Ep. 101: Wisconsin's 2026 Schedule: Notre Dame & the Games That Could DEFINE the Season

Which game could make or break Wisconsin's 2026 football season? On this episode of The Jump Around, Jim Rutledge and Riley Jauch break down the Wisconsin Badgers' 2026 schedule and hand out our biggest game-day superlatives. From the best win and worst loss to the biggest trap game and potential season killer, which matchup will ultimately define Wisconsin's season? We also discuss: • Wisconsin's 2026 schedule from top to bottom • The best win on the Badgers' schedule • The worst potential loss • Wisconsin's biggest statement game • The toughest game of the season • The biggest trap game • The must-win matchup • The most exciting and most underrated games • The potential season killer • Which game could become the season-defining matchup Plus, we dive into the changing economics of college football and what it takes to build a contender: • Why professional athletes are attempting to return to college football • Whether college football can now offer more money than an NFL practice squad • Reports that some college football programs are spending nearly $50 million on their rosters • Quarterbacks earning $3.5 million or more at numerous Power 4 programs • Wisconsin reportedly committing around $25-30 million to its roster • Does Wisconsin's investment make you more confident the Badgers can compete? And Jim Polzin of BadgerExtra and the Wisconsin State Journal joins The Jump Around to share his biggest observations from Wisconsin fall camp, the position battles to watch, and what he's learned about the 2026 Badgers. Subscribe for Wisconsin Badgers football, recruiting, Big Ten analysis, NIL and roster spending discussion, fall camp coverage, and more from The Jump Around on ESPN Madison and ESPN Milwaukee.