Penn State vs Wisconsin: Nittany Lions Face First Real Test as Badgers Seek Signature Win

Penn State (3-0) has cruised through its first three games against Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo, but the Nittany Lions' schedule finally gets serious this Saturday when they host Wisconsin (2-1) at Beaver Stadium. For the Badgers, this is a chance to prove they belong in the Big Ten's upper tier after a rough opening loss to Notre Dame.

What's at stake for Wisconsin and Penn State

Wisconsin bounced back from that 21-point loss to the Fighting Irish with blowout wins over Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan, but those games told us little about how good this team really is. A win in State College would change the narrative completely.

Penn State, meanwhile, hasn't faced a defense anywhere near the caliber of what it will see from the Badgers. The Nittany Lions have looked sharp, but they've also had all the time in the world to throw the ball against overmatched opponents.

Key storylines to watch

The Badgers need quarterback Colton Joseph to break loose. The former Old Dominion transfer is one of the most dangerous runners in the country, and while he leads Wisconsin with 25 carries, he hasn't yet delivered the explosive plays that made him a star. That could change against a Penn State defense that hasn't faced a mobile quarterback all season.

On the other side, Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht has had a comfortable pocket all year. Wisconsin's pass rush has been nearly nonexistent, so Becht should have time to find his receivers downfield.

Series history and what it means

These two programs have met just 21 times, with Penn State winning six straight dating back to 2011. The Nittany Lions lead the all-time series 12-9, though Wisconsin won the first meeting 20-0 back in 1953.

For Iowa fans, this game carries extra interest. Wisconsin travels to Iowa City later this season, and how the Badgers perform here will tell us a lot about what to expect in that matchup.

Game details and how to watch

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Location: Beaver Stadium, State College, PA

Prediction and betting lines

The truth is, we still don't know exactly what either team is made of. Wisconsin lost to a Notre Dame team that looks like a national title contender, and Penn State hasn't been tested. This is the first real measuring stick for both.

Penn State's defense should be too fast and physical for a Wisconsin offense that struggled to run the ball against Eastern Michigan. Expect a competitive game, but the Nittany Lions should pull away late.

Prediction: Penn State 27, Wisconsin 17

Latest consensus line: Penn State -9.5, over/under 44.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

What this game means for the Big Ten race

Penn State's schedule gets brutal after this: a trip to Northwestern, then USC, then Michigan. Wisconsin hosts Michigan State, travels to UCLA and USC, then heads to Iowa. Every win matters in a conference race that could come down to tiebreakers.

For Badgers fans, this is the game that could define the season. A win on the road against a top-tier opponent would announce Wisconsin as a real contender. A loss, and the questions will only get louder.