Sports Illustrated released its preseason top 25 for the 2018 college football season on Tuesday.

Wisconsin checked in at No. 3, trailing only Alabama (2), and Clemson (1).

Per SI, the Badgers have five top 100 ranked players in college football: Jonathan Taylor (6), David Edwards (42), Michael Dieter (52), Beau Benzschawel (74), and T.J. Edwards (No. 95).

Junior wide receiver Quintez Cephus was also listed as the team's x-factor this season:

"On April 19, Wisconsin tweeted a video from spring practice of receiver Quintez Cephus leaping in the back of the end zone and plucking an Alex Hornibrook spiral with his left hand. The reaction from the thousands of viewers: Wooooooaaaaaaah! Everyone knows Jonathan Taylor can run (1,977 yards as a freshman), but the Badgers’ offense will be formidable if the receivers can stretch the field. Most important is Cephus (16.7 yards a catch in 2017), who is back after a right-leg injury ended his season last November. With the departure of last year’s leader in catches and receiving yards, TE Troy Fumagalli, it’s time for the wideouts like Cephus to rise to the occasion." - Andy Staples

Rounding out the top 10 was Washington (4), Oklahoma (5), Georgia (6), Penn State (7), Auburn (8), Ohio State (9), and West Virginia (10).

Since head coach Paul Chryst arrived at Wisconsin, he's led his alma mater to a 34-7 overall record, the fifth-best mark in the country behind only Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. Returning 13 starters on offense and defense from last season's 13-1 Orange Bowl champion squad, UW has been in the center of the college football playoff discussion throughout the off-season, however Chryst has downplayed those expectations.

"I don't think that the pressure ever changes," Chryst said. "The years that I've been here, we've had good teams. There's always conversation. There's an outside noise now -- nobody is going to have more vivid, clearer expectations than us in the room. And that's all that matters."

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Following four-straight 10-win seasons, Wisconsin is looking for its first Big Ten Championship since 2012 and perhaps the program's first-ever college football playoff berth.

"I talk about this with the players. The best part of the game is playing it," said Chryst. "These guys spend all year to get ready and play in the game. As we witnessed too closely, Jack Cichy, you're not even guaranteed all the games.

"If all you're worried about is the end, then you missed the best part. We've got to be in each day, embrace each day, and be our best. I think that's what you focus on."

Wisconsin opens the 2018 season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.