Joe Nelson

Joined: May 13, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Texas-Rio Grand Valley

Football

Kaleb Johnson and the Iowa Hawkeyes had the Wisconsin Badgers looking for answers on Saturday. Perhaps some answers will come in the grades from the game that have been issued by Pro Football Focus.

Football

Wisconsin, at 5-2 and after outscoring its last three opponents by a combined 117-16, didn't receive any votes in the latest AP Top 25 college football poll. Like, literally no votes in the "also receiving votes" section. How is that even possible?

Oct 12, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald talks with Wisconsin Badgers athletic coordinator Barry Alvarez prior to the game at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Football

Wisconsin is a 7-point favorite to go on the road and beat Northwestern on Saturday, but former Badgers head coach and athletics director Barry Alvarez warns that playing the Wildcats on their turf can be a challenging experience.

Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) celebrates his basket against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Basketball

The 2024-25 Wisconsin Badgers could be a surprise team in the Big Ten and nationally if a trio of Minnesotans can perform at a high level.

Mar 16, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) shoots as Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) defends during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Basketball

On Monday, the preseason AP Top 25 poll was released and the Badgers, while not included, did get five votes to finish in a 45th position.

Basketball

While preseason expectations aren't as high as they have been in recent years, the new-look Badgers certainly have no shortage of bulletin-board material to motivate them.

Wisconsin Will Pauling (6) reacts after an incomplete pass to him in the end zone during the game against Alabama at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Football

How wounded are the Wisconsin Badgers? According to media covering the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Saturday's game in Piscataway will be against the "beat-up Badgers."

Oct 5, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Football

Rutgers and Wisconsin are preparing for a street fight in New Jersey and Badgers Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez says it's time to "knuckle-up."

Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) scores a touchdown on a 69-yard reception during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Football

Two touchdown catches for the suddenly-explosive Wisconsin Badgers has led to wide receiver Trech Kekahuna being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.