Wisconsin Badgers face easier 2026 schedule in Big Ten
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 3:02 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026

The Wisconsin Badgers are expected to exceed expectations in 2026 with a schedule ranked third easiest in the Big Ten. After facing a tough slate last year that included seven ranked opponents, this season features four teams from the preseason Top 25: Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, and Iowa. They will not face Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, or Michigan this year. The Badgers compete against teams like Michigan State, UCLA, and Purdue alongside non-conference games against Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan. ESPN currently ranks Wisconsin 43rd in FPI, placing them 11th in the Big Ten.
- •Wisconsin's schedule ranked third easiest in the Big Ten for 2026.
- •Last season, they faced seven ranked teams.
- •This year, they play Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, and Iowa.
- •The Badgers do not face Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, or Michigan.
- •ESPN ranks them 43rd in FPI, 11th in the Big Ten.
- 3:02 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN: Badgers have 3rd easiest schedule in Big Ten in 2026
"The cards are set for Wisconsin to exceed expectations in 2026.
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