The Jump Around

Is Ryan Hopkins the future of Wisconsin Badgers football? After an impressive first career start against Rutgers, true freshman quarterback Ryan Hopkins has given Wisconsin fans plenty of reason for excitement. But with the regular season winding down and the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe against Minnesota approaching, what should matter most for the Badgers: winning the rivalry game or developing their young quarterback? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch debate the priorities for Wisconsin football over the final stretch of the season. Plus, ESPN senior college football writer Adam Rittenberg joins the show! He shares his perspective on what's changed with Wisconsin since Big Ten Football Media Days, whether Ryan Hopkins can be the answer at quarterback, and what the future could look like for the Badgers. On this episode: Ryan Hopkins: Is he the future of Wisconsin football? Winning the Axe vs. developing a freshman quarterback: What's more important? What should Wisconsin prioritize over the final three games? Which Badgers have the most to prove before the regular season ends? Who could leave a lasting impression with a big finish? Ryan Hopkins' near-interception against Rutgers: What mistakes are acceptable as he develops? ESPN's Adam Rittenberg joins to discuss Wisconsin, the Big Ten, and Hopkins' future. 📺 Watch live and SUBSCRIBE on the ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels.

Ryan Hopkins has arrived! The true freshman quarterback made his first career start and helped lead the Wisconsin Badgers to a convincing 31–10 win over Rutgers. Now, is there any doubt about who should be Wisconsin's starting quarterback moving forward? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down Hopkins' impressive debut, what makes his arm talent and poise so exciting, and why the Badgers may have finally found their quarterback for the future. Luke Fickell confirmed Hopkins will start against Maryland, but has he done enough to make the job his for the rest of the season? Plus, Wisconsin is officially bowl eligible for the first time since 2023! The guys discuss the Badgers' second-half defensive turnaround against Rutgers, the impact of Jacob Harris, and what this team could accomplish if it keeps playing complementary football. ON THIS EPISODE: Ryan Hopkins' first career start: What stood out? Is Hopkins officially Wisconsin's QB1? Why the hosts believe Hopkins has a higher ceiling Luke Fickell confirms Hopkins will start against Maryland Wisconsin is bowl eligible after beating Rutgers 31–10 The Badgers defense responds with a dominant second half Jacob Harris continues to make an impact Subscribe to ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee for more Wisconsin Badgers football coverage, analysis, interviews, and reaction on The Jump Around! 📻 Listen on ESPN Wisconsin app. 📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube.

Wisconsin football hit a new low with a 30–0 loss to Iowa — and the pressure on Luke Fickell is only getting bigger. Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to the Badgers’ latest rivalry disappointment on The Jump Around Extra. After Wisconsin’s impressive win over USC, the shutout loss to Iowa was a gut punch that raised serious questions about the direction of the program, the team’s identity and Fickell’s future in Madison. The guys debate whether Luke Fickell now has to win out to keep his job, why Wisconsin continues to struggle against Iowa, and what the Badgers’ fourth-and-goal decision says about the team’s confidence and identity. They also examine the offense’s inability to run or throw the football consistently, Colton Joseph’s struggles, and whether Wisconsin has reached the point where a coaching change must be considered. Could New Mexico head coach Jason Eck become a serious candidate? Is there enough left in the season for Fickell to regain the fan base’s confidence? And what would it take for Wisconsin to salvage the year? In this episode: Wisconsin’s 30–0 loss to Iowa Is Luke Fickell’s job now on the line? Why the Badgers keep getting embarrassed in rivalry games The fourth-and-goal decision that summed up Wisconsin’s struggles Wisconsin’s lack of offensive identity and production Colton Joseph and the questions at quarterback Could Jason Eck be a candidate to replace Fickell? Does Wisconsin have to win out to save the season? Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch bring their unfiltered reaction and debate to The Jump Around Extra, from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers football reaction, Big Ten analysis, interviews and discussion.

Melvin Gordon is BACK on The Jump Around! The Wisconsin Badgers legend joins Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch ahead of the rivalry showdown with Iowa, and he isn't holding back. Gordon says he believes Wisconsin should win out, talks about the culture returning to Madison, and explains what the Badgers need to do to become a complete football team. Can Wisconsin beat Iowa, bring the rivalry trophies back to Madison, and put itself in the College Football Playoff conversation? We break down the matchup, debate Luke Fickell's future, and hear from one of the greatest running backs in Wisconsin football history. 🏈 IN THIS EPISODE OF THE JUMP AROUND: Melvin Gordon Joins The Jump Around: The former Wisconsin Badgers star talks about the current team, the program's culture, and his expectations for the rest of the season. Melvin Gordon HATES Iowa: Gordon discusses his rivalry with the Hawkeyes and what it's like returning to Iowa City. Wisconsin vs. Iowa Preview: Can the Badgers finally get a win over Iowa and bring a rivalry trophy back to Madison? Can Wisconsin Make the College Football Playoff? Would wins over Iowa and Minnesota put the Badgers in position to make a run at the CFP? Luke Fickell's Job Security: Would beating Iowa change the conversation about Wisconsin's head coach? Is anything guaranteed? Colton Joseph & the Wisconsin Offense: Gordon explains why Wisconsin needs both a productive run game and a passing attack that can deliver in big moments. Is Wisconsin Football's Culture Back? Gordon shares what he has noticed about former players reconnecting with the program and the change in atmosphere around the Badgers. Halloween Superlatives: Who will be Superman, Dracula, The Flash, and the Grim Reaper against Iowa? Wisconsin Brewers Talk: Gordon shares his excitement as the Brewers chase a World Series championship. The Jump Around is your home for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, and everything happening across UW athletics. 📺 Watch The Jump Around on the ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels and the ESPN Wisconsin app. Subscribe for more Wisconsin Badgers coverage, interviews, game previews, and reactions.

Wisconsin dominated USC 24-7 and held the Trojans to NEGATIVE 17 rushing yards—but can the Badgers bring that same physicality to Iowa? Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano take you inside the win and explain why the rivalry matchup is a “culture war.” Host Riley Jauch is back with Wisconsin Badgers linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano for Episode 3 of The Jump Around: Roommates Edition. The roommates break down Wisconsin’s defensive domination against No. 16 USC, the response to the UCLA loss, and preparations for a physical showdown at Kinnick Stadium. Was this Luke Fickell’s biggest win at Wisconsin? What does returning to the Top 25 mean to the players? And how much grief did Brady Collins get for his sideline penalty? Plus, Mason and Cooper share stories from the Camp Randall field storm, talk Cooper’s Brewers fandom, debate Mason’s signature celebration, and explain their linebacker responsibilities. They also answer fan questions about Wisconsin winters, making the jump to Big Ten football, and what young linebackers should prioritize.

Wisconsin football just delivered its biggest win of the Luke Fickell era — and the Badgers may have found a formula to keep winning. Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch react to Wisconsin’s stunning 24–7 upset of No. 16 USC, breaking down how the Badgers’ defense dominated one of college football’s most dangerous offenses to move Wisconsin to 5–2 overall and 3–1 in Big Ten play. The Badgers sacked USC quarterback Jayden Maiava five times, intercepted two passes and held the Trojans to just seven points. After the frustration of the UCLA loss, Wisconsin responded with a statement performance that has Jim and Riley wondering just how far this defense can carry the team. But there’s still a major concern: the offense. Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 passes against USC, but finished with only 58 passing yards. The guys debate whether Wisconsin can continue winning with a run-heavy approach, why the Badgers need more explosive plays through the air, and what the offense must improve before the tougher games ahead. With Iowa up next and Minnesota still on the schedule, could Wisconsin actually win out? Or will the lack of a consistent passing attack eventually catch up with the Badgers? In this episode of The Jump Around Extra: Wisconsin’s 24–7 upset of No. 16 USC Why the Badgers’ defense could be one of the best in the country Is this Luke Fickell’s best win at Wisconsin? Colton Joseph’s passing numbers and the need for more explosive plays How Wisconsin’s running game helped control USC Why complementary football could be the Badgers’ winning formula Can Wisconsin beat Iowa and Minnesota with defense leading the way? Could the Badgers win out and finish the season with a statement? Watch Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down the latest Wisconsin Badgers football storylines on The Jump Around Extra, from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee. Subscribe for more Badgers football reaction, Big Ten analysis, interviews and Wisconsin sports discussion.

Wisconsin football needs a response. After a frustrating 17–7 loss to UCLA, the Badgers return to Camp Randall to take on USC with major questions surrounding Luke Fickell, Colton Joseph, and the offense. Can Wisconsin get its offense back on track against USC? Will Colton Joseph and the passing game create a spark, or could another offensive struggle lead to changes? Former Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Alex Erickson joins The Jump Around to discuss the 2026 team, what he has seen from the receiving corps, and what he would critique about the offense. 🏈 ON THIS EPISODE OF THE JUMP AROUND: Wisconsin vs. USC: What do the Badgers need to show after the UCLA loss? Offensive Awakening? Can Colton Joseph and the passing game take advantage of an opportunity against USC? Luke Fickell and Wisconsin Football: What does the program need to show to rebuild fan confidence? Alex Erickson Joins the Show: The former Badgers wide receiver evaluates Wisconsin's receivers and offense. The Golden Ticket Idea: Could Wisconsin create a ticket for any UW athletics event to help fund NIL? Superlatives: Who is most likely to match Erickson's career-best 160 receiving yards, return a punt for a touchdown, or break out a home-run celebration? The Jump Around is your home for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, recruiting, and everything happening across UW athletics. 📺 Watch live on the ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee YouTube channels.

Wisconsin football’s loss to UCLA raises some BIG questions. Was it the questionable officiating, Colton Joseph’s struggles throwing the football, Luke Fickell’s in-game decisions — or a bigger problem with the Badgers’ offense? Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down Wisconsin’s frustrating loss to UCLA on The Jump Around Extra. While the Badgers had legitimate reasons to be upset with several penalty calls, the guys explain why Wisconsin still didn’t do enough to win the game. The discussion covers Colton Joseph’s passing struggles, the lack of a consistent running game, Wisconsin’s missed opportunities on fourth down, and the coaching decisions that may have cost the Badgers a chance to get back into the game. They also examine the defense’s struggles getting off the field on third down and what the loss means for Luke Fickell and the rest of the season. With tough matchups ahead, the big question is whether Wisconsin football is making enough progress — and whether the offense can improve enough to compete consistently in the Big Ten. In this episode: Why Wisconsin lost to UCLA despite questionable officiating Is Colton Joseph’s passing becoming a major concern? Why the Badgers can’t establish a consistent running game Did Luke Fickell make the right fourth-down decisions? Wisconsin’s missed opportunities and costly sacks Why the defense struggled to get off the field on third down Are the Badgers making enough progress under Fickell? What the UCLA loss means for the rest of Wisconsin’s season Join Jim and Riley for honest Wisconsin Badgers football analysis, postgame reaction and debate on The Jump Around Extra. Subscribe for more Wisconsin football coverage, Badgers analysis, interviews and discussion from ESPN Madison.

Can Wisconsin football pull off a massive upset at No. 12 UCLA—and put the Badgers into the College Football Playoff conversation? Wisconsin heads to Pasadena to face an undefeated UCLA team with a major question at quarterback. The Badgers have an opportunity to win their fifth straight game and improve to 3–0 in Big Ten play. But what would a victory really mean for Luke Fickell and Wisconsin football? On this episode of The Jump Around, we break down the Wisconsin vs. UCLA matchup, debate the Badgers' chances of making a bigger statement, and discuss how close Wisconsin could be to the College Football Playoff conversation. 🏈 Wisconsin vs. UCLA Preview - What would a win over No. 12 UCLA mean for Wisconsin? - Can the Badgers extend their winning streak to five games? - Can Wisconsin reach 3–0 in Big Ten play? - Wayne Knight vs. the Wisconsin run defense: who has the advantage? 🔥 Could Wisconsin Make a College Football Playoff Push? - Barry Alvarez believes a win could put Wisconsin into the top-12-to-14 conversation - How close are the Badgers to becoming a fringe CFP contender? - Could Wisconsin compete for the Big Ten title? 🎙️ Darrell Bevell Joins The Jump Around - The former Wisconsin quarterback reflects on his time with the Badgers - Winning the Rose Bowl and being coached by Barry Alvarez - His lasting connection to Wisconsin and the program - Coaching perspective ahead of Wisconsin's matchup with UCLA 🏆 This Week's Superlatives - Who is most likely to score a special-teams touchdown? - Who could force a fumble near the sideline? - Who is most likely to make a game-winning play on a two-point attempt? Subscribe to The Jump Around for Wisconsin Badgers football, Big Ten coverage, game previews, postgame reactions, recruiting, interviews, and more from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.

Wisconsin football is riding its first four-game winning streak of the Luke Fickell era. Can the Badgers keep it going? Coming off a dominant 31–3 win over Michigan State, Wisconsin enters the heart of its Big Ten schedule with plenty of momentum. On this episode of The Jump Around, we recap the Badgers' latest win and discuss what Wisconsin needs to continue building on as the second half of the season approaches. On this episode: 🏈 Building on the Bye Week What did Wisconsin's 31–3 win over Michigan State tell us? The Badgers' first four-game winning streak of the Luke Fickell era What has improved for Wisconsin? What still needs to improve? Can the Badgers carry their momentum into the heart of the Big Ten schedule? 🔥 Week 6 Superlatives Who is most likely to earn First-Team All-Big Ten honors? Who has been Wisconsin's most important player? Who is the biggest stock riser heading into the second half? Who is the most surprising team in the Big Ten? Who is most likely to win the national championship? 🏀 Greg Gard & Wisconsin Basketball Greg Gard discusses Wisconsin being picked 11th in the Big Ten preseason poll How difficult is it to rank teams after so much roster turnover? Riley shares his thoughts after attending media day 🏈 Rob Havenstein Joins The Jump Around The former Wisconsin All-American and Super Bowl champion joins the show His thoughts on the 2026 Badgers How does he feel about Wisconsin's offensive line? Does he trust the Badgers' offense to keep building momentum? Subscribe to The Jump Around for Wisconsin Badgers football, Wisconsin basketball, Big Ten coverage, interviews, recruiting, game reactions and more from ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.