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Badgers Shock No. 13 Penn State in Huge Upset
27 Sep
Summary
- Wisconsin achieved its first road win against a ranked opponent since 2021.
- The Badgers mounted a 17-point comeback, their largest since 2006.
- This victory marks Wisconsin's first over Penn State since 2011.

In a dramatic upset, the Wisconsin Badgers secured a 24-20 victory against No. 13 Penn State on September 27, 2026. This win represents Wisconsin's first road triumph over a ranked opponent since 2021 and their first victory against Penn State since 2011. The Badgers achieved their largest comeback since 2006, overcoming a 17-point deficit.
Quarterback Colton Joseph connected with tight end Jacob Harris for the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Despite Penn State's final drive, Rocco Becht's last pass fell incomplete. Coach Luke Fickell emphasized the team's emotional toughness and ability to play for 60 minutes.
This victory is particularly significant for Fickell's tenure, which has faced criticism, and could reshape Wisconsin's season. The team, now 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play, has faced a challenging schedule, with their only loss being to No. 3 Notre Dame.
For Penn State, the loss is a setback for their College Football Playoff aspirations. Under new coach Matt Campbell, the Nittany Lions, despite a strong start against lower-ranked opponents, failed to close out the game. Quarterback Rocco Becht's performance was limited, and the team now faces a quick turnaround before their next game.