It's truly now or never for Luke Fickell as head coach at Wisconsin.
After another abysmal campaign in 2025, the calls to fire him only grew louder. However, the decision was made to bring him back and he's got a golden opportunity to show how much the Badgers have improved under his watch in Week 1, as a dance with Notre Dame is on the way.
Wisconsin's in-state surge continues as Luke Fickell lands touted twins
Unfortunately, the expectation is that Notre Dame is going to post a win. Not only that, but the opening lines are out and the Irish are favored by nearly 20 points. Is this really where Wisconsin is supposed to be entering Year 4 of the Fickell era?
CFB Spreads @FDSportsbook
— Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) April 2, 2026
Virginia -3.5 NC State (Brazil)
TCU -7.5 North Carolina (Dublin)
LSU -11.5 Clemson
Auburn -7.5 Baylor (Atlanta)
Cal -3.5 UCLA
Ole Miss -8.5 Louisville (Nashville)
Notre Dame -18.5 Wisconsin (Green Bay)
Texas -2.5 Ohio State
Michigan -2.5 Oklahoma
Wisconsin isn't expected to do much of anything against Notre Dame in Week 1
The Irish are favored by 18.5 points? Yup, that's what the FanDuel Sportsbooks has listed, which is pretty dang deflating. Colton Joseph is set to take over the offense, as things at quarterback could not have gone worse for the Badgers last season.
Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. was supposed to be the answer for the Badgers behind center, but he got hurt in the season-opener and it completely flipped the script on the fall. Edwards tried to return to the field for UW, but he just could not stay healthy.
Joseph has brought needed energy to the position, but he alone is not going to be the savior for this group. When it comes to Notre Dame too, CJ Carr is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and he has the Irish getting national title hype for next winter already.
Marcus Freeman is an elite coach and he's going to want to send a statement once Week 1 rolls around, especially since Notre Dame missed out on the College Football Playoff last season in controversial fashion. That's not good for Wisconsin, which finished 4-8 last year. Fans are looking far and wide for reasons to have hope for next fall, but these odds vs. Notre Dame aren't helping a darn thing.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.Â
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