Given how difficult the Wisconsin Badgers’ 2025 schedule was, many breathed a deep sigh of relief when the 2026 version didn’t have the Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, Indiana Hoosiers, or Michigan Wolverines. In fact, “easy” was used as a prime descriptor, even with Notre Dame waiting for Bucky.
But sitting five games into this new slate, it’s fair to say that, while not elite, Wisconsin’s schedule appears tougher than expected. If current AP rankings remain stable through October, Luke Fickell’s
squad will have faced five ranked opponents in their first eight games, a preposterously high amount of such foes, with their next three games coming against AP Top 25 squads.
Let’s go game by game to assess if each remaining contest looks tougher, easier, or similar to how it did preseason.
Week 7: @ No. 21 UCLA
While I never saw this game as the Badger gimme that some did, a funny thing happened on the way to the Bruins being mediocre in 2026: Bob Chesney. The former James Madison head honcho brought in a bunch of his guys (sound familiar?) and has been outstanding on the way to being 4-0 (2-0 Big Ten).
The Ducks will provide a stiff test for the Bruins this weekend but it’s fair to say that the Badgers will likely be underdogs in the Rose Bowl a week from Saturday.
Verdict: Tougher
Week 8: vs. No. 19 USC
USC might be the most maligned 5-1 team in college football history, in large part due to a humbling home loss to Oregon. But let’s be real here: this is still a very talented team with an offensively gifted coach in Lincoln Riley.
They’re still ranked and will almost certainly present the Badgers with many difficulties in their pre-Halloween tilt in Madison. The gifted Jayden Maiva will likely be the best quarterback Wisconsin will face all year, presenting unique challenges for Mike Tressel’s defense.
Verdict: Similar
Week 9: @ No. 20 Iowa
Well before fall camp, I listed this one as Wisconsin’s toughest of the 2026 campaign, and that included Notre Dame. I stand by this.
While not one of the most supremely talented teams in college football, Iowa plays a style that has simply shoved the Badgers in a locker in recent meetings. The question will be whether or not Wisconsin is tough enough in 2026 to put up a fight.
I’m hopeful that this game will look better than, say, a 37-0 loss, but I still believe beating the Hawkeyes in their place is a very tall order.
Verdict: Similar
Week 10: Rutgers
After facing what may be three straight ranked teams, the Badgers get as close to a bye week as possible with the currently 1-4 (0-2) Rutgers paying a visit to Camp Randall. There isn’t much to say about this game beyond the fact that it’s a must win for Wisconsin.
The Scarlet Knights, who started the season with a dreadful home loss to UMass, have been even worse than expected and the Badgers should handle them with relative ease.
Verdict: Easier
Week 11: @ Maryland
Yes, there are many Wisconsin players, coaches, and fans who still, from time to time, have quarterback Malik Washington pop up in their nightmares. Last year’s humbling 27-10 home loss to the Terps was dreadful.
But Mike Locksley is on a scorching hot seat right now and his 2-3 (0-2) squad hasn’t looked good, which is what most expected coming into 2026. The Badgers will simply have to find a way to win this one and I wouldn’t bet against them.
Verdict: Similar
Week 12: @ Purdue
Death. Taxes. Beating Purdue. This has been true since 2003 as Wisconsin has simply owned the Boilermakers, winning 18 straight in the series.
But there are definite signs of life in West Lafayette under Barry Odem, as best evidenced by last week’s solid 24-17 win over Bret Bielema’s Illinois Fighting Illini. What was seen by most as a sure Badger victory preseason is more muddled now.
Verdict: Tougher
Week 13: vs. Minnesota
This will be a huge game and not just because of PJ Fleck, who, with a win, would extend his Axe streak to three years. Led by a typically stout defense and the talented Drake Lindsey at quarterback, the Gophers have been better than advertised, much like the Badgers.
Wins at Washington and at home vs Michigan have taken a fan base that gets euphoric about December 27th bowl games to a new level. I’ll put it bluntly: Fickell will need this one no matter how the Badgers’ season has played out beforehand. It’s the closest thing to a must win on the 2026 schedule outside of Rutgers.
Verdict: Tougher
Summary
There is no question that the back half-plus of Wisconsin’s schedule looks, on the balance, more challenging than it did preseason.
My tally has three tougher games, three similar games, and one easier game than expected, making the Badgers’ 2026 slate look significantly more difficult than it once did. Hopefully, they can rise to the occasion.
I only see one “sure-fire’ win, a couple “likely” losses, and a bunch of “could go either way” type games.
