Wisconsin Badgers 2026 Schedule Predictions: CBS Gets It Wrong
CBS Sports predicts the Wisconsin Badgers will finish the 2026 college football season at 7-5. National writer Brad Crawford sees roster turnover and uneven offense, but credits the Badgers with a physical identity to grind out Big Ten wins. That physical identity has been missing for years. Here is a game-by-game breakdown of Crawford's picks and the cold, hard truth about each matchup.
Notre Dame at Lambeau Field: A Loss, But a Fight
CBS Pick: Loss
The national media hands Wisconsin a loss before toe even meets leather. Sure, the Fighting Irish are loaded and likely a top-five team. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr brings experience to a hostile environment. But this is Lambeau Field. The home field advantage is real. A win changes the program's trajectory entirely. A loss is expected, but Wisconsin will make them earn it.
Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan: Expected Wins
CBS Pick: Win (both games)
Losing to an FCS team would end the Fickell era on the spot. The Leathernecks pose no threat. Eastern Michigan is a middling MAC program. Wisconsin should build momentum early. These are buy games. Take care of business.
At Penn State: A Winnable Road Test
CBS Pick: Loss
New head coach Matt Campbell takes over a Penn State team with a myriad of new pieces and a brand new coaching staff. Things will not gel immediately. The Badgers catch them early in the schedule. Playing on the road in Happy Valley is tough, but this is a winnable game. Crawford gets the pick right, but the reasoning misses the mark.
Michigan State at Home: A Must-Win
CBS Pick: Win
Pat Fitzgerald will eventually change the direction in East Lansing. Right now, the Spartans lack the quarterback play to compete immediately. Camp Randall Stadium gives Wisconsin the edge. This is one of the most winnable Big Ten games on the schedule.
At UCLA: The Road Upset Special
CBS Pick: Loss
New Bruins head coach Bob Chesney brings a loaded transfer class and veteran quarterback Nico Iamaleava. UCLA's home field advantage is a joke. A brand new team figuring things out on the fly equals an excellent shot for the Badgers. Do not count Wisconsin out in Westwood.
USC and At Iowa: The Gauntlet
CBS Pick: Loss (both games)
Lincoln Riley faces a make-or-break year. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava could be the best in the conference. No pushback on this pick. Iowa has destroyed Wisconsin two years running. That is the biggest albatross around the program's neck. Until the Badgers prove they can fight back against the Hawkeyes, a loss is the safe bet.
Rutgers, At Maryland, At Purdue: The Grind
CBS Pick: Win (all three games)
Rutgers is a bottom-feeding Big Ten program. Scarlet Knights tailback Antwan Raymond will test Wisconsin linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, but the Badgers overpower them at home. Maryland true freshman Malik Washington shredded Wisconsin last fall, but the Terps roster leaves a lot to be desired. Purdue is universally expected to be the worst team in the Big Ten. Wisconsin needs these three wins.
Minnesota: The Axe Must Come Home
CBS Pick: Win
The Axe has not been in Madison for over two years. That is an eternity. The quarterback battle between Colton Joseph and Drake Lindsey could be a fireworks show. This game is a toss-up right now, but reclaiming the Axe is a matter of pride.
Can the Wisconsin Badgers Beat CBS Sports' 7-5 Prediction?
The 7-5 prediction feels safe and predictable. The national media rarely looks past surface-level roster turnover. Wisconsin has winnable games against Penn State, UCLA, and Michigan State. The difference between 7-5 and 9-3 comes down to toughness and execution. The Badgers have the schedule to prove the national pundits wrong.
FAQ
What is CBS Sports' record prediction for Wisconsin in 2026?
CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford predicts the Wisconsin Badgers will finish the 2026 regular season with a 7-5 record, including a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play.
Where does Wisconsin play Notre Dame in 2026?
Wisconsin plays Notre Dame at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to open the 2026 season.
Who is the new head coach at Penn State in 2026?
Matt Campbell is the new head coach at Penn State for the 2026 season. He previously coached at Iowa State.
When is the Wisconsin vs Minnesota game in 2026?
The Wisconsin Badgers play the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the final regular season game of 2026. The exact date is to be determined.