Predicting Big Ten football scores in Week 1 — Can Wisconsin upset Notre Dame?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

A full slate of Big Ten football is here. Beginning on Thursday night, fans can see Big Ten action through Sunday.

The USC Trojans played in Week 0, looking impressive offensively, and now we will get to see how the rest of the conference contenders fare. In this weekly segment, I’m going to preview three of the bigger games, and then quickly hit the final scores for the rest of the conference.

MORE: Predicting every ACC college football score in Week 1

Boise State vs. No. 2 Oregon

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Oregon enters this game as a national title favorite, along as a big favorite in the game itself. What’s interesting about this Week 1 game is that Boise State is a very popular pick to make the College Football Playoff from the Group of 6.

The Broncos get QB Maddux Madsen to return this season, but the problem for Boise State is that Oregon has most of its defense back from last season. Oregon could have the best defensive line in college football, and with Dante Moore on offense, Boise State will have a long day.

Final score: Oregon 31, Boise State 13

UCLA vs. Cal

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It’s the Bob Chesney era at UCLA, and he has a gettable game in Week 1 against Cal. The Bears are the home team, but we don’t know what to expect out of Cal entering Year 2 of Tosh Lupoi. While there are unknowns, I’d expect Cal to be a tough out this season.

QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is back for his sophomore season and he could really boom in 2026 after a stellar freshman season. This game will come down to which QB wants it more and can produce in the end. Can Nico Iamaleava finally put it all together?

He might, but Cal will win at home, in a close one.

Final score: Cal 31, UCLA 28

Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

I want to think this could be a fun contest. Luke Fickell enters a season in which he needs to win football games, and a lot will be riding on Old Dominion QB transfer Colton Joseph, but this might be the worst possible draw for Wisconsin.

Notre Dame suffered two losses last season, and because of that, the Irish didn’t make the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame is going to be out for blood this season, and it’s possible CJ Carr comes out slinging on Sunday night.

Final score: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 14

The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style

Rutgers 24, UMass 6

Minnesota 41, Eastern Illinois 10

Illinois 31, UAB 10

Purdue 27, Indiana State 6

Michigan State 17, Toledo 14

No. 14 USC 38, Fresno State 13

No. 6 Indiana 41, North Texas 10

Nebraska 28, Ohio 6

No. 1 Ohio State 48, Ball State 3

No. 18 Penn State 31, Marshall 14

No. 22 Iowa 27, Northern Illinois 3

No. 16 Michigan 38, Western Michigan 10

Maryland 45, Hampton 6

Northwestern 24, South Dakota State 10

No. 17 Washington 31, Washington State 13

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos