Prepare for an electrifying season as the Wisconsin Badgers unveil their highly anticipated 2025 football schedule. With a captivating mix of in-state rivalries, Big Ten clashes, and non-conference showdowns, this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable spectacle for loyal Badgers fans. The team, under the guidance of head coach Luke Fickell, embarks on a journey that will test their mettle and showcase their unwavering passion for the gridiron.
Transitioning smoothly into the heart of the Big Ten schedule, the Badgers face a gauntlet of formidable opponents. They kick off the conference slate with a thrilling home showdown against the formidable Ohio State Buckeyes. Next, they travel to East Lansing for a hard-fought battle with the Michigan State Spartans. The intensity escalates when they host their archrivals, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, in a game that will ignite the rivalry’s fierce flames.
Rounding out the season, the Badgers navigate a challenging non-conference schedule that includes a captivating matchup against the up-and-coming Arizona Wildcats in the scorching desert of Tucson. They also welcome the Oregon Ducks to Camp Randall Stadium for a colossal encounter that will reverberate throughout the college football landscape. The season culminates in an unforgettable battle against the in-state rival Marquette Golden Eagles, a rivalry that has ignited passion and pride in Wisconsin for decades. With each game, the Badgers will leave everything on the field, determined to etch their names into the annals of college football history.
Badgers Begin 2025 Campaign at Home
The Wisconsin Badgers will kick off the 2025 college football season with a home game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, marking the start of a promising campaign. The Badgers, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Nick Evers and running back Julius Davis, will be looking to build upon their success from the 2024 season, where they narrowly missed out on the Big Ten Championship game. The Badgers will face a tough schedule in 2025, but with their potent offense and solid defense, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Badgers’ home opener against Eastern Kentucky is a great opportunity to set the tone for the season. The Colonels are a formidable FCS team, but the Badgers should be able to handle them at home. The Badgers will then hit the road for a tough game against the Michigan Wolverines, who are always a contender in the Big Ten. The Badgers will then return home for a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini, who are looking to improve upon their disappointing 2024 season.
The Badgers will then face their toughest test of the season when they travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions, and they will be looking to make it back-to-back titles in 2025. The Badgers will need to play their best game of the season if they want to pull off the upset.
The Badgers will then return home for a game against the Northwestern Wildcats, who are looking to rebuild under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The Badgers will then hit the road for a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who are always a tough opponent at home. The Badgers will then close out the regular season with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers, who are looking to improve upon their disappointing 2024 season.
2025 Wisconsin Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30th | Eastern Kentucky | Camp Randall Stadium | TBA |
| September 6th | Michigan | Michigan Stadium | TBA |
| September 13th | Illinois | Camp Randall Stadium | TBA |
| September 20th | Ohio State | Ohio Stadium | TBA |
| September 27th | Northwestern | Camp Randall Stadium | TBA |
| October 4th | Minnesota | TCF Bank Stadium | TBA |
| October 11th | Purdue | Camp Randall Stadium | TBA |
Tough Start to Big Ten Play
Wisconsin’s 2025 Big Ten schedule doesn’t give them any breaks to start the conference slate. After an ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup against Georgia Tech in Week 3, the Badgers will face four straight ranked opponents in the Big Ten.
Season-Opening Stretch
The Badgers will face Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State in consecutive weeks to open their Big Ten schedule. This will be a major test for Wisconsin, as they have not faced four ranked opponents in a row since 2011. Michigan and Ohio State are consistently among the top teams in the country, while Michigan State and Penn State are also typically ranked in the top 25.
If Wisconsin can navigate this tough stretch with a winning record, they will be in a good position to compete for a Big Ten West title. However, if they struggle against these top opponents, it could be a long season for the Badgers.
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Week
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Opponent
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4
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at Michigan
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5
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Michigan State
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6
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at Ohio State
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7
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at Penn State
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Home/Away Split for October Contests
In October 2025, the Wisconsin Badgers will face a balanced schedule of home and away games, with three contests at Camp Randall Stadium and two on the road. This split will provide the team with a mix of environments as they navigate a crucial stretch of their season.
October 4th – Purdue (Home)
The Badgers will open their October slate with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers. This will be a key matchup for both teams as they look to improve on their standings in the Big Ten West Division.
October 11th – Ohio State (Away)
Wisconsin’s first road test of October will come against the defending Big Ten champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes. This highly anticipated contest will be a major challenge for the Badgers, as they look to upset one of the nation’s top programs.
October 18th – Minnesota (Home)
The Badgers will return home for a rivalry matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This annual clash is always a spirited affair, and both teams will be eager to secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
October 25th – at Rutgers (Away)
Wisconsin will wrap up their October road schedule with a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This game will provide an opportunity for the Badgers to pick up a conference victory and improve their positioning in the Big Ten East Division.
### October Schedule Summary
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 4th | Purdue | Home |
| October 11th | Ohio State | Away |
| October 18th | Minnesota | Home |
| October 25th | Rutgers | Away |
Late-Season Tests against Ranked Opponents
The Badgers’ 2025 schedule features several challenging matchups in the final stretch, including games against two teams currently ranked in the top 10.
Michigan (Nov. 15)
Wisconsin travels to Ann Arbor to face the defending Big Ten champions. The Wolverines are a perennial powerhouse under head coach Jim Harbaugh and are expected to be a contender for the national title in 2025.
Ohio State (Nov. 22)
The Badgers host the Buckeyes in their regular-season finale at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State has won the past three Big Ten East division titles and is always a threat to reach the College Football Playoff.
Minnesota (Nov. 29)
Wisconsin’s rivalry game against Minnesota takes on added significance in 2025, as the Badgers could be vying for a Big Ten West title. The Golden Gophers have emerged as a consistent contender in recent years and are led by head coach P.J. Fleck.
Remaining Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Eastern Illinois | Madison, Wis. |
| Sept. 6 | at Washington State | Pullman, Wash. |
| Sept. 13 | Northern Michigan | Madison, Wis. |
| Sept. 20 | at New Mexico | Albuquerque, N.M. |
| Sept. 27 | Iowa | Madison, Wis. |
| Oct. 4 | at Purdue | West Lafayette, Ind. |
| Oct. 11 | Northwestern | Madison, Wis. |
| Oct. 18 | at Michigan State | East Lansing, Mich. |
| Oct. 25 | Indiana | Madison, Wis. |
| Nov. 1 | at Illinois | Champaign, Ill. |
| Nov. 15 | at Michigan | Ann Arbor, Mich. |
| Nov. 22 | Ohio State | Madison, Wis. |
| Nov. 29 | Minnesota | Madison, Wis. |
Battle for the Axe Concludes Regular Season
The 2025 campaign will see the Badgers end their regular season with the highly anticipated Battle for the Axe, as they face off against their long-time rivals, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, at their home ground, Camp Randall Stadium. The annual rivalry game has been a staple of the Wisconsin football season since 1890, and the teams will meet for the 134th time in the series. The Badgers will look to regain the Axe, which they last won in 2021, while the Gophers will aim to defend their title and extend their current winning streak in the series to two games.
The game carries significant historical and emotional weight for both programs and their passionate fan bases. The trophy, a replica of an actual axe, has been awarded to the winner of the rivalry game since 1943, and it symbolizes the fierce competition between the two schools. The game is often played in front of a sold-out crowd at Camp Randall Stadium, and the atmosphere is electric as the fans cheer on their team and witness one of the most intense rivalries in college football.
The 2025 Battle for the Axe will be the final game of the regular season for both teams, adding to the drama and significance of the matchup. The outcome of the game could have implications for both teams’ bowl eligibility and their final rankings in the Big Ten Conference standings. The Badgers will be looking to finish the season on a high note and secure a bowl berth, while the Gophers will be aiming to build on their recent success and potentially earn a spot in a more prestigious bowl game.
Regardless of the outcome, the Battle for the Axe is sure to be a memorable event for both teams and their fans. The game will showcase the passion, intensity, and tradition that define this historic rivalry.
| Wisconsin Badgers | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
|---|---|
| Graham Mertz, Quarterback | Tanner Morgan, Quarterback |
| Braelon Allen, Running Back | Mohamed Ibrahim, Running Back |
| Nick Herbig, Linebacker | Mariano Sori-Marin, Linebacker |
| Jack Sanborn, Safety | Tyler Nubin, Safety |
Projected Win-Loss Record
The Wisconsin Badgers football team is coming off a disappointing 2022 season, finishing with a 6-7 record. However, the Badgers are hoping to bounce back in 2023 and compete for a Big Ten West title.
Here is a look at Wisconsin’s projected win-loss record for the 2023 season:
| Opponent | Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | September 2 | Camp Randall Stadium | Win |
| Washington State | September 9 | Camp Randall Stadium | Win |
| @ Notre Dame | September 16 | Notre Dame Stadium | Loss |
| New Mexico State | September 23 | Camp Randall Stadium | Win |
| @ Illinois | September 30 | Memorial Stadium | Loss |
| Purdue | October 7 | Camp Randall Stadium | Loss |
| @ Michigan State | October 14 | Spartan Stadium | Win |
| @ Maryland | October 21 | Maryland Stadium | Win |
| Ohio State | October 28 | Camp Randall Stadium | Loss |
| @ Nebraska | November 4 | Memorial Stadium | Win |
| Iowa | November 11 | Camp Randall Stadium | Loss |
| @ Minnesota | November 18 | Huntington Bank Stadium | Loss |
The Badgers are projected to finish the 2023 season with a 7-5 record. This would be a modest improvement over the 2022 season, but it would still leave the Badgers short of their goal of winning a Big Ten West title.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Opening Act
The Badgers begin the season with a non-conference tune-up against Southern Illinois before hosting reigning Big Ten West champion Iowa in the second week. A road trip to Minnesota follows, setting the stage for a critical early-season showdown with Michigan in Madison.
Crucial Stretch
Wisconsin faces its toughest stretch of the season in October, with consecutive games against Northwestern, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Maryland. These four opponents all finished in the top three of their respective divisions in 2022, making for a challenging gauntlet.
Cross-Division Clashes
The Badgers will have two cross-division matchups this season. They host Indiana from the East division in November, and they travel to Penn State in October. Both games will provide opportunities for Wisconsin to secure key conference victories.
Potential for Revenge
Wisconsin has lost to Ohio State and Minnesota in recent seasons, making these two games potential revenge opportunities. The Badgers will be looking for payback against the Buckeyes, who defeated them in the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game, and the Golden Gophers, who have won the Paul Bunyan’s Axe the past two years.
New Faces on Defense
The Badgers have a lot of turnover on defense this season, including losing top playmakers at linebacker and in the secondary. They will need to find new leaders and contributors to fill those voids.
Quarterback Question
Graham Mertz returns as the starting quarterback, but there is still uncertainty about his ability to take the next step and become a consistent leader of the offense. A strong running game and a solid defense will be critical to Wisconsin’s success this season.
Home Field Advantage
The Badgers have one of the most passionate and knowledgeable fan bases in the country, and they create a raucous atmosphere at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin has a 17-3 home record over the past three seasons, and they will be looking to continue that success in 2025.
2025 Wisconsin Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | Southern Illinois | Madison, WI |
| September 6 | Iowa | Madison, WI |
| September 13 | at Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN |
| September 20 | Michigan | Madison, WI |
| October 4 | at Northwestern | Evanston, IL |
| October 11 | Ohio State | Madison, WI |
| October 18 | at Michigan State | East Lansing, MI |
| October 25 | Maryland | Madison, WI |
| November 1 | at Penn State | State College, PA |
| November 8 | Nebraska | Madison, WI |
| November 15 | Purdue | Madison, WI |
| November 22 | at Indiana | Bloomington, IN |
Impact of New Coaching Staff
The arrival of head coach Luke Fickell has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the Wisconsin football program. Fickell, a former Ohio State defensive coordinator, is known for his success in developing talented players and building a strong team culture. His hire has been widely praised by experts and fans alike, who believe he can lead the Badgers back to prominence.
Offensive Coordinator Joe Rudolph
Rudolph, who previously served as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator from 2015-2021, returns to Madison after a brief stint as the head coach at Virginia Tech. He brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to running the football, which has been a hallmark of Wisconsin football for decades.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard
Leonhard, a former Wisconsin All-American safety, is a rising star in the coaching ranks. He has served as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator since 2017 and has consistently fielded one of the top defenses in the nation. His expertise in creating turnovers and generating pressure will be crucial to Wisconsin’s success in 2025.
Quarterback Battle
The Badgers enter 2025 with an uncertain quarterback situation. Incumbent starter Graham Mertz has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. He will face competition from highly touted freshman Nicco Marchiol, who enrolled early and has impressed with his arm talent and athleticism. The quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines in spring practice and throughout the season.
Impact on Recruiting
Fickell’s hiring has already had a positive impact on recruiting. The Badgers have landed several top prospects in recent months, including four-star linebacker Jaylen Anderson and four-star wide receiver Grant Stec. Fickell’s track record of player development and his ability to connect with recruits is expected to help Wisconsin continue to bring in talented players in the coming years.
Key Games
The Badgers face a challenging schedule in 2025, including road games at Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State. Their home slate features games against Notre Dame, Iowa, and Minnesota. The following table highlights some of the key games on Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6th | Louisiana Tech | Camp Randall Stadium |
| September 13th | @ Penn State | Beaver Stadium |
| September 20th | Eastern Michigan | Camp Randall Stadium |
| September 27th | @ Michigan | Michigan Stadium |
| October 4th | Purdue | Camp Randall Stadium |
| October 11th | @ Illinois | Memorial Stadium |
| October 18th | Rutgers | Camp Randall Stadium |
| October 25th | @ Maryland | Maryland Stadium |
| November 1st | Iowa | Camp Randall Stadium |
| November 8th | @ Ohio State | Ohio Stadium |
| November 15th | Minnesota | Camp Randall Stadium |
Depth Chart Preview and Positional Battles
Quarterback
Redshirt sophomore Graham Mertz will enter fall camp as the clear-cut starter. He showed flashes of brilliance in his first season as a starter, but he also struggled with consistency. He will need to improve his accuracy and decision-making to take the next step.
Running Back
Wisconsin’s running back room is one of the deepest in the country. Senior Chez Mellusi and junior Isaac Guerendo will be the top two options, but redshirt sophomore Braelon Allen and true freshman Jalen Berger will also see plenty of carries. All four backs have different skill sets, which should allow the Badgers to adapt to different game situations.
Wide Receiver
The Badgers lost their top two receivers from last season, but they still have plenty of talent at the position. Senior Kendric Pryor and junior Chimere Dike will be the leaders of the group, while redshirt sophomore Stephan Bracey and true freshmen Markus Allen and Skyler Bell will provide depth.
Tight End
Wisconsin has a pair of talented tight ends in redshirt sophomore Jake Ferguson and junior Hayden Rucci. Ferguson is a versatile weapon who can block and catch, while Rucci is a more traditional pass-catcher. Both players should be major contributors in the Badgers’ offense.
Offensive Line
The Badgers return all five starters from last season’s offensive line, which was one of the best in the country. Senior Logan Brown and junior Tyler Biadasz will anchor the line at center and left guard, respectively. Sophomores Jack Nelson and Josh Seltzner will man the right guard and right tackle spots, while redshirt sophomore Cole Van Lanen will start at left tackle.
Defensive Line
Wisconsin’s defensive line is a work in progress. The Badgers lost three starters from last season, including two first-round NFL draft picks. Senior Matt Henningsen and junior Keeanu Benton will be the leaders of the group, but they will need some younger players to step up in order for the Badgers to have a strong pass rush.
Linebacker
Wisconsin’s linebacker corps is led by senior Jack Sanborn, who is one of the best linebackers in the country. Senior Leo Chenal will also be a key contributor, while redshirt sophomores Nick Herbig and Maema Njongmeta will provide depth.
Safety
The Badgers have a lot of experience at safety, with senior Collin Wilder and junior Scott Nelson returning as starters. Redshirt sophomore Deron Harrell and true freshman Kaden Johnson will also see time at safety.
Cornerback
Wisconsin’s cornerback position is a bit thin, but redshirt junior Caesar Williams is a talented player who will start at one corner. Redshirt sophomore Faion Hicks and true freshman Al Ashford will also see time at cornerback.
Special Teams
Senior Collin Larsh will be the punter and placekicker for the Badgers in 2025. He is one of the most accurate kickers in the country. Redshirt sophomore Nate Van Zelst will be the long snapper.
Outlook for Postseason Play
Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule features a mix of challenging conference foes and manageable non-conference opponents. The Badgers will open the season with a daunting road trip to Notre Dame before hosting a pair of FCS teams. They will then face a tough stretch of Big Ten opponents, including a road trip to Penn State and a home game against Ohio State.
Wisconsin’s chances of reaching the postseason will depend heavily on their performance against those top-tier teams. If they can pull off a few upsets and finish with a strong record in conference play, they have a good shot at making a bowl game.
10. Table of Wisconsin’s 2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | @ Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN |
| September 6 | Eastern Kentucky | Madison, WI |
| September 13 | UMass | Madison, WI |
| September 20 | @ Purdue | West Lafayette, IN |
| September 27 | Minnesota | Madison, WI |
| October 4 | @ Penn State | State College, PA |
| October 11 | Michigan | Madison, WI |
| October 18 | @ Iowa | Iowa City, IA |
| October 25 | Ohio State | Madison, WI |
| November 1 | Indiana | Madison, WI |
| November 8 | @ Nebraska | Lincoln, NE |
| November 15 | Rutgers | Madison, WI |
Wisconsin Football 2025 Schedule
The 2025 Wisconsin Badgers football schedule has been released, and it features a challenging slate of opponents.
The Badgers will open the season at home against the Washington Huskies, a team that finished 10-3 in 2022. Wisconsin will then travel to face the LSU Tigers, who won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019. The Badgers will also play at home against the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are one of the top teams in the country.
Wisconsin’s non-conference schedule is completed by a home game against the Arizona Wildcats and a road game against the UAB Blazers. The Badgers will also play eight games in the Big Ten Conference, including home games against the Purdue Boilermakers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The 2025 Wisconsin football schedule is a challenging one, but it is also an opportunity for the Badgers to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country.
