The Wisconsin Badgers have officially announced their 2025 football schedule, featuring a series of compelling matchups that promise an exhilarating season for fans and players alike. Under the leadership of head coach Luke Fickell, entering his third year, the Badgers are poised to navigate a challenging slate that includes formidable non-conference opponents and a rigorous Big Ten lineup.
Non-Conference Games
- August 30 vs. Miami (Ohio)
- The Badgers will kick off the season at Camp Randall Stadium against the Miami RedHawks. This marks the second meeting between the two programs, with Wisconsin having secured a dominant 58-0 victory in their 2015 encounter. Historically, the Badgers have excelled in non-conference home openers, boasting a 27-game winning streak since 1995.
- September 6 vs. Middle Tennessee
- In their first-ever matchup, Wisconsin will host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. This game also represents the Badgers’ first contest against a Conference USA opponent since 2018, when they defeated Western Kentucky 34-3.
- September 13 at Alabama
- The Badgers will travel to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide, concluding their non-conference schedule. This game is particularly notable as it will be Wisconsin’s first road game on an SEC campus since visiting LSU in 1972. The Badgers aim to even the all-time series, currently trailing 1-2, with their sole victory dating back to 1928.
Big Ten Conference Schedule
- September 20 vs. Maryland
- Wisconsin opens Big Ten play at home against the Maryland Terrapins. The Badgers have a perfect 4-0 record against Maryland, outscoring them 144-54 in those meetings. Their last home game against the Terrapins was in 2022.
- October 4 at Michigan
- Following a bye week, the Badgers head to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines. Wisconsin’s last visit to the Big House in 2020 resulted in a commanding 49-11 victory. The Badgers have won seven of the last 12 meetings, though Michigan claimed the most recent matchup in 2021. Notably, Wisconsin has not lost consecutive games to Michigan since 2002.
- October 11 vs. Iowa
- The storied rivalry with the Iowa Hawkeyes continues as the Badgers host the battle for the Heartland Trophy. Wisconsin holds a 29-20-1 advantage in games played in Madison and will be seeking their first win in the series since defeating a ninth-ranked Iowa team at Camp Randall in 2021.
- October 18 vs. Ohio State
- The Ohio State Buckeyes return to Camp Randall Stadium, having last visited in 2023. Wisconsin aims to secure its first victory over Ohio State since toppling the then-number-one-ranked Buckeyes in 2010.
- October 25 at Oregon
- The Badgers travel to Eugene to face the Oregon Ducks, following a home game against them in 2024. Oregon currently leads the all-time series 4-3, with Wisconsin seeking its first win at Autzen Stadium since their inaugural meeting in 1977.
- November 8 vs. Washington
- After a second bye week, Wisconsin hosts the Washington Huskies for only the second time. The Huskies hold a 4-0 advantage in the series, with the teams last meeting in 1992. The Badgers will be eager to notch their first win against Washington.
- November 15 at Indiana
- The Badgers visit Bloomington to take on the Indiana Hoosiers for the second time in three seasons. Despite a ten-game winning streak in the series, Wisconsin has dropped the last two matchups. They hold an 18-10-1 record on the road against Indiana.
- November 22 vs. Illinois
- Wisconsin welcomes the Illinois Fighting Illini to Camp Randall after a one-year hiatus in the series. The Badgers have dominated recent meetings, winning 16 of the last 19 games.
- November 29 at Minnesota
- The regular season concludes with the traditional rivalry game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, competing for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Badgers aim to secure consecutive road victories in the series, a feat last achieved in 2019 and 2020.
Analysis and Outlook
The 2025 schedule presents a formidable challenge for Wisconsin, featuring high-profile non-conference games and a demanding Big Ten slate. The October stretch is particularly daunting, with consecutive games against Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon—teams that have been powerhouses in recent seasons. Success during this period will be crucial for the Badgers’ aspirations in both the conference and national standings.
Head coach Luke Fickell’s leadership will be pivotal as he prepares the team for this rigorous schedule. The Badgers’ performance in these key matchups will not only define their 2025 season but also set the tone for the program’s future trajectory.
Fans are encouraged to secure their season tickets early, as the excitement surrounding these marquee games is expected to generate high demand. With a blend of historic rivalries and challenging opponents, the 2025 season promises to be a memorable chapter in Wisconsin football history.
