The Wisconsin Badgers are in primetime to start the season, as they’re taking on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lambeau Field on Sunday, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. on NBC.
Wisconsin is coming off a 4-8 season, which was their worst season by win percentage since 1990. But this year’s Badgers are quite different, as the program added over 30 transfers in the offseason, while making a few organizational changes with the coaching staff and front office.
Wisconsin’s offense will be at the forefront
of the conversation, as the Badgers are now led by Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who threw for 2,624 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 touchdowns last year as the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year. He also added over 1,000 yards and double-digit scores on the ground as a dual-threat quarterback.
The defense looks improved as well, with freshmen sensations Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano now transitioning to full-time roles as sophomores. Wisconsin made a lot of changes in the secondary, bringing in starters at cornerback and safety. They will be tested up front in the trenches against a strong Notre Dame offense, though.
The Fighting Irish are on a mission after missing the College Football Playoff last season with a 10-2 record. They return a ton of production defensively, while quarterback C.J. Carr is a Heisman candidate in his second year as the full-time starter.
Notre Dame is a major favorite on the books, and the numbers continue to lean their way ahead of the game. They started as 20.5-point favorites, which has now moved up to 21 points. The over/under was initially set at 47.5 points, but has also moved down to 46.5 points.
Can Wisconsin shock the world on Sunday?
Right tackle Kevin Heywood is set to start for the Badgers after missing much of training camp with an injury. Right guard Emerson Mandell, however, is out as he continues to recover from offseason foot surgery. We’ll see Stylz Blackmon or Blake Cherry in his place.
Check out all of our gameday stories ahead of the game!
5 things we must see from the Badgers in 2026 for a successful season
Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame: Picks, predictions, and odds
Why Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame can be best game of Week 1
How Wisconsin can pull off the upset over Illinois on Saturday
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