The Badgers and the Terrapins are set to meet again in 2026, a rematch that carries the weight of a painful 2025 encounter.
The 2025 Collapse
In that earlier meeting Maryland rolled past Wisconsin 27‑10, a result that still echoes through the Badgers’ locker room as a reminder of the work needed on defense.
Maryland’s 2025 campaign unraveled after the victory, as the team dropped eight straight games and finished a disappointing 4‑8, a slide that exposed depth issues and a grueling schedule.
Key figures from that Terrapins squad are now on the move. Wide receiver Sheleak Knots signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, while defensive standout Jalen Huskey earned a spot on an NFL roster after being drafted in 2026.
The receiving corps will also feature newcomer Na’eem Abdul‑Rahim Gladding, who is expected to add a fresh dimension, and Octavian Smith Jr., who logged 113 yards on six catches against Wisconsin in 2025.
On the other side, Wisconsin is emphasizing a tighter defensive scheme under coach Luke Fickell, hoping to curb the opposition’s explosiveness. Transfer Derrick LeBlanc from UCF is slated to reinforce the front line, while veteran Malik Washington remains a focal point of the offense.
Maryland’s 2026 slate looks unforgiving, with marquee matchups against Virginia Tech, UConn and a series of Big Ten rivals that could test the team’s resilience early in the season.
Analysts project a narrow victory for the Badgers, forecasting a 24‑20 outcome that could hinge on a few critical plays. The expectation is a tightly contested game that may come down to the final drive.