What is the score of the Wisconsin football game today?
If you’re refreshing your phone and wondering what is the score of the Wisconsin football game today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a letdown. Honestly, there isn't a score. Why? Because the Wisconsin Badgers aren't actually playing football today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
It’s January. The pads are in storage.
Usually, by the time we hit mid-January, the college football world has completely shifted its focus toward the transfer portal, early National Signing Day leftovers, and the grueling winter conditioning programs that fans never see. The 2025 season for Luke Fickell’s squad wrapped up weeks ago. While the NFL is currently in the heat of the Divisional Playoffs—with games like the Bears and Packers making waves—the college kids in Madison are back in class, probably trundling through snow on State Street rather than sprinting through the tunnel at Camp Randall.
The confusion with other Badger sports
It's super easy to get mixed up. If you saw "Wisconsin vs. Oregon" on a schedule today and assumed it was a rematch of a gridiron clash, you’re actually looking at the hardwood. The Wisconsin Women’s Basketball team is the one carrying the torch today.
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They are hosting the Oregon Ducks at the Kohl Center. That game tips off at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. local Madison time).
Sunday's Badger Sports Slate:
- Women’s Basketball: vs. Oregon (Kohl Center) – 4:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
- Men's Hockey: They just finished a massive series against Michigan State.
- Men's Tennis: They recently pulled off a thriller against SMU, winning 4-3.
So, if you’re looking for a live score to track right now, you should be checking the box scores for Kyrah Daniels and Ronnie Porter rather than looking for passing yards from a quarterback. The women's hoopers are currently trying to snap a three-game skid, so they definitely need the "Jump Around" energy today.
Why isn't Wisconsin in a Bowl Game or the Playoff?
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. If you followed the Badgers this past fall, you know it was a year of "what ifs." They finished the regular season with a 4-8 record (2-7 in the Big Ten), which unfortunately means they didn't qualify for a bowl game.
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They had some brutal losses against top-tier talent. Remember that 38-14 loss to Alabama back in September? Or the 34-0 shutout against Ohio State? Those games effectively ended any hopes of a postseason run early on. Because they didn't hit that magic 6-win threshold, their season ended on November 29th after a tough 17-7 loss to Minnesota in the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Wisconsin Football Schedule
Since there’s no game today, most die-hard fans are already looking at the 2026 calendar. And let me tell you, it’s a weird one.
The Badgers are actually opening the 2026 season with a massive "Shamrock Series" game against Notre Dame. But it's not in South Bend or Madison. They’re heading to Lambeau Field in Green Bay on September 6, 2026. That’s a Sunday game, which is rare for college, but it’s going to be absolute chaos in Title Town.
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Key 2026 Matchups:
- Sept 6: vs. Notre Dame (at Lambeau Field)
- Sept 12: vs. Western Illinois
- Sept 19: vs. Eastern Michigan
- TBA: Big Ten play against the likes of USC and UCLA (welcome to the new era of the Big Ten).
Actionable insights for Badger fans today
Even though there’s no football score to report, you can still get your Badger fix. If you're itching for sports, here is what you can do right now:
- Tune into the Big Ten Network: Watch the Wisconsin vs. Oregon women's game at 3:00 p.m. CST.
- Check the Transfer Portal: Luke Fickell has been active. Keep an eye on the latest 2026 transfer additions like Colton Joseph, who recently joined the roster.
- NFL Playoffs: If you just want to see former Badgers in action, check the NFL Divisional rosters. There are almost always former Wisconsin offensive linemen or linebackers starting in these high-stakes January NFL games.
Basically, put the foam finger away for the football team for a few more months. We’ve got a long wait until that September kickoff in Green Bay. Until then, it's all about basketball and hockey in the 608.
Check the official UW Badgers website or the ESPN app for real-time updates on the basketball score as it goes final later this evening.