Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame's revenge tour starts Sunday, Sept. 6, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay at 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC), when the Fighting Irish take on a Wisconsin program desperate for a turnaround.
Despite the Fighting Irish being a massive 20.5-point favorite, my Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame predictions and college football picks project Freeman and Co. to cover in the Badger State.
Wisconsin vs Notre Dame predictions
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Early Wisconsin vs Notre Dame spread pick: Notre Dame -20.5
This is about as tough a start to the season as Luck Fickell's Wisconsin team could have imagined. Notre Dame isn't just the college football national championship odds favorite; the Fighting Irish also have the Heisman Trophy odds favorite behind center, CJ Carr.
Notre Dame is set to be a juggernaut this season with how much it brings back from last year's 10-2 team. Not only are both coordinators back for Marcus Freeman, but his roster is ranked No. 1 in the nation in returning production (72%).
That continuity could make a huge difference against a Wisconsin team starting double-digit transfers, including at QB with Colton Joseph (Old Dominion). For as talented as Joseph is, it's a big ask for him to produce immediately against a defense projected to be Top 10 by SP+ and led by the best secondary in the country.
With the talent advantage on both sides of the ball, the Irish are poised to win in a blowout against a coach whose seat is as hot as almost any in the country. I would take Notre Dame up to -22.5.
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Early Wisconsin vs Notre Dame total pick: Under 47.5
Even with additions like Joseph and Abu Sama III at running back, it's hard to believe in Wisconsin's offense this season after it finished 122nd in SP+ last year, second-worst in the Power 4.
That was with Jeff Grimes calling plays, and he's back in Madison for his second season after his offense scored more than 14 points just once against P4 opponents last year. In five games against teams that finished ranked in the Top 10 by defensive SP+, the Badgers averaged 5.4 PPG.
With All-American cornerback Leonard Moore leading a defense that was 15th in EPA per pass, Notre Dame allowed 10 or fewer points against five of its final six non-ranked opponents last season.
As long as Wisconsin - which is projected to be 20th in defensive SP+ - can hold Notre Dame to fewer than 35 points, the Under should be in good shape. But I wouldn't touch it if it drops below 46.5.
Wisconsin vs Notre Dame odds
- Wisconsin vs Notre Dame spread: Notre Dame -20.5
- Wisconsin vs Notre Dame moneyline: Wisconsin 8%, Notre Dame 92%
- Wisconsin vs Notre Dame Over/Under: 47.5
How to watch Wisconsin vs Notre Dame
- Wisconsin vs Notre Dame matchup
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET
- City: Green Bay, WI
- Venue: Lambeau Field
- TV: NBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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