The Wisconsin Badgers opened their 2026 football season with a 41-13 defeat to No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lambeau Field, marking a 0-1 start for the team.
Early in the game, Wisconsin's special teams sparked a 3-0 lead when Liam Danitz blocked a punt and K Gavin Lahm converted a field goal, but Notre Dame answered with a field goal and a fumble recovery on a kick return to take a 10-3 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
A Rocky Start in Green Bay
The Badgers' defense limited Notre Dame to just 29 rushing yards in the first half, yet the Irish offense exploded after halftime, outscoring Wisconsin 28-3 in the second half and sealing the game with multiple touchdowns.
Individual highlights included Colton Joseph’s 217 passing yards on 19 of 30 attempts, Abu Sama III’s 49 rushing yards, and linebacker Mason Posa’s career‑record 15 tackles, while Sebastian Cheeks forced a crucial fumble on a third‑down strip‑sack.
The Badgers will look to rebound when they host Western Illinois on September 12 at Camp Randall Stadium, aiming to erase the early deficit and improve their record.