Wisconsin Football Opens up 2024 Season in the Top 25 of JP Poll

Let’s talk JP Poll and where Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers sit entering the 2024 college football season.

If you’re familiar with the AP Poll, you’re probably used to seeing rankings based heavily on resumes, preseason expectations, and a touch of bias toward blue blood programs.

But here’s the thing—the JP Poll is a bit different. This poll isn’t just about who has the most striking wins; it’s a blend of power ratings and a deep dive into where teams stand based on talent, performance, and trajectory.

The Badgers come into the year ranked at No. 23 on the first JP Poll.

Now, for those wondering why they aren’t ranked higher—this isn’t about fall camp hype. The JP Poll isn’t looking at Wisconsin with rose-colored glasses or leaning too heavily on their lackluster recent history. Instead, it’s factoring in everything from coaching transitions, roster turnover, and where the team stands in terms of overall power rating right now.

Given their tough schedule, Coach Fickell and the Badgers certainly have the potential to rise up the rankings. There’s talent on both sides of the ball, and Wisconsin fans know this football program is built for more than just hanging around the bottom of the top 25.

But the JP Poll is taking a wait-and-see approach—will this team gel under Fickell in Year 2, and can they navigate their brutal Big Ten slate?

For now, No. 23 feels like a fair spot for a team with plenty of potential but some questions to answer. As we head deeper into the season, the JP Poll will adjust accordingly—reflecting not just on wins and losses but on how these teams truly stack up in the national picture.

So, while Wisconsin football may start the season at No. 23, there’s room to climb if they prove themselves on the field.

Related: Luke Fickell Focusing on Process in Second Year at Wisconsin

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers football and men’s basketball by visiting AllBadgers.com for more updates.

Ready to join the community? Follow Athlon Sports on YouTube , Facebook , and X to join in on the conversation.

You can also follow Site Publisher Dillon Graff at @DillonGraff on X.