Bold Predictions for 2026

The Wisconsin Badgers football podcast Believe in Badgers delivers a bold, high-energy forecast for the 2026 season, centering on a nine-win campaign and a return to national relevance. Host Matt Perkins and Badger legend Matt Bernstein lay out 10 audacious predictions, ranging from on-field performance to cultural revival. The most striking claim? That the Badgers will beat Notre Dame in Week 1—a preseason top-five team—setting the tone for a season defined by resilience, elite defense, and a reinvigorated student section. Bernstein’s prediction that the Badgers will go undefeated in special teams, specifically not having a single kickoff out of bounds, stands as the most uniquely specific and statistically improbable bet. The episode also reveals a deep belief in the team’s defensive transformation, with key players like Nick Clayton (9.5 sacks) and Marvin Burks (4 interceptions) projected as leaders, while offensive momentum hinges on Colton Joseph starting all 12 games and becoming a dual-threat force. The podcast ends not with a statistical forecast, but with a cultural one: the return of the Axe, the return of the fans, and the return of Wisconsin football’s identity—built on toughness, discipline, and a belief that the program is finally on the right track after years of missteps. The episode’s core takeaway is that success isn’t just about wins—it’s about reclaiming pride. The Badgers’ 2026 season isn’t just about beating teams; it’s about proving they belong again. With a new coaching mindset, strategic NIL investments, and a focus on the trenches, the team is poised to break through. The prediction that they’ll finish top 20 in both points and yards allowed isn’t just a stat—it’s a symbol of a program regaining its identity. And for fans, the real win may be the return of the student section’s energy, the roar of Camp Randall, and the simple joy of watching a team that’s finally playing like Wisconsin again.