Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame prediction: College football Week 1 picks, best bets, odds Sunday at Lambeau Field
Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame have been waiting nine months for this.Last seen refusing an invitation to a bowl game after being controversially left out of the College Football Playoff, the Fighting Irish check into 2026 as co-favorites with Ohio State to win the national championship.It’s hard to argue against the bookmakers.The Irish have a terrific coach, a Heisman candidate at quarterback, an abundance of playmakers on both sides of the ball and they lead the nation in returning production.And that’s before we get to the massive chip on their shoulder.They tick every box you look for in a title contender, most notably having a soft schedule that will likely see them favored in every game, most of the time by double-digits.That’s the situation for Sunday’s season opener at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin with the Irish laying 20.5 points in Green Bay.If all goes according to plan, Notre Dame will be a machine.CJ Carr may not be a showman, but he was one of the most efficient passers in the country last season as a redshirt freshman.
The 21-year-old won’t have the luxury of handing the ball to Jeremiyah Love 20 times a game anymore, nor will he have three of his top four targets from 2025, but he will still be protected by one of the best offensive lines in the country.Wisconsin’s defense was no slouch in 2025, ranking 22nd in SP+ and 43rd in yards per play, but they’ll have their hands full trying to get off the field against a quarterback who excelled at extending drives, even when faced with third-and-longs.Carr’s elite decision-making should neutralize the biggest strength of the Wisconsin defense, which is a terrific pass rush anchored by Sebastian Cheeks and Mason Posa.While the defense may be overmatched against the Irish attack, I do have faith that the Badgers will be able to move the ball.
A couple of injuries up front may hurt Wisconsin, but quarterback Colton Joseph is a one-man highlight reel who can beat you through the air and on ...