Wisconsin returns to Camp Randall expecting a tune-up, but its next opponent insists it will not be a walkover. FCS Western Illinois, under new coach Joe Davis, arrives in Madison looking for respect—and Davis is publicly warning that the Badgers are far from invulnerable.
The Badgers are still recovering from a Week 1 loss to No. 4 Notre Dame that underscored the gap between Wisconsin and true national-title contenders. Their opening defeat served as a reminder of how much work remains if Wisconsin hopes to compete at that level.
FCS Western Illinois competes at a lower tier, and its recent track record was uneven before Davis took over. He was hired ahead of the 2024 season and has guided the Leathernecks to back-to-back 4-8 campaigns—an improvement from the consecutive 0-11 seasons the program endured prior to his arrival.
NCAA files suit contesting Ohio governor’s order on fifth-year eligibility
Wisconsin’s homecoming matchup with Michigan State: three predictions
Davis framed this weekend’s matchup respectfully at his weekly press conference, praising Wisconsin’s retooled roster and the work of coach Luke Fickell and his staff. “Have a lot of respect for Coach Fickell and his staff. They’ve done an excellent job of rebuilding their roster this offseason with a lot of transfer additions and creating some more depth,” he said.
The incoming transfers have been central to Wisconsin’s early identity. Players such as quarterback Colton Joseph, wide receiver Malachi Coleman and running back Abu Sama have altered expectations for what the Badgers can do offensively—an impression amplified by national attention following the season opener.
Joe Davis praises Colton Joseph
Davis singled out Joseph by name. “Very impressed with the quarterback they signed from Old Dominion. Very very athletic player, very very accurate. Certainly, you’re not the Offensive Player of the Year in your league for nothing. So we’ll have our hands full, there’s no doubt about it.”
That assessment highlights how seriously Western Illinois is taking the contest. While some evaluators might rank other traits above accuracy for Joseph, the broader point stands: Wisconsin now fields a transfer-era quarterback who draws attention from opposing coaches.
The game is a classic buy contest: Wisconsin pays for a visiting FCS team to travel to Madison, where the Badgers are expected to dominate. For Western Illinois, the matchup brings national exposure, a financial payout and a slim chance at a program-defining upset. For Wisconsin, it is an opportunity to find rhythm and depth.
Still, Davis insisted his team treats the game with full focus. “All due respect to Wisconsin, this is the most important game of the season for us because it’s the next game. And that’s how we treat it,” he said.
He acknowledged the quality of Wisconsin’s roster and the similarity, in a way, to Western Illinois’ own opener against a top FBS team. “Probably a little similar situation to us in their opener, playing the No. 4 team in FBS. But man, we’ll have our hands full. They don’t have a lot of weaknesses on that football team. They’re big, they’re physical, they’re fast. We’ll have to come with a great plan Saturday night,” Davis added.
Whatever the outcome, the matchup will measure where Wisconsin stands after a humbling start and test whether Western Illinois can convert national attention and a pay-day into a near-upset or at least a competitive showing.
