Full Breakdown
CBS Sports Forecast for Wisconsin Badgers 2026 Football Season
6/20/2026, 10:29:27 PM
Coaching Transition & Roster Turnover
The Badgers enter the 2026 season under head coach Luke Fickell, after the previous staff’s dismissal. The program has faced roster turnover and uneven offensive production, prompting questions about its physical identity. CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford notes that despite these challenges, the team retains a “physical identity to grind out wins in the Big Ten.” Fall camp follows Media Days, and the schedule begins at Lambeau Field.
Game-by-Game Picks Summary
Crawford’s game-by-game predictions project Wisconsin finishing 7-5 overall (5-4 in conference). The picks are:
- Notre Dame – Loss
- Western Illinois – Win
- Eastern Michigan – Win
- Penn State – Loss
- Michigan State – Win
- UCLA – Loss
- USC – Loss
- Iowa – Loss
- Rutgers – Win
- Maryland – Win
- Purdue – Win
- Minnesota – Win
The selections favor home-field advantage against lower-ranked opponents and anticipate defeats against nationally ranked programs. The analysis highlights players: Notre Dame QB CJ Carr, UCLA coach Bob Chesney, USC QB Jayden Maiava, Maryland freshman Malik Washington, Rutgers tailback Antwan Raymond with linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, and Minnesota QBs Colton Joseph and Drake Lindsey.
CBS Analyst Outlook
Crawford’s forecast emphasizes the Badgers’ ability to “grind out wins.” He predicts a 7-5 record, noting the team can leverage its physical style. The analyst’s confidence in the Badgers’ performance against Western Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota reflects an expectation that the team’s strengths will outweigh its offensive inconsistencies.
Criticism of the Picks
Several concerns arise from the analysis: The loss to Western Illinois is deemed “hilarious,” suggesting skepticism about the opponent. The firing of Fickell after a loss to Iowa (“the Leathernecks”) underscores high stakes. Doubts about UCLA’s and USC’s new coaching staffs suggest the picks may underestimate transitional challenges. The author questions the Badgers’ ability to rebound from a three-game stretch against UCLA, USC, and Iowa, calling it “the toughest three-game stretch.” These critiques highlight uncertainty about the Badgers’ depth.
Gaps in Rationale
Crawford did not provide reasoning for each selection, leaving gaps in the basis for the predictions. The author offers speculation but lacks data on performance, injury status, or statistics. Consequently, the forecast’s reliability remains uncertain regarding the team’s offensive consistency and defensive resilience.
Verbatim Quote
> “The Badgers have endured roster turnover and uneven offensive production, yet still have the physical identity to grind out wins in the Big Ten.” — Brad Crawford, CBS Sports analyst
Future Outlook
Badgers commence the season at Lambeau Field, with tests against Notre Dame and Penn State. Opponents Western Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota are wins in Crawford’s forecast. The schedule’s latter half, featuring the rivalry against Minnesota for the Axe, will determine whether the projected 7-5 record materializes.
