “It reflects the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff — and the unwavering support of our fans and alumni. This is not just a great year for Badger athletics. This is a proud moment for the entire Wisconsin community.”
Among the highlights of the 2024–25 season, the football team capped off a stellar campaign with a top-10 national finish and a dominant bowl victory. Men’s basketball returned to the Final Four for the first time in over a decade, reigniting the Badger faithful with a run filled with grit and heart. Not to be outdone, the women’s basketball squad reached the Elite Eight, showing the program’s resurgence on the national stage.
On the ice, the men’s hockey team advanced to the Frozen Four, while the women’s team once again proved their dynasty status with a championship game appearance. The volleyball team, a perennial powerhouse, reached the national semifinals, and several track and field athletes brought home individual national titles, rounding out what became a historic year for Wisconsin Athletics.
“This kind of success doesn’t happen overnight,” said women’s volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield. “It’s the product of a culture built over years, a culture of toughness, commitment, and unity. What makes this year so special is that it wasn’t just one team — it was all of us.”
Wisconsin’s rise to the top is a testament to its investment in athletic excellence, balanced with academic rigor and integrity. With one of the nation’s most passionate fanbases and a tradition rooted in hard work, the Badgers have become the gold standard for what a modern collegiate athletic program can achieve.
