The UCLA Bruins are undefeated so far through the 2026 college football season, but on Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers present a formidable challenge to what has been a historic start for coach Bob Chesney.
The No. 12 Bruins (5-0) have found a way to win each week, but a battle-hardened Badger squad awaits.
Why could the Wisconsin Badgers beat UCLA?
The Badgers (4-1) are unranked, but they’ve beaten Penn State in the rowdy environment of Beaver Stadium, and that lone loss was to No. 2 Notre Dame in a game that was tightly contested until the second half.
Most recently, the Badgers trounced the Michigan State Spartans 31-3, allowing 19 first downs but ultimately keeping the Spartans out of the end zone entirely.
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Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph led the team through the air with 145 yards and three touchdowns and added 141 yards and another score with his legs, presenting a challenge for the UCLA defense to try to figure out.
UCLA, meanwhile, faces challenges of its own.
What do the UCLA Bruins need to do to beat Wisconsin?
With starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava likely out for the year, backup Ty Dieffenbach is now QB1 for the Bruins.
Dieffenbach helped the Bruins bring home the win against the Oregon Ducks last week, but that was in relief of Iamaleava.
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney celebrates after defeating the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Now, the Badgers have gotten a week to prepare for Dieffenbach and what he brings to the offense.
Furthermore, the Bruins are still riding high after that big win in Eugene, and it will require a lot of maturity for the team to refocus on the Badgers — maturity that might be lacking with Iamaleava out.
Instead, they’ll likely have to rely on the rushing attack, which has buoyed the Bruins.
Wayne Knight already has 548 yards this season, as well as 10 touchdowns, with Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas combining for nearly 500 more yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, seven different Bruins have at least half a sack this season, and if they can force Joseph into making some mistakes, it would be a huge benefit to the Bruins offense.
Linebacker Sammy Omosigho has three sacks by himself, so he’s likely to lead the charge in that regard.
Additionally, defensive back Ta’Shawn James has four interceptions already this year, and he’ll be looking to get a fifth off of Joseph, who has thrown five picks already this season.
If UCLA can come out with a win, though, the Bruins will be in the driver’s seat for a possible trip to the Big Ten Championship Game and, maybe, the College Football Playoff.
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