ESPN Analyst Picks Big Ten Team to Rebound in 2026
The Wisconsin Badgers have had a rough few years, but one analyst thinks they'll rebound this upcoming season.
As college football approaches, one analyst has singled out the Wisconsin Badgers as a potential sleeper team to make a big comeback in 2026. During an appearance on the College GameDay podcast, Pete Thamel confidently predicted the Badgers' resurgence. He expressed his enthusiasm for the team's inaugural game against Notre Dame at Lambeau, expressing his belief that it would be an exciting matchup.
Thamel pointed out that the Badgers have struggled in their recent seasons under head coach Luke Fickell, posting a 7-6, 5-7, and 4-8 record. He attributed their regression to poor quarterback performance due to injuries, including a broken hand for Tanner Mordecai in 2023, a torn ACL for Tyler Van Dyke in 2024, and a non-contact injury for Billy Edwards in the 2025 season opener.
The analyst noted that the issue of quarterback injuries has plagued the team over the past three years, as their intended starter has missed a total of 26 games. However, Thamel sees hope on the horizon with a transfer quarterback named Colton Joseph from Old Dominion. He believes that if Joseph can stay healthy throughout the season, the Badgers will have strengthened their roster.
Thamel also noted the overt excitement surrounding the Badgers at the recent Big Ten Media Days and expressed his belief that Fickell, who led Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff, hasn't lost his coaching touch. He's confident that the Badgers will not only surprise many but also steer the team in the right direction in Madison.
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