Wisconsin Badgers' backcourt duo emerges as March Madness darkhorse

Nick Boyd and John Blackwell have led Wisconsin's surge up the rankings with dominant performances against top-10 opponents.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Wisconsin Badgers have become one of the hottest teams in the country, thanks in large part to the outstanding play of their backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Over the past five games, the Badgers have knocked off several top-10 opponents, with Boyd and Blackwell combining for 102 points, 15 assists and just two turnovers in those two games. Their performances have sparked buzz around the team's potential to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's surge has put them firmly in the conversation as a March Madness darkhorse, with many experts believing their high-powered backcourt of Boyd and Blackwell could carry them to the Sweet 16 or beyond. The Badgers haven't reached that stage of the tournament since 2016-17, but this year's team appears to have the talent and experience to end that drought.

The details

In recent wins over No. 8 Illinois and No. 10 Michigan State, Boyd and Blackwell have taken turns dominating games. Boyd scored 20 points in the first half against the Spartans, while Blackwell poured in 19 in the second half. Their combined performances have left opposing coaches and analysts raving about the duo, with Michigan State's Tom Izzo calling them "maybe the best backcourt in the country."

  • On February 13, 2026, Wisconsin beat 10th-ranked Michigan State 92-71.
  • Over the past five games, Wisconsin has gone from the NCAA Tournament bubble to a team that top seeds would dread to see in their portion of the March Madness bracket.

The players

Nick Boyd

A Wisconsin guard who has been outstanding for the Badgers during their recent hot streak, scoring 29 points in the win over Michigan State.

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin guard who has formed a dominant backcourt duo with Nick Boyd, scoring 24 points in the win over Michigan State.

Nolan Winter

A Wisconsin forward who has been one of the Big Ten's top rebounders and most efficient scorers this season, providing a strong frontcourt presence for the Badgers.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who praised the Wisconsin backcourt duo of Boyd and Blackwell as "maybe the best in the country."

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What they’re saying

“They've got maybe the best backcourt duo in Boyd and Blackwell – not only in the league, but I think one of the better ones in the country.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach (SpartanTailgate)

“Nick Boyd (29) and John Blackwell (24) in a big win against Michigan State. The best backcourt in the Big Ten.”

— Ersin Demir (Twitter)

“About as dominant as it gets for the Wisconsin Badgers, beating Michigan State, 91-72. John Blackwell scored 24, Nick Boyd scored 29. One of the scariest guard duos in the country.”

— Sean Paul (Twitter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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