The Wisconsin Badgers are targeting a return to the AP Top 25 in 2026 after three consecutive seasons outside the rankings. Their campaign will open with a high‑stakes matchup against Notre Dame, a team expected to start the year ranked No. 1 or within the top five.
A win in that marquee Week 1 game would instantly elevate the Badgers’ national profile and improve their odds of cracking the poll. The program’s recent history adds urgency: Wisconsin last held a ranking at the start of the 2023 season, dominated Buffalo in Week 1, but fell to Washington State the following week, leaving the team unranked ever since.
Coach Luke Fickell, now in his fourth year, is operating in a win‑now mindset, emphasizing dominance in non‑conference play and early Big Ten performances. His strategy hinges on turning the toughest strength‑of‑schedule in 2025 into a stepping stone rather than a setback.
The Road Ahead
Beyond the Notre Dame showdown, the Badgers must also impress at Penn State and UCLA, while a Halloween battle at Iowa looms as another pivotal test. The schedule deliberately avoids traditional powerhouses Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana, allowing Wisconsin to focus on building momentum against more attainable opponents.
If the Badgers can string together strong showings and capitalize on an easier slate, the early wins could propel them back into the Top 25 before conference play reaches its peak. The combination of a marquee opening victory and a manageable path forward offers a realistic route to re‑establishing the program among the nation’s elite.