Do the Badgers have their starting five set for the 2026-27 season?

Of this group, the only spot that might be a question is Autry’s, as he could also be a sparkplug off the bench in the Braeden Carrington role from last year. But, seeing what the team currently looks like, I’d pencil him in as a starter.

Projected reserves

G Jack Janicki

G Zach Kinziger

G Hayden Jones

C Victory Onetu

C Will Garlock

Wisconsin’s got its three rising sophomores who should be fighting for bigger roles next season. In the backcourt, Jack Janicki should have a similar role to last year as a wing off the bench that is more of a three-and-D type. But he’ll have good competition. His defensive connectivity is huge, and the team needs to improve on that side of the court, so the role is certainly there for him.

But Janicki’s three-point percentage has to improve from 27.7 percent, where it’s been both as a freshman and a sophomore. That might dictate whether he jumps into that 20-minute range or hovers in the 10-15 minute range.

Hayden Jones is the true wild card of the group to me. He saw great growth in spot minutes as the season went along and we saw his confidence grow as an aggressive playmaker. He figures to be the team’s backup point guard this season and should continue to grow defensively. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he becomes the “first guy off the bench” type of player this season.

Zach Kinziger got the trust of the coaching staff as the season went along, and he’ll fight for a back-of-the-rotation role. His scoring ability is potentially the best of any bench player. This offseason is about getting stronger and better on the defensive side of the ball.

Onetu and Garlock are interesting players and ones that are far different than the guys in front of them. They’re more rim-protecting, physical centers, with Onetu also being a quality shot blocker at 6’10, 235 pounds. They should see good minutes next year backing up Winter and Rapp, and I’d think Gard will stagger the two alongside the starters.

Adding more athleticism and rim protection down low will be key, as size and physicality are becoming more and more important in college basketball.