The Anatomy of the Schedule: Game One vs. Wisconsin
- Alex Madsen
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau is just under a month away. Marcus Freeman and his team are earnestly preparing one game at a time. Despite criticisms over a lackluster schedule, each matchup will provide the Irish with a unique challenge.
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
The 2026 Notre Dame Football team looks different from the previous year, as the dynamic duo of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price was drafted in the first round. The Irish also lost contributors to the draft in Eli Raridon, Billy Schrauth, and Gabriel Rubio. However, despite the departures, Notre Dame has some exciting young prospects filling the empty spots, most notably RB Aneyas Williams.
September 6th vs Wisconsin
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
2025 Record - (4-8)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3
No. of Returning Defensive Starters- 3
The first game for the Irish will be the 2026 iteration of the Shamrock Series. The Badgers lost the majority of starters on both sides of the ball and only see six total returning starters. However, Wisconsin brings in an impressive 34-man transfer portal class paired with a class of 12 incoming freshmen.
Head Coach Luke Fickell will begin his fourth season at the helm on the hot seat. Perhaps a win over the Irish will ensure another contract. Jeff Grimes will remain offensive coordinator, despite having a lackluster passing attack that featured 27 sacks last season. Grimes will rely heavily on transfer QB Colton Joseph on his quest to transform what was one of the worst offenses last season.
Mike Tressel will also remain defensive coordinator. The Badger defensive line surprisingly caught fire at the tail end of last season, as Tressel attempts to build consistency throughout the gridiron. The defensive back room will certainly be more talented than last year, as Wisconsin brought in Javan Robinson and Marvin Burks in the portal.
Overall, the Wisconsin Badgers will have plenty to prove this season, as Fickell's feet dangle beneath the heated coal on the hot seat. Notre Dame will be expected to win, but given that early-season upsets have struck Freeman in the past, I would still be careful.
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