After getting snubbed from the College Football Playoff last season, Notre Dame’s revenge tour starts on Sunday night at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin. Behind quarterback CJ Carr and a standout defense, the Fighting Irish are one of the preseason favorites to win the national title. A Week 1 statement victory against the Badgers would only raise expectations for how high coach Marcus Freeman’s team can climb this year.
While Notre Dame is chasing a national title, Wisconsin is just looking to improve after back-to-back losing seasons under coach Luke Fickell. With a 17-21 overall record, Fickell is squarely on the hot seat entering ‘26. However, the Badgers underwent a massive roster overhaul in hopes of returning to the postseason. Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph is expected to lead a much-improved offense, and the linebacker duo of Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano anchors a promising defense.
Notre Dame holds a 9-6-2 series edge over Wisconsin.
Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame Odds and Info
Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Notre Dame -20.5
Over/Under: 46.5
Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
© Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Steven Lassan: Last year’s snub from the College Football Playoff should fuel Notre Dame to a deep run in 2026. Look for the Fighting Irish to take out some of that ‘25 frustration on the Badgers on Sunday night. Wisconsin’s defense is good enough to cause some headaches, but Notre Dame’s offense will eventually get on track behind quarterback CJ Carr. Also, running back Aneyas Williams looks primed for a breakout year, and he should find ample room to operate behind a standout offensive line.
Although Notre Dame is a heavy favorite here, I think we will also learn something about Wisconsin. If new quarterback Colton Joseph provides a spark, that should mean good things when the Badgers hit Big Ten play.
Expect Notre Dame to pull away for an easy victory on Sunday night.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 10
Kyle Wood: Wisconsin doubled down on head coach Luke Fickell and invested to upgrade its roster in the offseason. The fruits of that labor might not be seen in Week 1, though, against a national championship-caliber team such as Notre Dame. The Irish won their last four games by 20-plus points and should extend that streak at Lambeau.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Wisconsin 13
