A testing start
The University of Wisconsin football program is preparing for a 2026 campaign that could define its immediate trajectory. With a roster still finding its identity, the Badgers enter the season as heavy underdogs in three marquee matchups that will set the tone for the year.
The opener pits Wisconsin against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, where oddsmakers have listed the Badgers as 20.5‑point underdogs. The Fighting Irish are projected as a preseason top‑five squad, boasting a stacked roster that returns much of its championship‑contending talent.
Just a week later, Wisconsin travels to State College to face Penn State, a program undergoing its own transformation under new head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell has infused the offense with a wave of transfers from Iowa State, giving the Nittany Lions a fresh look but also a less intimidating overall profile compared to Notre Dame or USC.
The third test comes when USC arrives in Madison. The Trojans bring a high‑flying attack led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who posted over 3,800 passing yards and 30 touchdowns last season. While the Trojans' talent is evident, analysts note that their depth beyond Maiava and a handful of weapons is not as formidable as it might appear on paper.
Wisconsin's schedule is deliberately structured to allow early games against more manageable opponents, a strategy that could build confidence before the Penn State showdown. That game marks the first legitimate test for a Penn State team that opens its season with three consecutive buy games, making the Wisconsin contest its first real challenge.
Despite the odds, the Badgers see opportunities to pull off upsets. The combination of a seasoned coaching staff, including Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock, and the experience of players like quarterback CJ Carr positions Wisconsin to capitalize on any missteps by their opponents. A victory over Penn State on the road would be a statement win that could reverberate throughout the remainder of the season.