No. 13 Penn State hosts Wisconsin in its Big Ten football opener on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions enter the matchup undefeated at 3-0, while the Badgers arrive at 2-1 in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Wisconsin vs Penn State Prediction: Odds, expert picks, team and player news, betting trends, and stats
Matt Campbell and the #13 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0) are in the midst of their Big Ten campaign as they welcome the Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) to Happy Valley this Saturday at 5 PM Eastern on Peacock. Penn State is a -10 point favorite with a game total of 43.5, though other outlets note a betting line of Penn State -9.5 according to DraftKings. The game total is the second-lowest of the weekend behind #17 Iowa at #18 Michigan. Penn State opened the season with three consecutive victories over Buffalo (55-13), Temple (27-9), and Marshall (45-0). Ranking third in the nation, the Nittany Lions have limited those opponents to 201.0 yards and 22 points per game. This matchup represents the first P4 opponent for Penn State and the first true test for Campbell’s squad this year. With nine touchdowns and zero interceptions, Rocco Becht has transitioned easily into the lineup, while four different running backs have recorded at least 20 carries across the first three games. I expect a run-heavy approach from both sides as Penn State tries to manage the clock.
Following a Week 1 defeat to Notre Dame (41-10) at Lambeau Field, Wisconsin recovered with wins of 54-10 and 36-9 against Eastern Michigan and Western Illinois. That’s 100 combined points as the Badgers improved to 2-1 with a 54-10 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. To blow the game open, the Badgers put up 28 points in the second quarter and totaled 479 offensive yards. Wisconsin ended the contest on the final play with a touchdown via a 55-yard blocked field goal return. Wisconsin now faces an undefeated Penn State team that enters the matchup at a perfect 3-0.
Scenes, photos from Penn State homegaming game vs. Wisconsin
Beaver Stadium Atmosphere and Homecoming Festivities
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. on Peacock from West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, Penn State football coach Matt Campbell greets fans with high-fives as he and the team arrive at Beaver Stadium for the game against Wisconsin, accompanied by Penn State safety Marcus Neal Jr.
The Nittany Lions carry a six-game winning streak in the all-time series against Wisconsin, holding a 12-9 overall advantage prior to kickoff. In 2024, Penn State recorded a 28-13 win at Wisconsin. Wisconsin brings a 2-1 mark to Beaver Stadium, where they have lost four straight games dating to 2003. For those tuning in on the radio, the game will be available on the Badger Radio Network, while television coverage is handled exclusively on Peacock.
Penn State vs. Wisconsin Live Updates: Follow the Action From Beaver Stadium
Score update: Penn State 20, Wisconsin 17 in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph has nine lives, that’s for sure. Following a poor interception in the fourth quarter, Joseph orchestrated an impressive 75-yard drive for a touchdown, finishing it with a precise pass to receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. in the back corner of the end zone. Hilton beat Penn State safety Marcus Neal Jr. on the route, getting two feet down before the pylon. However, the drive was made possible because Penn State’s offense went 3-and-out following the defense’s third interception of the contest.
Fourth quarter update: Tony Rojas snagged Penn State’s third interception of the game, easily grabbing a ball underthrown by Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph. And the Nittany Lions’ offense did nothing with it. Penn State went 3-and-out, using just 67 seconds of clock before punting. On first down, quarterback Rocco Becht attempted a long pass but underthrew Brett Eskildsen, who was unable to adjust.
Wisconsin defense makes another critical stop with two-plus minutes remaining, as reported by John Steppe. By forcing a fourth straight three-and-out, Wisconsin’s defense has given their offense a chance to take the lead or tie the game with over two minutes left. On third down, Cooper Catalano nearly recorded a critical interception. With 2:28 remaining, the Badgers will start at their own 15-yard line in an effort to reach field goal range.
Wisconsin cuts Penn State’s lead to three points with Colton Joseph’s touchdown pass. The first 46 yards of the Badgers’ most recent drive were handled by running back Darrion Dupree, which created opportunities for the rest of the offense. A 75-yard drive consisting of 10 plays ended with Colton Joseph throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Eugene Hilton Jr. This is getting interesting in State College. Penn State’s lead is down to 20-17. Wisconsin has forced three-and-outs on the last three Penn State drives and still possesses all three timeouts. There’s 3:31 left on the clock.
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