Wisconsin fell 41-13 to Notre Dame in their 2026 season opener at Lambeau Field, a result that underscored the Badgers' offensive shortcomings and defensive inconsistencies.
Game Overview
Quarterback Colton Joseph completed 19 of 30 passes for 217 yards and connected with wide receiver Malachi Coleman on a 28-yard touchdown, yet his night was marred by a costly pick-six that swung momentum to the Irish.
Running backs Abu Sama III and Darrion Dupree struggled to find any rhythm, with Sama limited to 15 carries for 49 yards and Dupree seeing minimal action as Notre Dame's defense clogged the interior.
The offensive line, already hampered by injuries, managed a paltry 2.2 yards per carry, a figure that reflects the combined pressure of a stout Irish front and the absence of junior right guard Emerson Mandell, who sat out with a foot injury.
Wide receiver Malachi Coleman added to the offensive highlights, recording four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown, providing a rare bright spot in a largely stagnant passing attack.
Tight ends contributed little, with Grant Stec leading the position with three catches for 20 yards, while the rest of the group was largely invisible in the game plan.
On defense, the Badgers' front line showed promise early, generating a sack in the first half, but they could not maintain that intensity, finishing with only one sack as the Irish adjusted their blocking schemes.
Linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano delivered mixed performances; Posa was penalized for unnecessary roughness, illustrating the physicality that characterized the contest.
The secondary featured steady play from cornerbacks Javan Robinson and Bryce West, but the safeties struggled to provide the needed support, allowing Notre Dame to exploit gaps in the deep field.
Special teams delivered a 70-yard punt by Sean West that gave Wisconsin favorable field position, yet a muff by Harrison Bortolotti handed the Irish a short field that directly led to a touchdown.
Overall, the Badgers received mixed grades across positions, with the offense failing to generate consistent yardage and the defense showing flashes of competence before faltering late in the game.