Get ready for a showdown that could redefine the season! Wisconsin Badgers football is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the stakes are higher than ever. After a tough battle against the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Badgers are now setting their sights on their head coach Luke Fickell’s alma mater, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Wisconsin finally break their decade-long losing streak against the Buckeyes? The last time they secured a win was back in 2010, and fans are hungry for a victory.
The stage is set for next Saturday, October 18th, at Camp Randall Stadium, where the top-ranked Buckeyes will make their return after a two-season absence. The last time OSU visited, Fickell’s Badgers gave them a run for their money—trailing by just one touchdown at the end of the third quarter. Wisconsin’s quarterback Braedyn Locke engineered a gutsy drive deep into Buckeyes territory, but a decision to punt on 4th & 6 from the Ohio State 48-yard line ultimately stalled their momentum. The Badgers fell 24-10, leaving fans wondering what could have been. And this is the part most people miss: Wisconsin’s offense never crossed midfield again that night, a detail that still haunts Badger faithful.
This season, the game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Central Time, airing on CBS—marking the sixth different television channel the Badgers have appeared on this year. It’s their first CBS appearance since the 2024 season finale, a heartbreaking 24-7 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers that ended UW’s 22-year bowl streak. Mid-afternoon games aren’t new for Wisconsin; they hosted the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a 3:00 p.m. kickoff during Week 2.
Adding to the drama, Fickell may once again have to rely on a backup quarterback. Starter Billy Edwards Jr.’s status remains uncertain after a non-contact lower-body injury in the season opener. Since then, reserves Danny O’Neil and Hunter Simmons have stepped in, but can they lead the Badgers to victory against a powerhouse like Ohio State?
Here’s the burning question: Is this the year Wisconsin finally turns the tide against the Buckeyes? With ten straight losses to Ohio State, the Badgers are desperate for a win. But with a backup quarterback and a formidable opponent, the odds are stacked against them. What do you think—can Wisconsin pull off the upset, or will the Buckeyes continue their dominance? Let us know in the comments!
