The University of Wisconsin released its two-deep depth chart ahead of its Week 8 matchup against No. 24 Iowa, setting the stage for a Halloween showdown at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The Badgers and Hawkeyes are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m., and the annual border rivalry carries its usual weight for Iowa fans. The depth chart, supplied to media by UW Communications and based on the previous game, was published by Yahoo Sports and offers a look at who Wisconsin plans to send onto the field at Kinnick.
What the Badgers bring on offense
Wisconsin lists senior Colton Joseph as its starting quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Joseph sits atop a quarterback room that includes freshman Ryan Hopkins and junior Deuce Adams, who are listed as co-backups.
The Badgers' backfield is led by senior running back Abu Sama, a 5-11, 211-pound back who will test an Iowa run defense that has long been the backbone of Hawkeye football. Junior Darrion Dupree or junior Bryan Jackson sit behind Sama on the depth chart.
Wisconsin's receiving corps features fifth-year senior Chris Brooks Jr. and sophomore Eugene Hilton on the outside, with fifth-year slot receiver Tyrell Henry working the middle of the field. Henry also handles punt returns, so Iowa's coverage units will need to account for him twice on Saturday.
Up front, the Badgers boast size that jumps off the page. Junior left tackle Kevin Heywood checks in at 6-9 and 320 pounds, and Wisconsin's starting five averages well over 300 pounds per man. That physicality has defined this rivalry for decades, and it will again on Halloween morning.
Injuries to watch on the Wisconsin sideline
The depth chart carries a few notable health questions for the Badgers. Junior running back Nate Palmer has missed Wisconsin's games against UCLA and USC with an injury, though he remains listed as a kickoff return option.
Fifth-year senior center Austin Kawecki also sat out the UCLA and USC contests. Junior Stylz Blackmon has taken over the snapping duties in his absence.
On defense, junior cornerback Cai Bates has missed Wisconsin's last five games. That leaves fifth-year senior Javan Robinson and sophomore Jai'mier Scott as the starting corners, with freshman Donovan Dunmore backing up Robinson.
Wisconsin's defense presents a familiar challenge
Hawkeyes fans know what to expect from a Wisconsin defense. Fifth-year senior defensive linemen Hammond Russell IV and Charles Perkins anchor the front, each listed north of 320 pounds. Outside linebackers Sebastian Cheeks and Tyreese Fearbry, both fifth-year seniors, bring experience off the edge.
At inside linebacker, sophomores Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa lead the Badgers' second level. Catalano, a 6-1, 232-pound playmaker, is a name Iowa fans should watch. The safety tandem of senior Marvin Burks and fifth-year senior Matt Jung rounds out a defense built on power and discipline.
Fifth-year kicker Gavin Lahm handles both field goals and kickoffs for Wisconsin, with junior Sean West punting and holding.
A rivalry with stakes for the Hawkeyes
Iowa enters the game ranked No. 24 in the polls, and the Hawkeyes are looking to defend their home turf in a series that rarely lacks for drama. According to 247Sports, Iowa released its own depth chart ahead of the contest as the Hawkeyes prepare to host Wisconsin at 11 a.m. CT on FOX.
The matchup also carries Big Ten West history, even in the division's post-realignment era. Iowa and Wisconsin have traded blows for the Heartland Trophy since 2004, and games between the two programs are routinely decided by a single score.
For Kirk Ferentz's program, a home win over Wisconsin keeps momentum rolling and strengthens the Hawkeyes' position in the Big Ten race. A loss, meanwhile, would hand Iowa a second conference blemish and hand the trophy back to Madison.
What to expect on Halloween at Kinnick
Expect a low-scoring, physical game in the classic Big Ten style. Both programs are built on defense, special teams and the running game, and neither coaching staff is likely to abandon that identity in late October.
The Wisconsin Badgers roster page lists the game as part of the Badgers' 2026 slate, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. and Iowa's next contest scheduled for Nov. 7.
Iowa fans making the trip to Iowa City should plan for a morning tailgate and an early kickoff. Halloween at Kinnick Stadium has produced some of the program's most memorable moments, and Saturday's meeting gives the Hawkeyes a chance to add another chapter against a division rival that always plays the Hawkeyes tough.
Frequently asked questions
When does Iowa play Wisconsin in 2026?
Iowa hosts Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on FOX.
Who is Wisconsin's starting quarterback against Iowa?
Senior Colton Joseph is listed as Wisconsin's first-team quarterback on the depth chart released by UW Communications.
Which Wisconsin players are injured heading into the game?
Running back Nate Palmer, center Austin Kawecki and cornerback Cai Bates have all missed recent games due to injury, according to the depth chart notes.