No. 13 Penn State opens its Big Ten schedule against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
Peacock Broadcast and Beaver Stadium Matchup Details
The Big Ten season gets underway in Happy Valley as the undefeated #13 Penn State Nittany Lions host the Wisconsin Badgers for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff on Peacock. Viewers can catch the action starting at 4 p.m. CT on Saturday, September 26, with exclusive live streaming available solely on Peacock. The only way to watch Wisconsin vs. Penn State football is with Peacock Premium, NBC’s inexpensive streaming service. WGAL provides this comprehensive preview of the clash, featuring vital storylines, interesting trivia, and statistical leaders. West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium plays host to the contest.
Wisconsin and Penn State Non-Conference Records
Penn State enters the conference schedule at a perfect 3-0 after sweeping its non-conference slate against Marshall (45-0), Temple (27-9), and Buffalo (55-13). Those three opponents have managed a combined 22 points and 201.0 yards per contest against the Nittany Lions, a defensive performance that places them third in the nation. Meanwhile, Wisconsin travels to University Park sitting at 2-1 after closing out their nonconference schedule with a dominant 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. The Badgers scored 28 points in the second quarter in that victory. Following their season-opening defeat to Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, the Badgers aim to pull off one of the early-season college football upsets when they square off against No.
DraftKings and FanDuel Betting Odds
The game total is the second-lowest of the weekend behind #17 Iowa at #18 Michigan. Heading into the game, the Badgers are getting points against Penn State on the road into one of the most hostile environments in college football. Expert commentary ahead of the matchup includes the Action Network taking Wisconsin to cover the spread against Penn State. The Action Network states: “I think this is a perfect spot to fade Penn State as a double-digit favorite. The Nittany Lions have played three scrimmages to start the season against Buffalo, Temple and Marshall. The opener against Marshall looked very impressive at the time, but the Herd have been atrocious in the two games since and should’ve lost to both Missouri State and Middle Tennessee.”
This will be Matt Campbell and Penn State’s first test this season, plus the first game versus a P4 team. Through three games, nine touchdown passes without a single interception have accompanied Rocco Becht's smooth transition into the Penn State offense, while four separate running backs have already logged a minimum of 20 rushing attempts. Penn State will attempt to control their time of possession and run-heavy game plans are expected from both sides. For Wisconsin, running back Darrion Dupree made major plays during recent drives, setting up an 11-yard touchdown pass from Colton Joseph to Eugene Hilton Jr. During the contest, linebacker Cooper Catalano was spotted making key defensive plays close to the line of scrimmage for Wisconsin, while John Steppe highlighted critical fourth-quarter stops alongside a late drive where the Badgers took over at their own 15-yard line with 2:28 remaining to work their way into field goal range.
Saturday’s matchup marks the 22nd all-time meeting between Wisconsin and Penn State. Across their history, the Nittany Lions lead the matchup with 12 victories to 9 and have emerged victorious in each of their past six encounters. During their 2024 meeting in Madison, Penn State secured a 28-13 victory by outscoring the Badgers 21-3 in the second half, propelled by a touchdown pass apiece from Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, Kaytron Allen rushing for 86 yards and a touchdown, and safety Jaylen Reed returning an interception 19 yards for a score. Serving as the institution’s 106th homecoming and the fifth helmet stripe event backed by PSECU, the matchup sees Penn State boasting a 75-25-5 record in front of returning alumni, having triumphed in 16 of their past 20 such games. The Penn State alumni Blue Band plays as part of the homecoming festivities on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, as captured by Abby Drey, alongside fans and players including safety Marcus Neal Jr. arriving at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
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