The Wisconsin Badgers are going to do everything in their power to rebound from a dreadful 4-8 (2-7) season.
Luke Fickell has missed out on two straight bowl games with the Badgers, something that is relatively unheard of with this program.
With a crucial Week 1 showdown looming, there’s a potential Lambeau Field upset that could change the entire trajectory of this program.
As always, that will go through this team’s quarterback play, but star transfers Colton Joseph and Abu Sama III are ready to help get Wisconsin back to where it once was.
Upset chances vs. Notre Dame? Slim to none
Wisconsin did beat LSU at Lambeau, though it’s worth noting that game took place 10 years ago. This program had a few notable wins last season, but it’s going to take a relative miracle for them to defeat the Fighting Irish on September 6.
Two easy nonconference wins
Both Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan went 4-8 last season. Obviously, they’re playing nowhere near a Big Ten schedule so it’d be shocking to see Wisconsin drop either of these early home games.
Three straight 50/50 conference games
Wishful thinking sees Wisconsin take down Penn State, Michigan State, and UCLA to improve to 5-1 on the year. Realistically speaking, they’ll drop either the Penn State or the UCLA road game. At the very least, they should hopefully win two of three in this stretch.
Tough stretch against USC and Iowa
Badgers fans would feel good about hosting USC and playing at Iowa (on Halloween) at 5-1, but these are two games that this team, on paper, should lose. If everything goes according to plan, they’d be aiming to end October at 5-3 or 4-4.
Last four games are all winnable
Should Wisconsin sit at 4-4 through their first eight, they have a relatively easy schedule, one that favors them ending a multi-year bowl game drought. Purdue was winless in conference play a year ago, while neither Rutgers nor Maryland had more than two conference wins. Also, Wisconsin gets to end the year at home as Minnesota comes to town in a game that could decide whether or not Fickell keeps his job, if that hasn’t already been decided during the first 11 games.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: What is a realistic win total for Wisconsin football in 2026?
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
