In a dramatic turn of events during the 2017 Big Ten championship game, the Wisconsin Badgers came agonizingly close to securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. With just one touchdown standing between them and an undefeated season, their dreams were shattered when a desperation pass was intercepted, resulting in a loss and their exclusion from the playoffs. However, with the recent expansion of the playoff field to include 12 teams, Wisconsin's football program finds itself in a promising position to benefit in the future.

Over the past decade of the four-team Playoff era, Wisconsin's 2016, 2017, and 2019 teams all won double-digit games, entered the Big Ten championship ranked in the top eight, and narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. However, under the new 12-team format, Wisconsin would have qualified in eight different seasons since the start of the BCS era in 1998. Despite their consistent success, none of these Wisconsin teams were able to make it to the Playoff or national championship game under the previous formats.

With the expanded playoff field, Wisconsin no longer has to rely on being perfect or reaching the Big Ten championship game. The opportunities for a slip-up or two are more forgiving, given the strength of their schedule and the potential for multiple teams from the conference to make it into the playoffs. With five preseason top-25 teams on their schedule this season, including powerhouse programs like Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and Ohio State in future seasons, Wisconsin has ample chances to secure quality wins and strengthen their playoff resume.

Even a Wisconsin team with eight or nine wins late in the season would be firmly in the Playoff conversation. A prime example is the 2021 Badgers team, which was ranked No. 14 in the CFP top 25 as an 8-3 team before a regular-season finale loss dashed their hopes. The expanded playoff format makes the elusive playoff appearance seem more attainable for a program that has recorded the most wins among Power 4 teams without a playoff appearance from 2014 to 2023.

Wisconsin fans share an optimistic outlook, with 63.3 percent believing that the Badgers will make the Playoff within the next five years. Head coach Luke Fickell, who experienced playoff success with the Cincinnati Bearcats, acknowledges the difficulty of achieving a playoff season but recognizes the potential benefits for Wisconsin. He emphasizes that the expansion of the playoff field not only makes college football better but also keeps players engaged and motivated to play for championships.

With Playoff expansion benefiting other teams that have been on the cusp as well, Wisconsin's path to the playoffs becomes more competitive. However, the opportunity to get a foot in the door is what matters most for the Badgers. While capturing a national title remains a challenging feat, requiring them to defeat the top 12 teams in the nation, the expanded playoff format presents a chance for Wisconsin to finally break through and compete on the biggest stage in college football.

As college football embraces another season of change, the Wisconsin Badgers stand ready to seize the new opportunities provided by the expanded College Football Playoff. With a strong program and challenging schedule ahead, their journey towards playoff contention begins now.