August 28 vs Miami (OH)
The Redbirds were a 9-5 team last season and could equal that again in 2025 with new Baylor transfer Dequan Finn at quarterback. In most seasons this would be a no-brainer win for Wisconsin, but after last year's debacle, no game seems guaranteed this season. Still, the Badgers pull out a home opener victory, albeit a close one.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27 Miami(OH) 23
Record: 1-0
September 6 vs Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee isn't a strong team, and this one should be one of the more winnable games on the schedule, as well as a nice leadup to Alabama the following week...
Prediction: Wisconsin 30 Middle Tennessee 13
Record: 2-0
September 13 at Alabama
Much like last year, this game won't end well for the Badgers. Even with a healthy starting quarterback, the talent discrepancy is just too much. The Tide are a likely playoff team this year, and home field advantage make this game even tougher.
Prediction: Wisconsin 16 Alabama 28
Record: 2-1
September 20 vs Maryland
Maryland and head coach Mike Lockley are in a very similar position to Wisconsin and Luke Fickell: rebound this season or risk getting fired. The Terps are likely a middle of the pack team in the Big Ten this year after a 4-8 campaign in 2024, and this game could go either way. Will home field advantage tip the scales enough in Wisconsin's favor?
Prediction: Wisconsin 24 Maryland 20
Record: 3-1
October 4 at Michigan
Head man Sherrone Moore will be fresh off his two game suspension and ready for blood. The Wolverines are a borderline playoff team and could feature the top overall prospect of 2025 in quarterback Bryce Underwood. This won't be easy at the Big House.
Prediction: Wisconsin 17 Michigan 31
Record: 3-2
October 11 vs Iowa
Iowa should scare Luke Fickell. The Hawkeyes blew out the Badgers last year, and this could have a similar result if they can't contain transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. Plus, like death and taxes, count on their defense to be elite.
Prediction: Wisconsin 13 Iowa 21
Record: 3-3
October 18 vs Ohio State
Last year's National Champs figure to be nearly as good this season. Let's face it, this one just isn't happening barring a historic upset.
Prediction: Wisconsin 17 Ohio State 34
Record: 3-4
October 25 at Oregon
Wisconsin should've, could've, would've beaten the Ducks last year, and this year they might also have a fighting chance after the mass exodus of talent from the Oregon roster. This will be a tough game against a still top 25 ranked team, but there is hope for a Badgers team that seems to match up well.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27 Oregon 24
Record: 4-4
November 8 vs Washington
Washington is a team coming off of a losing record in 2024, but may be better this season and prove to be a challenge for Wisconsin. The Badgers will host the west coast foe though, and in a 50/50 game, that jetlag might make a difference.
Prediction: Wisconisn 19 Washington 17
Record: 5-4
November 15 at Indiana
Last season's Cinderella looks to repeat their success in 2025, and they will against the Badgers. Transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza in NFL caliber and Wisconsin may not have the answers.
Prediction: Wisconsin 23 Indiana 28
Record: 5-5
November 22 vs Illinois
Another borderline playoff team, Illinois and Bret Bielema will be an absolute must win game regardless of the Badgers' record at the time. These last two games just feel huge for the program.
Prediction: Wisconsin 13 Illinois 24
Record: 5-6
November 29 at Minnesota
And so just like last season, Wisconsin trips up against their rival and falls to 5-7 for the year. In this scenario, it's hard to see how Fickell comes back for 2026, but this schedule is just absolutely brutal in a crucial year for the program.
Prediction: Wisconsin 25 Minnesota 27
Record: 5-7