Wisconsin Basketball Team Will Play Oklahoma in Milwaukee

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 17

Badgers fans will get their first look at the team’s new lineup when they face off in a rare matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners this fall at the Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. The first preseason conference game will take place Friday, Oct. 24.

Gard, head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, said, “This is a great opportunity for our program to take on a Power Four team in our backyard in an exhibition setting.” Gard additionally highlighted the excitement and eagerness for the Badgers to hit the floor, saying, “It will be a terrific first test for us in late October. We know we have a lot of Badger fans and alums in Milwaukee, and we’re excited for them to get an early look at our team.”

The Oklahoma Sooners are a team that is ready to challenge Wisconsin. They will not only put the Badgers organization to the test, but also the enthusiasm of Wisconsin fans, who will be getting their first glimpse of the redesigned roster for the 2025-26 season.

Gard revamped his roster through the transfer portal by recruiting strong players, including Portland forward Austin Rapp, San Diego State guard Nick Boyd, and Virginia wing Andrew Rhode. These three are looking to fill in the gaps in the starting lineup left by departing Badgers. Another key asset for the Badgers, John Blackwell, is returning for his junior year despite declaring for the NBA draft on April 4, 2025, which will inevitably boost the Badgers’ performance.

Fans are also wondering how Gard will incorporate the bench, with projected contributors including Aleksas Bieliauskas, Zach Kinziger, Will Garlock, Hayden Jones, and many other Badgers reinforcements.

Overall, the Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma preseason game at Fiserv Forum is a crucial early test for the Badgers, providing fans a first look at a retooled roster against intense competition.

[Sources: Badgers Wire; SB Nation; Bucky’s 5th Quarter; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]