Wisconsin changed their starting lineup and rotation for 2025–26 following the departure of Daniel Freitag.

The landscape of college basketball is constantly shifting, and few programs have had to navigate as many changes as the University of Wisconsin Badgers. As the 2025-26 season approaches, head coach Greg Gard and his staff find themselves making crucial decisions about lineup adjustments and player roles, especially following the departure of key guard Daniel Freitag. Freitag, one of the program’s rising stars, entered the transfer portal, leaving a gap that needed to be filled. His departure marks a pivotal moment for Wisconsin as the team looks to reconfigure its lineup and rotation to remain competitive in the Big Ten.

This season recap takes an in-depth look at how Wisconsin has changed its lineup and rotation following Freitag’s exit, analyzing how the team’s core structure has shifted and what fans can expect from the revamped squad. The Badgers will face new challenges and opportunities as they recalibrate their approach for 2025-26.

1. The Impact of Daniel Freitag’s Departure

Daniel Freitag was a significant contributor to the Badgers’ success in the 2024-2025 season. A dynamic and versatile guard, Freitag brought scoring ability, strong defense, and leadership to the floor. His departure left a noticeable void in Wisconsin’s backcourt, as he had been a key playmaker and a reliable scoring option for the team. Freitag’s blend of athleticism and basketball IQ allowed him to thrive in Wisconsin’s defensive-first system, where his ability to guard multiple positions and make plays on offense was invaluable.

Freitag’s decision to enter the transfer portal left Wisconsin with an immediate challenge: How would they replace his contributions in the lineup? His absence created an opportunity for other players to step up, and it forced Greg Gard and his coaching staff to reevaluate their rotation and make some important lineup adjustments.

2. Reevaluating the Backcourt: The New Faces and Roles

With Freitag no longer on the roster, Wisconsin’s backcourt underwent the most significant changes. While the Badgers had some solid pieces returning, including experienced guards, the team needed someone to take on the responsibilities that Freitag had previously held. Several players were poised to step into larger roles, and the team would look to create a cohesive, effective backcourt for the 2025-26 season.

Tyler Wahl: A Versatile Leader in the Backcourt

Although Tyler Wahl had primarily played forward during his time at Wisconsin, his versatility and basketball IQ made him an ideal candidate to assume a larger role in the backcourt. Wahl’s experience as a leader, combined with his scoring ability, made him an obvious choice to help fill the void left by Freitag. While his defensive prowess and rebounding would continue to be a major asset for Wisconsin, his ability to create opportunities and take on a larger offensive load gave him the potential to flourish in a more prominent role in the backcourt.

During the 2024-2025 season, Wahl demonstrated the ability to handle the ball and run the offense when needed. His vision and passing ability, paired with his scoring threat, made him a valuable contributor on the perimeter. With Freitag gone, Wahl’s role was expanded, with him becoming the primary facilitator in the backcourt, allowing Wisconsin to run more offensive sets through him. His leadership on and off the floor would also be key to helping stabilize the backcourt and ensure continuity on both ends of the floor.

Kamari McGee: The New Point Guard

Kamari McGee’s arrival at Wisconsin via the transfer portal was a significant moment for the program, and his impact on the 2025-26 season was expected to be even greater following Freitag’s departure. McGee, a talented ball handler and strong defender, stepped into the point guard position for the Badgers, providing a steady hand and reliable decision-making.

McGee’s ability to direct traffic and create opportunities for his teammates would be vital for Wisconsin, especially with Freitag’s absence. As a quick, scrappy defender, McGee was also a strong fit for Wisconsin’s defensive-minded system. His toughness on defense, combined with his court vision, made him a natural choice to take on the point guard role. McGee’s development as a floor leader would be one of the defining aspects of Wisconsin’s backcourt in the 2025-26 season.

Jordan Davis: Stepping Up as a Scoring Threat

With Freitag’s departure, Wisconsin needed someone else to provide scoring and playmaking from the guard position. Jordan Davis, a transfer from Chattanooga, emerged as a potential answer. Davis had shown flashes of his scoring ability during his first season with Wisconsin, but with Freitag gone, he was expected to take on an even more significant role in the offense.

Davis was known for his ability to score from anywhere on the floor—whether from the three-point line, mid-range, or driving to the basket. His shooting touch, combined with his ability to create off the dribble, allowed him to become one of the primary offensive weapons for Wisconsin in 2025-26. Davis’ expanded role was a natural result of Freitag’s departure, and the Badgers would look to him to help fill the scoring void in the backcourt. His ability to balance scoring with playmaking would be crucial for the team’s success as they transitioned into a new phase.

3. The Frontcourt Adjustments: Stability and Depth

While the departure of Daniel Freitag primarily impacted the backcourt, Wisconsin’s frontcourt also required some adjustments as the team looked to balance its overall rotation. The Badgers were fortunate to have key contributors returning in the form of Tyler Wahl, along with promising younger players who could step into bigger roles.

Tyler Wahl: The Rock in the Frontcourt

Tyler Wahl was expected to continue playing a central role in the frontcourt for Wisconsin, contributing as both a scorer and a defender. Wahl’s versatility allowed him to shift between positions, and his leadership would be crucial in stabilizing the frontcourt after Freitag’s departure. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Wahl would continue to serve as a cornerstone for Wisconsin’s defensive efforts, while his offensive game could be expanded even further.

Wahl’s ability to play inside and out would allow Wisconsin to continue utilizing him as a multi-dimensional forward, capable of stretching the floor or working in the post. His rebounding, in particular, would help the team gain crucial second-chance opportunities and maintain control of the paint. As one of the team’s most reliable players, Wahl’s consistency would be key to the Badgers’ success.

Steven Crowl: A Key Presence in the Post

Steven Crowl, the 7-foot center, was another crucial figure for Wisconsin in the 2025-26 season. Crowl’s size and post presence were pivotal for the Badgers, particularly on the defensive end. He was a shot-blocking presence who could control the paint, and his offensive game was steadily improving, allowing him to contribute as a scoring threat down low.

With Freitag gone, Crowl’s role expanded as he became one of the primary scoring options in the paint. His ability to finish around the rim and create mismatches with opposing defenses would be vital for Wisconsin’s success in the post. Crowl’s size and experience allowed him to anchor the frontcourt, providing both a defensive presence and offensive stability for the team.

Jalen Johnson and Ben Carlson: The Next Wave

Jalen Johnson and Ben Carlson, two younger players with significant potential, were expected to take on larger roles in the frontcourt rotation for 2025-26. Both players had shown flashes of brilliance during their time at Wisconsin, but with the departure of Freitag and other departures, they were expected to step up and contribute more consistently.

Johnson’s athleticism and ability to play on the wing allowed him to be a versatile option in Wisconsin’s offense and defense. Carlson, a skilled forward with the ability to stretch the floor, was a key piece for Wisconsin’s depth. Both players would likely see increased minutes as part of the team’s expanded rotation.

4. Overall Rotation Adjustments: Deeper Bench and New Roles

The departure of Daniel Freitag also meant that the rotation would be adjusted to ensure that players with the skills to step into bigger roles would receive the necessary playing time. This shift led to a more dynamic and flexible lineup, with several players stepping up to contribute in various ways.

Expanded Minutes for Key Bench Players

With McGee, Davis, Wahl, and Crowl taking on more prominent roles, the depth of Wisconsin’s bench became crucial to maintaining energy and freshness throughout the season. Bench players such as Jordan Davis and others like freshman prospects would be counted on to provide a spark when the starting lineup needed rest or when opposing teams adjusted to Wisconsin’s primary lineup.

Rotation Flexibility

The flexibility of the lineup allowed for strategic matchups against different opponents. With the departure of Freitag, Coach Greg Gard could experiment with different combinations, mixing and matching players to find the most effective rotations. Wisconsin would be able to go smaller or larger depending on the opponent’s style of play, giving the Badgers a tactical advantage in various scenarios.

5. Looking Ahead: Wisconsin’s Prospects in 2025-26

As Wisconsin moves into the 2025-26 season, the team will undoubtedly miss Daniel Freitag’s contributions, but they are well-positioned to succeed without him. The Badgers have a roster full of capable players who can step up, and the changes to the starting lineup and rotation reflect the team’s ability to adapt and evolve.

With the combination of experienced players like Wahl, McGee, and Crowl, along with the potential of younger talents like Davis and Johnson, Wisconsin is poised to remain competitive in the Big Ten. The Badgers may not have Freitag, but their collective team-oriented approach will continue to be their strength.

The 2025-26 season for Wisconsin promises to be a fascinating one, and how they adjust to Freitag’s departure will define their success in the coming year. Fans can expect a highly competitive squad, with new players stepping into key roles and the Badgers looking to maintain their reputation as one of the most disciplined and defensively sound teams in college basketball.