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The Wisconsin Badgers take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in University Park, PA. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Penn State is favored by -9.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -375. The total is set at 44.5 points.
Here’s my Wisconsin vs. Penn State prediction and college football pick for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Wisconsin vs Penn State Prediction
- Wisconsin vs. Penn State Pick: Wisconsin +10.5 (Play to 10)
My Penn State vs. Wisconsin best bet is on Wisconsin to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page and be sure to download the Action Network app for more picks and analysis.
Wisconsin vs Penn State Odds
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -108 | 44.5 -110o / -110u | +295 |
| Penn State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -115 | 44.5 -110o / -110u | -375 |
- Wisconsin vs Penn State point spread: Penn State -9.5 (-115), Wisconsin +9.5 (-108)
- Wisconsin vs Penn State over/under: 44.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Wisconsin vs Penn State moneyline: Wisconsin +295, Penn State -375
Wisconsin vs Penn State College Football Preview
I think this is a perfect spot to fade Penn State as a double-digit favorite. The Nittany Lions have played three scrimmages to start the season against Buffalo, Temple, and Marshall.
The opener against Marshall looked very impressive at the time, but the Herd have been atrocious in the two games since and should've lost to both Missouri State and Middle Tennessee. So, the shine on that performance has certainly faded.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin looked much improved against one of the national title favorites, Notre Dame, on a neutral field. That was much closer than the final score indicated and really got away from the Badgers due to a pick-six and a ref-gifted touchdown on a kick return fumble.
Wisconsin vs Penn State Pick, Betting Analysis
The Badgers defense is much more athletic on the back end, and they have some real size up front to slow down the Penn State rushing attack without committing too many bodies to the box.
Additionally, these two teams are trending in opposite directions health-wise. Penn State has a CVS receipt length of injuries heading into this week, with many coming on the defensive side of the ball.
However, the most important loss will be on offense, with star wide receiver Koby Howard (who leads Penn State in receiving by a wide margin) expected to miss an extended period of time. That's a massive loss for the nation's leader in yards per catch among qualified receivers.
He's a walking explosive and opens up the rest of the offense for the Nittany Lions. Without him, this offense becomes much easier to contain, especially since quarterback Rocco Becht has always been an elite deep-ball thrower.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin should finally have a fully healthy offensive line, and a couple of its skill-position contributors are trending up health-wise.
I've also been impressed with Colton Joseph whenever he steps up in class, having faced arguably the nation's best defense last year in Indiana (on the road) and this year vs. Notre Dame on a neutral field.
He won't be intimidated by the stage or opponent.
He can also use his legs to extend drives in what should be a lower-scoring affair, which definitely makes the double-digit dog a bit more appealing.
Give me the fighting Fickells to keep this close.
Pick: Wisconsin +10.5 (Play to 10)
