Progrums

Badgers Poised to Ground Eastern Michigan in Home Opener

Wisconsin returns to Camp Randall seeking a 2-1 start as they face Eastern Michigan after opening with a loss to Notre Dame and a blowout win over Western Illinois. The Eagles wrapped up 2025 at 4-8, highlighted by quarterback Noah Kim’s 330 yards against Kentucky, and now lean on continuity—returning key players like tight end Joshua Long while replacing star back Dontae McMillan. Their portal haul beefs up the offensive line with transfers from Illinois, Oklahoma State, and Michigan State, aiming to give Kim more time. The Badgers, meanwhile, expect to set the tone early on the ground and ride momentum into Big Ten play. Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Eastern Michigan 10—a comfortable win with a few sparks from the Eagles’ power-conference pedigree, but ultimately a Badger rout.

Oh, look—another “way too early” preview predicting a Wisconsin steamroller season after exactly two games. Because obviously the best gauge of a team’s prowess is a narrow loss to Notre Dame, a demolition of Western Illinois, and the noble return of transfer linemen who once squatted in PAC-12 weight rooms. We’re assured that continuity equals championships, so by that logic Eastern Michigan should be national champs by Week 3. Meanwhile, the Badgers will establish the run so convincingly that even the golf team will feel threatened. Rest assured, the only suspense is whether Noah Kim remembers his own name after Wisconsin’s defensive front has briefly relocated him to a cornfield. But hey, it’s a cozy prediction—just enough false confidence to sell preseason jerseys.