Blazevich: Three things I'm watching in Wisconsin's opener against No. 4 Notre Dame
- Wisconsin enters the Notre Dame opener expecting more than a dozen new starters across both sides of the ball after an offseason of roster change.
- Wisconsin's preferred path is a compact slugfest built on a productive rushing attack, a clean intermediate passing game, and fewer total possessions.
- Wisconsin's defense wants to use its physical front seven to keep Notre Dame off-kilter and make the game about control and physicality.
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NOTEBOOK: Badgers excited for opportunity to begin season, show progress in ‘closing the gap’
- Wisconsin safety Matt Jung said his experience alongside Marvin Burks gives the Badgers more flexibility to disguise coverages against Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr.
- Starting quarterback Colton Joseph emphasized Notre Dame's defensive speed and physicality while expressing confidence in Wisconsin's tight-end group as a matchup resource.
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Several former Badgers sign to NFL practice squads ahead of rookie season
- Wisconsin did not have any players taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, and none of its rookies survived the cut to 53 players following the preseason.
- But several rookies were re-signed on practice squads as they approach kickoff.
- Cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean, who missed Wisconsin's 2025 season due to an eligibility dispute with the NCAA, stood out in his time on the field with the Rams.
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Everything Luke Fickell said to begin season opening press conference
- Wisconsin offensive linemen Kevin Heywood and Emerson Mandell took Monday reps but remain game-time decisions against Notre Dame as the staff weighs Week 1 urgency against their longer-term health.
- Colton Joseph is taking Wisconsin's first-team quarterback reps while the two backup candidates remain even, with Luke Fickell prioritizing Joseph's ball security and decision-making in a balanced offense.
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2026 Week 1 CFB
- QB: If for whatever reason Wisconsin needs a QB next year, this dude from Stanford looks really good.
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Podcast: Episode 384 - Season Preview 2026: Max has CoJo Fever
- Luke Fickell identified Abu Salma as Wisconsin's 1A running back entering the season.
- The episode set benchmarks of roughly 65% completions, a 2-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 500 rushing yards for Wisconsin's quarterback.
- Quarterback health remains the central concern because the offense expects significant rushing usage and the player has a prior injury tied to running.
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