The Wisconsin Badgers tip off their March Madness journey on Thursday against the High Point Panthers, with a 12:50 p.m. CT start time at the Moda Center. The No. 5 seed Badgers enter the tournament on a strong note, having gone 5-1 in their last six games, including victories over Purdue and Illinois. A key component of their recent success has been the dynamic backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, who have consistently led the team in scoring throughout the season. But as the tournament begins, the question on many fans’ minds is: where does Nick Boyd rank among the top players still competing for a national championship?
Boyd, a San Diego State transfer, has quickly become a focal point for the Badgers’ offense. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors this season, averaging an impressive 20.6 points and 4.2 assists per game. Blackwell, a third-team All-Big Ten selection, isn’t far behind, contributing 19.0 points and 4.9 rebounds a game. Both players recently reached career-high point totals during the Big Ten Tournament, signaling they are peaking at the right time. Their ability to consistently score and create opportunities for teammates will be crucial if Wisconsin hopes to make a deep run in March Madness.
Boyd’s National Ranking: A Top-20 Player
According to a recent ranking by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf, Nick Boyd has emerged as one of the top players in the NCAA Tournament field, landing at No. 20 overall. Borzello highlighted Boyd’s recent surge in performance, noting that he’s “operating at an incredibly high level on the offensive end down the stretch of the season.” He specifically pointed to Boyd’s standout performance against Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, where he scored 38 points and dished out six assists. Boyd has scored at least 20 points in 15 of 21 games since January 1, 2026, and ranks fourth in scoring and tenth in assists in Big Ten play, averaging 20.6 points per game.
Within the Big Ten conference, Boyd’s ranking places him behind only Jeremy Fears Jr., Keaton Wagler, Braden Smith, and Yaxel Lendeborg, according to the ESPN analysis. This demonstrates the level of competition within the conference and underscores Boyd’s significant contribution to the Badgers’ success.
Blackwell’s Role and Recognition
While Boyd has garnered significant national attention, John Blackwell’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Although he didn’t crack ESPN’s Top 50 players, Blackwell received an honorable mention, acknowledging his impact on the Badgers’ offense. His consistent scoring and rebounding ability make him a vital complement to Boyd, creating a formidable backcourt duo for opposing teams to defend.
Looking Ahead: Wisconsin’s Tournament Path
The Badgers’ first-round matchup against High Point isn’t expected to be a walk in the park. High Point enters the tournament with a 14-game winning streak, boasting an efficient offense led by experienced upperclassmen. However, Wisconsin’s higher ranking (No. 22 in the nation on KenPom) and overall talent suggest they are favored to advance.
If Wisconsin prevails, they would face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Arkansas and No. 13 Hawaii in the Round of 32. A potential Sweet Sixteen matchup could pit them against the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats, a team with a stellar 32-2 record. The West region, while not as stacked as some others, presents a challenging path for the Badgers, but one they believe they are capable of navigating.
Wisconsin’s success in March Madness will depend on the continued strong play of both Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Their ability to consistently produce on offense, coupled with the team’s overall defensive effort, will determine how far the Badgers can go in the tournament. The Badgers will need both players to continue performing at a high level, just as they did in the Big Ten Tournament, if they hope to make a serious run at the Final Four.
The Badgers’ next confirmed action is Thursday’s first-round game against High Point at 12:50 p.m. CT. Fans can follow the game’s progress and find updated bracket information on the official NCAA website.
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