The Badger Backer Roundup: The McIntosh Era Ends, Rapp Returns, and Big Time Visits
Chris McIntosh departs for the Big Ten, Austin Rapp returns, and men's basketball hosts some top targets.
The landscape of Wisconsin athletics shifted on its axis this week. In a move that few saw coming so abruptly, Chris McIntosh is trading his office at Kellner Hall for a seat at the Big Ten’s corporate table. As the search for a new leader begins, the work on the field and court doesn’t stop.
From “Mr. Basketball” visiting the Kohl Center to a historic night for a former Badger in the WNBA Draft, the news cycle is moving fast for what is usually a slow season.
Here is everything you need to know in today’s Badger Backer Roundup.
1. Administration: The Chris McIntosh Era Ends
The biggest news in the state broke Monday morning as Chris McIntosh officially announced he is stepping down as Wisconsin’s Athletic Director.
The Move: McIntosh has accepted a position as the Deputy Commissioner for Strategy for the Big Ten Conference.
The Interim: Football General Manager and Deputy AD Marcus Sedberry will take over as the interim Athletic Director.
The Legacy: McIntosh’s five-year tenure will be remembered for the hire of Luke Fickell, the firing of Paul Chryst, and navigating the chaotic early years of the NIL and transfer portal era. The search for a permanent replacement will be led by future interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots.
2. 🏈 Football: Trench Warfare & High-Level Visitors
While the front office is in flux, Luke Fickell’s staff is busy hosting elite talent during spring ball.
Cameron Wagner on Campus: The Badgers hosted 4-star 2027 offensive tackle Cameron Wagner (St. Joseph, IL) at practice this past Saturday. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 305 pounds, Wagner is a top-15 tackle nationally. Securing an unofficial visit from an out-of-state blue-chipper of his caliber is a massive win for OL coach Eric Mateos.
Spring Vibes: The energy at the Camp Randall remains high as the team works through its second week post-spring break. The focus continues to be adding to the loaded 2027 class and integrating 34 new transfers.
3. Men’s Basketball: Roster Continuity & Recruiting Wars
Greg Gard received some much-needed good news on the roster front while juggling a busy recruiting calendar.
Austin Rapp is Back: Forward Austin Rapp has officially confirmed he will return for the 2026-27 season. The Australian native averaged 9.7 points and 4.0 rebounds last year, shooting a blistering 46% from deep over the final stretch of the season. His floor spacing is crucial for next year’s rotation.
austin rapp@austinrapppRun it back ❤️
1:01 AM · Apr 13, 2026 · 82.4K Views52 Replies · 127 Reposts · 3.17K LikesElite Visits: The Badgers hosted two of the state’s biggest names on Monday. Donovan Davis (2027 4-star forward) was on campus for an official visit, while 2026 Mr. Basketball Zavier Zens was also in the building. Keeping these high-level in-state targets close is the top priority.
The Blackwell Watch: In portal news, John Blackwell is officially visiting UCLA today. Reported by @CBBContent, this is a significant hurdle for the Badgers as they try to navigate the star guard’s departure.
College Basketball Content@CBBcontentWisconsin transfer John Blackwell is visiting UCLA tomorrow, per multiple reports. The 6-4 guard averaged 19.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 1.1 SPG as a junior.
1:00 PM · Apr 13, 2026 · 114K Views35 Replies · 31 Reposts · 893 Likes
4. Women’s Basketball: Williams Goes Pro
A nice moment for the program occurred during Monday night’s WNBA Draft.
Serah Williams Drafted: Former Badger standout Serah Williams was selected 33rd overall by the Connecticut Sun before being traded to the Portland Fire.
Badger Legacy: While Williams finished her career at UConn, her three dominant years in Madison—where she was the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year—laid the foundation for her professional career. She remains a beloved figure for Badger fans who watched her dominate the paint at the Kohl Center.
5. Other Sports Update:
Women’s Golf: The Badgers finished 7th at the Boilermaker Spring Classic this past weekend. Redshirt junior Tammy Wu led the way with a top-20 finish, shooting +8 in tough, windy conditions. The team now has a week off before the Big Ten Championship on April 24.
Softball: It was a tough weekend at Goodman Diamond as the Badgers (22-15 overall, 7-8 B1G) were swept by No. 7 Nebraska. The series finale was a 12-2 loss in five innings. The team will look to bounce back and find some offensive rhythm as they head back into Big Ten play.
It means a lot to have you here at The Badger Backer. Your readership makes digging into the weeds of recruiting and roster management worthwhile. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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