Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat No. 13 Penn State
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Summary
On September 26, 2026, Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) erased a 17-point deficit to beat No. 13 Penn State (3-1, 0-1) 24-20 at Beaver Stadium. Quarterback Colton Joseph connected with tight end Jacob Harris on a 72-yard touchdown with 1:13 left, giving the Badgers a four-point lead. After a 34-yard field goal by Gavin Lahm earlier in the fourth quarter, Wisconsin held Penn State scoreless for the final 18 minutes.
Historical Context
The win was Wisconsin’s first road victory over a ranked opponent since beating No. 25 Purdue in 2021 and its first triumph in State College since 2003. It also marked the program’s largest comeback since rallying from 18 points against Illinois in 2006.
Key Statistics
- Final score: Wisconsin 24, Penn State 20.
- Total yards: Wisconsin 355 (or 365) vs. Penn State 248 (or 245).
- Passing yards: Wisconsin 235, Penn State 129 (or 114).
- Rushing yards: Wisconsin 120, Penn State 119.
- Turnovers: Wisconsin 3 (two interceptions by Joseph) vs. Penn State 3 (including a pick-six by Josiah Zayas).
- Time of possession: Penn State 30:26, Wisconsin 29:34.
Wisconsin’s Perspective
Coach Luke Fickell praised the team’s resilience, noting that the players “didn’t falter” and that belief in Joseph kept the Badgers competitive. He highlighted the defense’s role in keeping Penn State off the scoreboard in the second half and said the win “means a lot” after several near-misses.
Penn State’s Perspective
Head coach Matt Campbell said the Nittany Lions “struggled to find a rhythm” and that missed third-down and red-zone opportunities contributed to the loss.
Player Highlights (On-the-Ground Reports)
Tight end Jacob Harris finished with five receptions for 105 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. recorded his first career touchdown reception. Running back Darrion Dupree added 52 rushing yards and four catches for 44 yards. Linebacker Mason Posa led Wisconsin with 12 tackles, and defensive lineman Charles Perkins secured his first career interception.
Conflicting Figures
The Associated Press and UW Badgers releases list Wisconsin at 355 yards and Penn State at 248, while the Journal Sentinel and JSON Line report Wisconsin with 365 yards and Penn State with 245. Both sets agree on the outcome and turnover margin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know that there’s any tougher situation than what we were in out there today,” — Luke Fickell
- “This game is about winning, and we’ve talked about it all year long,” — Luke Fickell
- “We’re going to have to do better,” — Matt Campbell
- “Whether it’s the defense that’s not playing the best or the offense, we just have to have each other’s back,” — Tony Rojas
What’s Next
Wisconsin returns home to host Michigan State on Oct. 3 (11:30 a.m. CT, Big Ten Network). Penn State travels to Northwestern on Oct. 2 at Ryan Field for its next Big Ten matchup.