Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin entered 2026 with a new quarterback (Colton Joseph) and a rebuilt offensive line, and the early returns have been promising. Joseph has accounted for 11 total touchdowns (7 passing, 4 rushing) and has shown dual-threat ability that was missing last season. The offensive line, maligned in 2025, has paved the way for a rushing attack that averages 4.8 yards per carry. The Badgers have already surpassed their 2025 win total and are bowl eligible.

The Badgers' defense has been the team's backbone, allowing just 19.3 points per game (26th nationally). Linebackers Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa have been playmakers, combining for 5.5 tackles for loss and 3 takeaways. The secondary, led by transfers Cai Bates and Eric Fletcher Jr., has been solid. Special teams have been a genuine edge: Wisconsin has blocked three punts (Liam Danitz, Carson Van Dinter) and kicker Gavin Lahm has been reliable, hitting 8 of 10 field goals, including a 51-yarder.

Despite the improvements, the offense has been inconsistent, particularly against Power 4 competition. In the two games against ranked opponents (Notre Dame, Penn State), Wisconsin averaged just 18.5 points and turned the ball over five times. Quarterback Colton Joseph has shown a tendency to force throws, throwing five interceptions in those two games. The running game, while improved, has been streaky; Abu Sama III has been limited by injuries, and the Badgers managed just 117 rushing yards against Eastern Michigan without him.

Wisconsin is 1-1 on the road this season, but the loss at UCLA exposed familiar problems: penalties and situational football. The Badgers committed 10 penalties for 102 yards against the Bruins and were just 1 of 6 on third down in the first half. Head coach Luke Fickell acknowledged the lack of discipline, and it's a trend that must be corrected for Wisconsin to contend in the Big Ten. The Badgers are 3-3 against the spread, failing to cover as a favorite in two of their three wins.

Wisconsin has already navigated the toughest part of its schedule, with road games at Penn State and UCLA behind them. The remaining slate includes home games against USC, Minnesota, and Illinois, and a road trip to Iowa. The Badgers are 2-1 in Big Ten play and control their destiny in the West division. With a defense that keeps them in games and an offense that has shown flashes, Wisconsin has a realistic path to eight or nine wins and a solid bowl game. However, the margin for error is thin, and the team must clean up its mistakes to reach that ceiling.