PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches during the game between the UCLA Bruins and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 17, 2026 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches during the game between the UCLA Bruins and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 17, 2026 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images · Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It’s been a big turnaround for the Wisconsin Badgers this season, who went from not being projected to a bowl game after two weeks to having a chance at a potential 10-win season.

Through eight weeks, the Badgers are 5-2 and 3-1 in the Big Ten, with Iowa, Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota still left. They’re a near lock to go bowling for the first time since 2023, Luke Fickell’s first season at the helm.

Not only that, the Badgers could turn in their best season of the decade, with Iowa potentially being their most difficult matchup remaining this season.

So, through eight weeks, where are the Badgers projected to bowl?

ESPN

Kyle Bonagura: ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Texas (December 30th)

Mark Schlabach: Music City Bowl vs. Alabama (December 31st)

Both of these are two of the top bowl games for Big Ten teams, and the Badgers would get some serious competition against two teams that still have a chance to play in the College Football Playoff in this projection.

Texas is 5-2 with three top-15 wins, while Alabama is 6-2 and the No. 10 team in the country currently.

CBS Sports: Citrus Bowl vs. Ole Miss (January 2nd)

Here, the Badgers get the top bowl game for a Big Ten team not in the College Football Playoff. Last year, No. 18 Michigan and No. 14 Texas played against each other in this one.

Ole Miss is currently 5-2 and No. 12 in the country with wins over No. 24 Louisville, No. 7 LSU, and No. 13 Missouri.

The Athletic: Cactus Bowl vs. West Virginia (December 26th)

This is one of the weaker projections for the Badgers, who are considered the No. 6 Big Ten team here behind Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern.

They’re projected to the Cactus Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers, who are 5-3 and 2-3 in the Big 12.

Sports Illustrated: Citrus Bowl vs. Ole Miss (January 2nd)

Same projection for Wisconsin vs. Ole Miss in the Citrus Bowl. Strong projection here.

USA Today: Cactus Bowl vs. Baylor (December 26th)

Here, Wisconsin faces a Baylor team that just fired head coach Dave Aranda at 4-3 off losses to TCU and Kansas.

The Bears have beaten Prairie View, Louisiana Tech, Colorado, and Arizona State, while losing to Auburn, TCU, and Kansas.

Source: Yahoo Sports