Joe Nelson

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

Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Carter Smith, the quarterback of the Bishop Verot football team throws during the Class 2A-District 10 championship against Glades Central at Bishop Verot on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Smith broke Lee County's all-time passing record. He was throwing into the end zone for a touchdown, but it was ruled incomplete.

Wisconsin vs. Penn State in 2021

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.

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 running back Chez Mellusi (1) finds a seam in the South Dakota defense during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, September 7 , 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Football

The Wisconsin Badgers will be without running back Chez Mellusi for an undetermined amount of time. The surprising announcement was made Thursday evening, with the university issuing a statement saying Mellusi's absence is related to his health.

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) attempts to catch the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

At 2-2 and fresh off blowout losses to Alabama and USC, the Wisconsin Badgers don't have the look of a team that is going to be competing for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. In fact, getting a marquee bowl game might be hard to come by.

Former University of Wisconsin football coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez answer questions at the Big Ten football media day on Wednesday July 27, 2022 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Alvarez is the Big Ten Conference Special Advisor for football.

Barry Alvarez July 27 2022

Football

Hall of Fame Wisconsin Badgers coach Barry Alvarez would've been in a dream scenario had he been coaching the Big Ten showdown between the Badgers and USC last Saturday.

Dan \"Big Cat\" Katz, Barstool Sports Rough N Rowdy Boxing in Providence

Football

"Big Cat" graduated from Wisconsin in 2007.

Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Badgers' hard schedule now in the hands of Braedyn Locke

Luke Fickell

The season kicks off in a matter of weeks and the tone is being set in training camp.

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

From Jalen Milroe to five-star phenom Dylan Raiola, the Badgers will face big-time QBs this season.

Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke throws a pass as coach Luke Fickell watches during spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday April 2, 2024.

There will be an open competition, but the expectation is that Tyler Van Dyke will win the job.