Locked On Badgers

Purdue look to prove their dominance in Big Ten basketball as they battle Wisconsin in the 2026 conference opener. Can Braden Smith, just 10 assists away from breaking the all-time Big Ten record, lead the Boilermakers past Nick Boyd and a retooling Badgers squad? With key storylines surrounding Oscar Cluff’s interior presence and Wisconsin’s struggles defending pick-and-rolls and generating consistent offense, both teams face crucial early-season tests—especially in a hostile Madison environment. Ryan Harings and Nick Arvin break down each squad’s X-factors, highlight pivotal matchups like Fletcher Loyer’s shooting versus the Badgers’ transition attack, and analyze the impact of frontcourt depth including Daniel Jacobson off Purdue’s bench. Will the Badgers’ perimeter shooting force an upset, or does Purdue’s inside-out game seal a road victory? Expert predictions, tactical insight, and exclusive keys to victory set the stage for a thrilling Big Ten clash. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…