When looking at the preseason college football AP Poll, the Wisconsin Badgers have another difficult schedule ahead.
On paper, this year's schedule wasn't supposed to be nearly as difficult as last years.
Ultimately, nothing can top having the most difficult schedule in the nation. Now, though, Wisconsin remains in the conversation.
Heading into the 2026 season, Wisconsin is among 32 teams that are tasked with playing at least four ranked opponents.
Obviously, things can change rather quickly, but Wisconsin immediately knows they have to look out for No. 4 Notre Dame, No. 15 USC, No. 18 Penn State, and No. 22 Iowa.
Big Ten remains extremely tough
Power 4 College Football teams with the most Top 25 opponentsđź‘€https://t.co/icQ9kzHGt3 https://t.co/a4NWXiZpsP pic.twitter.com/50gWaQcbRv
— On3 (@On3) August 17, 2026
When looking at the Big Ten as a whole, No. 1 Ohio State and No. 16 Michigan are both tasked with playing six ranked teams, so they certainly don't have an easy path to a conference championship.
Regardless, Wisconsin is in the same conversation as the likes of No. 2 Oregon, No. 3 Georgia, No. 6 Indiana, and No. 13 Alabama in terms of teams who are scheduled to play four teams in the top 25.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Jordon Lawrenz on X @jordonlaw_pxp.
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: AP Poll predicts Wisconsin football has another difficult season ahead
