What to know about Wisconsin football in 2026

What to know about Wisconsin football in 2026

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What to know about Wisconsin football in 2026

As we get ready to embark on another long, grueling college football season, it’s important to gain perspective about the teams going to battle. We will be discussing the Big Ten conference, which has made a strong running in recent years to be considered the best conference in the nation, taking home each of the last three national championships. There’s no guarantee that it will be four years in a row, but there is more than enough firepower in the Big Ten to get the job done. Wisconsin certainly is not one of the premier teams in the conference moving forward, but potentially with some wholesale changes, they can make some noise early on.

Here is a quick look at the Wisconsin Badgers heading into the 2026 season.

Quick 2025 recap

Wisconsin running back Darrion Dupree (6) tosses the ball to wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) on a flea flicker during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Illinois 27-10.

  • Record: 4-8, 1-7 in Big Ten
  • Bowl result: N/A

There are no moral victories in Madison, Wisconsin, as the football program remains mired in Big Ten purgatory. They seemingly had two problems they could never overcome: the most difficult strength of schedule in the country and their anemic offense, which ranked 135th nationally. Only one conference win (interestingly, against No. 24 Washington) is not good enough. However, the quarterback position did not help the squad out, as constant injuries befell the group. Still, the program decided to stick with head coach Luke Fickell for another year despite his missing bowl games for two consecutive seasons.

Head coach: Luke Fickell, 4th season

Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

  • Record: 80-45, 17-20 with Wisconsin

It seems like now or never for the former CFP head coach. When Fickell made the move from Cincinnati to Wisconsin, it seemed like he was on top of the world as one of the most coveted young coaches in the nation. Now, after two straight down years with the Badgers, it seems more like he's out of his depth. This is a make-or-break year that could determine both the fate of the program and Fickell. He had better hope that new transfers and changes within the squad can help this program. Otherwise, next year, we may be talking about a different coach filling his shoes in Madison.

Offensive player to know: Colton Joseph, quarterback

Sep 13, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

The quarterback position has always been a major weakness for this Badgers squad. For three consecutive seasons, the team has had to contend with several injuries to the man at the helm of the offense. That is why Luke Fickell went into the transfer portal to acquire Old Dominion's Colton Joseph. While Joseph is not necessarily the most impressive of passers, Badgers fans should be intrigued by his 1,007 yards rushing along with 13 touchdowns, presenting an interesting dual-threat capability. If Joseph stays healthy, he could immediately elevate the national profile of the program.

Defensive player to know: Mason Posa, linebacker

Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa (8) reacts to a stop against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

With several changes coming to a pretty solid defensive unit, attention could turn to the young players up front tasked with making the D-line fearsome. Among them is sophomore linebacker Mason Posa, who could be primed for a breakout campaign. While he was forced into the lineup due to injury, he has proven highly capable, tallying 25 tackles and 4 TFLs. If he continues to show marked improvement, he could become the new face of this defense.

Does Penn State face Wisconsin in 2026?

Penn State safety Jaylen Reed (1) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Penn State beat Wisconsin 28-13.

Yes, the Nittany Lions will be playing the Badgers for their Homecoming Game on September 26. This will also be the Big Ten opener for the season for both schools. The teams faced off two years ago in an easy 28-13 Nittany Lions victory. Penn State leads the all-time series with Wisconsin, 12-6, and has won each of the previous six meetings dating back to 2012. That includes a victory in the 2014 Big Ten championship game.

Full 2026 Wisconsin football schedule

Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Wisconsin Badgers football helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Home games in all CAPS

  • September 6 (Sun): vs. Notre Dame(at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin)
  • September 12 vs. WESTERN ILLINOIS
  • September 19 vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN
  • September 26 at Penn State*
  • October 3 vs. MICHIGAN STATE*
  • October 10 Bye
  • October 17 at UCLA*
  • October 24 vs. USC*
  • October 31 at Iowa*
  • November 7 vs. RUTGERS*
  • November 14 at Maryland*
  • November 21: at Purdue*
  • November 27 (Friday) vs. MINNESOTA*

"*" designates Big Ten Conference game

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to know about Wisconsin football in 2026

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