The 2026 Wisconsin football schedule opens against #4 Notre Dame in the Shamrock Series on September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Wisconsin Badgers face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a mid-October bye and high-profile home dates against ranked USC and Minnesota.
Camp Randall Stadium hosts six home dates on the 2026 Wisconsin Badgers Football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October with a home date against ranked USC followed by the Battle for the Heartland at ranked Iowa.
2026 Wisconsin Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shamrock Series | ||||
| Sunday | vs 4 Notre Dame Fighting IrishLambeau Field, Green Bay, WI | 7:30pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | Western Illinois LeathernecksCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | 7:15pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | Eastern Michigan EaglesCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | 12:30pm ETPeacock | ||
| Saturday | at 18 Penn State Nittany LionsBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Michigan State SpartansCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at UCLA BruinsRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 14 USC TrojansCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Battle for the Heartland | ||||
| Saturday | at 22 Iowa HawkeyesKinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Rutgers Scarlet KnightsCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Maryland TerrapinsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Purdue BoilermakersRoss-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | Minnesota Golden GophersCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | 7:30pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX | ||
How the 2026 Wisconsin Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a neutral-site ranked game and early home dates on the 2026 Wisconsin football schedule. The Shamrock Series against #4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan at Camp Randall, and a road trip to #18 Penn State. That early stretch mixes a national stage with manageable home contests.
October brings Michigan State at home, the bye week, a road trip to UCLA, #14 USC at home, and the Battle for the Heartland at #22 Iowa. The ranked home date against USC is a key mid-season measuring stick.
November features Rutgers at home, road trips to Maryland and Purdue, and Minnesota at home on NBC/Peacock. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at Camp Randall Stadium
Six home dates appear on the 2026 Wisconsin Badgers Football schedule:
- September 12 vs. Western Illinois
- September 19 vs. Eastern Michigan
- October 3 vs. Michigan State
- October 24 vs. #14 USC
- November 7 vs. Rutgers
- November 27 vs. Minnesota
The USC and Minnesota games will generate the strongest crowds in Madison.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Wisconsin football schedule.
The September 6 Shamrock Series against #4 Notre Dame is an early national measuring stick. The October 24 home date against #14 USC is a key ranked test. The October 31 Battle for the Heartland at #22 Iowa always carries extra weight.
Win two of those three and the Badgers stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Wisconsin Badgers Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Wisconsin football schedule:
- NBC/Peacock (Sept. 6 vs. Notre Dame and Nov. 27 vs. Minnesota)
- BTN (Sept. 12 vs. Western Illinois)
- Peacock (Sept. 19 vs. Eastern Michigan)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 6 — Season opener vs. #4 Notre Dame (Shamrock Series), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Oct. 10 — Bye week
- Oct. 24 — #14 USC at home
- Oct. 31 — Battle for the Heartland at #22 Iowa
- Nov. 27 — Minnesota at home, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Wisconsin football schedule opens with a ranked neutral-site game and builds toward classic rivalries and ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Wisconsin open the 2026 season?
Wisconsin opens the 2026 season against #4 Notre Dame in the Shamrock Series on Sunday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
How many home games do the Wisconsin Badgers have in 2026?
The Badgers have six home games at Camp Randall Stadium on the 2026 Wisconsin football schedule: Western Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, #14 USC, Rutgers, and Minnesota.
Who do the Wisconsin Badgers play in the Battle for the Heartland?
On October 31 the Badgers travel to Kinnick Stadium to face #22 Iowa in the Battle for the Heartland. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Wisconsin games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include NBC/Peacock, BTN, Peacock, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
