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Wisconsin opens its season in a primetime Week 1 showdown at Lambeau Field against No. 4 Notre Dame — an immediate stress test for coach Luke Fickell’s program. The matchup doubles as an early measuring stick for the Badgers and a marquee national stage for the Fighting Irish.
Seamus Rohrer, Editor
On paper, Notre Dame looks near-flawless. The Irish are led by a quarterback widely mentioned among the top Heisman contenders, and the roster depth gives them a clear edge.
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That advantage is amplified by the setting: the game is part of Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series and will feel like a home tilt for the Irish at Lambeau. Wisconsin also faces technical hurdles up front — with Emerson Mandell out and Kevin Heywood dealing with an injury — which complicates any plan to slow Notre Dame down.
I expect Wisconsin’s defense to make some stops early, but ultimately be worn down by a team that matches up better across most positions.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 13
Drew Gentile, Staff Writer
I don’t see this one as decided before kickoff. Wisconsin’s defense can create problems and keep the Badgers in the game for stretches.
Still, the offense has struggled to sustain drives in recent seasons, and I’m not confident it will produce enough late in the game against one of the nation’s best units. If the defense can keep the scoreline respectable into the second half and the offense shows signs of life, that would be the outcome I’d accept.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 13
Jeremy Schneider, Staff Writer
This season carries extra weight for Luke Fickell, and an upset over a top-five team in a setting like Lambeau would be a major statement. That said, Notre Dame looks like a legitimate national title contender right now.
My focus is on how the Badgers perform once Big Ten play begins. For Week 1, though, the safer call is the Irish.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 10
Benjamin Worgull, Staff Writer
Fickell’s make-or-break year starts with a difficult assignment. Wisconsin enters with questions along the offensive line, which is risky when facing a Notre Dame defense that could see several future NFL picks.
Historically, UW has often started fast in neutral-site games — and they did pull off a win at Lambeau once, against No. 5 LSU in 2016. I expect the Badgers to push early, but the depth and talent of the Irish should show through in the second half.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Wisconsin 17
