Three games Wisconsin must win to return to a bowl game in 2026
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This year specifically, the Wisconsin Badgers have a much easier schedule in the Big Ten.
Other than the ReliaQuest Bowl against LSU, Luke Fickell hasn't had any success leading the Badgers to bowl games.
Here in 2026, UW must take advantage of a schedule include Indiana, Oregon, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Combine the fact that the Badgers heroically took down then No. 14 Penn State, according to the USA Today LBM Coaches Poll, to push themselves to 3-1 overall, and there is plenty of reason to believe this can be Fickell’s best season as head coach of the Badgers.
Outside of the Michigan State matchup, here are three more games Wisconsin should have banked to reach the postseason once again.
No. 1 Rutgers (November 7th)
The Scarlett Knights are off to a 1-3 start this season with their only win against Howard. While Greg Schiano kept it close against USC, losing just 42-35, it's unclear if SHI Stadium will be bringing that intensity for much longer.
No. 2 Maryland (November 14th)
Mike Lockley’s ninth season couldn’t have gotten off to a much worse start. After customary wins against Hampton and UConn, the Terrapins were never truly close to beating Virginia Tech in the eventual 35-26 loss, and their 54-3 loss to UCLA could be the nail in the coffin for the season.
No. 3 Purdue (November 21st)
While the Boilermakers' 1-3 record is a bit misleading, this still isn’t a great team. With Purdue likely eyeing down No. 5 Indiana in rivalry week a week later, this sets up a perfect spot for the Badgers to take the away win.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Three games Wisconsin must win to return to a bowl game in 2026
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