The Badgers’ 2025 Football Schedule is Insane

Wisconsin has:

• 6 opponents ranked in the AP Top 20
• 3 more opponents also receiving votes

That only leaves 3 games that shouldn’t be a battle to win. 

Based on SP+ Power Ratings, the Badgers would only be favored in 4 games on their 2025 schedule right now. (The G5s, Maryland, and Washington)

They would be double digit underdogs at Oregon, home vs Ohio State, at Alabama, and at Michigan. 

So, Wisconsin is screwed, right? Pack it in. Try again in 2026. Maybe. 

Or, they are a bit better than the media expects, and they can win more than a few games this season. 

Week 1 – (Thursday)
Vs Miami (OH) 

Miami (OH) is one of the better G5 programs. They have a dual-threat QB in Dequan Finn that Wisconsin was interested in last season. And they have one of the better defenses in the country. There is a reason the O/U is below 40. They held the national title runner-up, Notre Dame, to only 28 points last season. Wisconsin fairs just a bit better. 

Wisconsin 31
Miami (OH) 10

Week 2 
Vs Middle Tennessee State

Middle Tennessee State is NOT one of the better G5 programs. Wisconsin should easily steamroll this low-tier program.

Wisconsin 48
Middle Tennessee State 6

Week 3 
At Alabama

Into the breach in week 3. In a normal year, this would be the circle game of the season. In 2025, it’s one of three. Alabama recently had critical injuries at RB and DT, but nearly their entire roster is more talented than Wisconsin’s. This could be ugly.

Wisconsin 14
Alabama 28

Week 4 
Vs Maryland

Wisconsin has to win this game. It’s the only layup in conference play. It’s the conference play home opener. And it’s against QB Billy Edwards’s former team. Billy lights up the turtles.

Wisconsin 35
Maryland 10

Week 5 – OFF

Week 6 
At Michigan

This game will be difficult, but gettable if the Badgers play well. Michigan is starting a true freshman QB this season, and a strong pass rush from Wisconsin will be mandatory in the winning formula. Unfortunately, I think the Badgers come up just short.

Wisconsin 17
Michigan 21

Week 7 – (Homecoming)
Vs Iowa

Iowa embarrassed Wisconsin 42-10 last season. That game is largely responsible for the changes made on defense this offseason. Wisco added some beef, now averaging 316 lbs at the DT spot in the 2-deep. Badger defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is on a hot seat, and he needs to show that Wisconsin can stop the run. Bucky wins homecoming.

Wisconsin 24
Iowa 21

Week 8 
Vs Ohio State

Wisconsin faces the defending national champion at Camp Randall. Ohio State has the best offensive player in the country, WR Jeremiah Smith. And the best defensive player in the country, Safety Caleb Downs. Ohio State will get their points, and I don’t think Wisconsin can keep up. 

Wisconsin 17
Ohio State 35

Week 9 
At Oregon

The Badgers play 2 of the top 3 teams in the B1G in back-to-back weeks. It’s a shame the bye week couldn’t come sooner. Wisconsin will be tired and worn down heading into Eugene. Another L.

Wisconsin 21
Oregon 41

Week 10 – OFF

Week 11 
Vs Washington

After some much needed rest, Fickell’s squad gets the Washington Huskies at home. Washington is a popular dark horse pick in the B1G this year. I think they are overhyped, and Wisconsin is fresh after the bye week. Bucky rights the ship. 

Wisconsin 24
Washington 21

Week 12 
At Indiana

Indiana is good at football now. Are we in opposite land? The Hoosiers actually have the transfer QB I wanted Wisconsin to pick up for this season. Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza. They will once again have a dynamic passing attack. That won’t be enough for Indiana to win, though. Wisconsin improved along both lines of scrimmage after 2024, and Indiana regressed. Run Da Bawl Bucky.

Wisconsin 31
Indiana 24 

Week 13 
Vs Illinois

Brett Bielema is cooking something down in Champaign. They have a veteran roster with one of the best QBs in the B1G, Luke Altmyer. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, I believe the Illini are a playoff team this year. It’s heartbreak on hunting weekend.

Wisconsin 24
Illinois 27

Week 14 
At Minnesota

The Ax is coming home. PJ Fleck is a joke. Wisconsin has a winning season and is set up for success in 2026. #BuckyByAMillion

Wisconsin 35
Minnesota 14

Wisconsin’s 2025 Record: 7-5

And both Rivalry Trophies are back in Madison. Not too shabby. 

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This article was written by Cole Tollison and edited by Hayden Breene