The Wisconsin Badgers 2026 football schedule has a little bit of everything. There’s a big-time opener, some tough Big Ten road trips, a couple of new-school conference matchups, and the rivalry game that
always matters most at the end.
These six games stand out as the ones Badger fans will have circled the second the schedule dropped.
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sept. 6 – Lambeau Field)
It doesn’t get much bigger than this to start the season. Wisconsin opening against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field is about as good as it gets for a non-conference matchup.
You’ve got a national name, a neutral-site game, and one of the most iconic stadiums in football. Win or lose, this is the kind of game that tells you right away what kind of team Wisconsin has in 2026. It’s also a huge spotlight game — one everyone around the country will be watching.
Wisconsin at Penn State (Sept. 26)
Conference play starts in a rough spot. Penn State at Beaver Stadium is never an easy draw, especially early in the Big Ten schedule.
This game will say a lot about Wisconsin. If the Badgers can go on the road and compete — or even steal one — it changes how the rest of the season feels. If not, it’s a reminder of how hard life in the Big Ten can be.
USC at Wisconsin (Oct. 24)
This is one of the most interesting home games on the schedule. USC coming to Camp Randall still feels a little strange, but it’s also one of the best chances Wisconsin has to make some noise nationally.
The Trojans will bring talent and speed, while Wisconsin will try to lean on physical play and home-field advantage. If the Badgers can protect home turf here, it’s a win people will remember.
Minnesota at Wisconsin (Nov. 28)
No matter how the season goes, this game always matters. The Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe ends the regular season, and it’s still the rivalry Wisconsin fans care about most.
Having Minnesota come to Camp Randall gives the Badgers a chance to finish strong in front of the home crowd. Bragging rights, pride, and the Axe are all on the line — same as always.
Wisconsin at Iowa (Oct. 31)
Wisconsin and Iowa games usually look the same: physical, ugly, and close. Playing at Kinnick Stadium on Halloween weekend only adds to the stress.
These games tend to come down to mistakes, field position, and who can stay disciplined for four quarters. It might not be pretty, but it could be one of the most important games on the schedule when bowl season starts coming into focus.
Wisconsin at UCLA (Oct. 17)
The trip to UCLA is one of the more unusual games Wisconsin will play all year. West Coast road games aren’t something the Badgers are used to, and that alone makes this matchup interesting.
Coming off a bye week should help, but long travel and a different style of opponent can still cause problems. How Wisconsin handles this game could say a lot about the team’s maturity in the middle of the season.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 schedule gives Wisconsin chances — plain and simple. There are big games early, tough conference tests, and a rivalry finish that always carries weight. If the Badgers want to take a step forward, these six games are where it’s going to happen.
