Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin enters 2026 with its fourth transfer quarterback in as many years under Luke Fickell, former Old Dominion star Colton Joseph. Joseph brings a dual-threat element that the Badgers sorely lacked last season, when they ranked last in the Power 4 in both passing and scoring offense. His 37 runs of 10-plus yards in 2025 exceeded Wisconsin's entire team total of 33, and his ability to push the ball downfield on play-action should open up a revamped receiving corps. The offensive line, a traditional strength that has slipped, was also rebuilt through the portal, and the backfield added Abu Sama III and Bryan Jackson II to replace a depleted unit. The success of the entire season hinges on whether Joseph can translate his Sun Belt production to the Big Ten.

The Badgers' defense returns a strong linebacker duo in Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa, who emerged as freshmen leaders last year. Posa will be deployed in pass-rush and situational roles to maximize his impact. The secondary was completely retooled with four transfer cornerbacks, including Cai Bates and Eric Fletcher Jr., plus Missouri transfer safety Marvin Burks Jr. This group gives Wisconsin more depth than at any point under Fickell. The unit's ceiling, however, depends on homegrown edge rushers like Nicolas Clayton and Jaylen Williams stepping up alongside senior Sebastian Cheeks. If the pass rush improves, the defense could build on a surprisingly effective front from 2025.

For the first time under Fickell, Wisconsin hired a full-time special teams coordinator, Bob Ligashesky from Minnesota, signaling a commitment to the third phase. Placekicker Gavin Lahm, who redshirted last season to preserve eligibility, has shown a strong leg on kickoffs and will handle field goals. The Badgers averaged just 7.8 yards per punt return in 2025, often opting for fair catches, so improvement in that area is a priority. With starters routinely used on coverage units, better coaching and execution could flip field position in close games.

Wisconsin's 2026 schedule is more favorable than last year's gauntlet, but the roster turnover at key positions makes a dramatic turnaround unlikely. The Badgers scored only 81 points in nine conference games in 2025, a total that an opposing Big Ten assistant called indicative of systemic issues beyond just quarterback play. While a better record is expected, Wisconsin is not yet a Big Ten contender. The season opener against Notre Dame on a neutral field will be an immediate test of how far the new pieces have come, but the path to bowl eligibility will require steady growth from the offense and continued defensive consistency.