In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, the 2025 College Football Coaches Poll is out, and it isn’t looking good for the Badgers. Not only did they not get any votes (which shouldn’t be much of a surprise after last season), but the list is full of their opponents this season. Ohio State and Penn State came in at number 2 and 3, and in total over half the teams they play this year are in the top 25. We knew it was going to be a tough schedule, and we can really only expect the Badgers to be favored in just a few games to begin the season. After that, every game will be a fight. But maybe don’t look at them as tough games, but opportunities!

Meanwhile in the NFL, Packers Cornerback Nate Hobbs will be out for a little bit after undergoing knee surgery. Some pundits are saying he might be back in time for the opener against Detroit in about a month, but Lucas is doubtful. Hobbs is a very physical guy, something the Packers will really be needing in those first few games. That leaves them with Keisean Nixon, who is not exactly a veteran player. Between him, Carrington Valentine, and a returning Corey Ballentine, they’ll certainly be missing Jaire this year… They’ll play their first preseason game this weekend, and LaFleur is still unsure if the starters will actually play. Oates hopes they do. As long as you use them lightly so they don’t get hurt, it’ll be a chance for them to get their feet wet and get back into the rhythm of play.

Finally, the Brewers remain the best team in Major League Baseball as of recording on Tuesday evening. Now, the Brewers have not had the best record in baseball at the end of the season since 1982 when they went to the World Series. It’s still a little ways away and it’s impossible to say what’ll happen, but they’ve been playing some great ball. They’re a quiet team that everyone had written off after losing Adames and Williams, Oates says, but they’re playing some great ball. Add in a guy like Andrew Vaughn, and Milwaukee has a real shot. If they can stay healthy. Both Jackson Churio and their ace The Miz are hurt, though Oates isn’t too concerned. At least with The Miz, he speculates that this is more of a “save the arm for October” type of break. No one will complain about that, especially with the depth the Brewers have in both their starting pitchers and their bullpen. Maybe the secret lies in the snacks that manager Pat Murphy has been hiding in his pants pockets…  

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Nate Wegehaupt. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.