The Badgers and the Hawkeyes are set to meet again in 2026, a game that could shape the trajectory of Wisconsin’s season and test Iowa’s renewed ambition.
A rivalry reborn
Iowa enters the matchup still buzzing from a 37‑0 victory over Wisconsin in 2025, a result that left the Badgers reeling and triggered a wave of roster turnover; head coach Kirk Ferentz will rely on a revamped lineup after the departures of Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker and Beau Stephens.
Key player movements have defined the offseason for both programs; Iowa’s special‑teams standout Kaden Wetjen has departed, while transfers such as Tony Diaz and Tyler Brown are expected to add explosiveness to the offense and secondary.
New faces on the Hawkeye roster
Wide receiver Tony Diaz brings a knack for big plays, and safety Tyler Brown could replace Xavier Nwankpa in the defensive backfield, while punter Tory Taylor remains a reliable presence on special teams.
For Wisconsin, head coach Luke Fickell knows the line must be rebuilt after losing several key pieces, and the team faces a schedule that now includes matchups with Michigan, Ohio State and Washington.
The non‑conference slate is stacked with traditional powers, making an early surge essential if the Badgers hope to keep any playoff dreams alive.
What’s at stake
Analysts project a razor‑thin contest, with some models giving Iowa a slight edge and forecasting a 20‑13 final score; a 10‑2 record could catapult the Hawkeyes into the College Football Playoff conversation, adding extra pressure to the upcoming showdown.