The 2026 college football season kicks off with a thrilling matchup as the fourth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish face the Wisconsin Badgers at historic Lambeau Field. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, this game marks a significant moment for both teams.

Head coach Marcus Freeman leads Notre Dame into the season with a 43-14 record over four years, including a notable appearance in the 2024 national title game. The Fighting Irish enter this contest with their highest Week 1 ranking in 20 years.

On the other hand, the Badgers have struggled under Luke Fickell, transitioning from seven wins in his first season to five, and then just four last year. A victory over Notre Dame would provide a much-needed boost for Fickell’s job security.

Betting Odds and Predictions:

• Spread: Notre Dame -21
• Over/Under: 46.5 points
• Money Line: Notre Dame -2000, Wisconsin +1000

Before placing any bets, it's crucial to consider the insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has accurately simulated this matchup 10,000 times. The model has been successful, boasting a 32-19 record on top-rated CFB money-line picks since the 2024 season.

Key Player Insights:

• CJ Carr, Notre Dame's starting quarterback, returns after throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.
• The Fighting Irish averaged 42 points per game, the highest among power teams.
• The Badgers revamped their offense, adding Colton Joseph (dual-threat QB from Old Dominion) and Abu Sama (running back from Iowa State).

The model predicts a total of 51 combined points, favoring the Over at a 55% success rate. Additionally, one side of the spread is projected to hit well over 60% of the time. For the latest picks and insights, fans are encouraged to check SportsLine.