The Badgers will kick off the 2026 campaign against a Notre Dame team almost guaranteed to be ranked in the top five of the AP poll to start the season. Despite what should be a significantly easier schedule, Wisconsin must be ready to face what's expected to be one of the best teams in the country immediately. How Notre Dame changes Wisconsin's approachWisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell. But while Fickell is still a staunch supporter of that mindset, he recognizes that opening the season against Notre Dame requires a different level of focus and attention to detail in fall camp. But in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Fickell has had to line up against Alabama twice and will face Notre Dame in just over a month.