(UW ATHLETICS) – Wisconsin Football opens the 2026 home slate on tonight, welcoming Western Illinois back to Camp Randall for the first time since 2014. The game kicks off at 6:15 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network.
On Sunday, the Badgers fell to No. 4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, 41-13. Thanks to a strong defensive effort, Wisconsin trailed just 13-10 at the half, but Notre Dame’s second half showing, including 14 points in the first seven minutes of the third quarter, allowed them to pull ahead. Wisconsin looks to bounce back on Saturday at home, opening a two-game before kicking off Big Ten play at Penn State on Sept. 26.
Winner, winner: Wisconsin has won 101 games at Camp Randall over the last 20 seasons (since 2007). Only 10 FBS programs have more home wins over that span. The Badgers are 87-13 over that stretch against unranked opponents at Camp Randall.
Series history: Wisconsin plays Western Illinois for the first time since 2014, when the Badgers earned a 37-3 victory over the Leathernecks at Camp Randall Stadium. The teams have met just three times, with Wisconsin winning each contest by a combined score of 102-26.
The 2026 home opener marks the 110th season of Wisconsin football at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin has won 28 consecutive home openers against non-conference opponents, dating back to 1995.
Scouting the opponent: Western Illinois lost its season opener to Illinois State 41-10, falling behind 27-3 at halftime.
The Leathernecks rushed for just 52 yards on 23 carries while passing for 263 yards on 26-of-40 passing.
Cason Carswell was 9-of-18 for 140 yards. Kennedy McGill was 14-of-23 for 122 yards.
Christian Anaya caught 4 passes for 78 yards.
Illinois State was able to run the ball well, gaining 239 on 47 carries for a 5.7 yards per carry average.
Western Illinois was 4-of-15 on third down and penalized 10 times for 76 yards.
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