UW Football

media release: Along with the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA), the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, and the Wisconsin Union, Wisconsin Athletics is set to welcome all Badgers back to Madison for Homecoming this fall. The 2026 festivities are slated for the week of September 28, culminating in the Homecoming football matchup versus Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 3. 

The Badgers will take on Michigan State in the 118th Homecoming game in UW history. Wisconsin has won 10 of its last 12 Homecoming matchups, and last hosted the Spartans for Homecoming in 2019, scoring a 38–0 win.

“We look forward to welcoming Badgers of every generation back this fall,” said Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh. “Wisconsin homecoming is when our whole community comes together, reconnects, and celebrates what it means to be part of this family.”

“Homecoming is a celebration of Badger spirit and community, and nothing compares to the energy it brings,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of WAA. “In addition to cheering on the football team, the week offers connection points for all UW alumni, friends, students, and families. Everyone is encouraged to participate in some way!”

A full slate of activities will take place throughout the week, including the annual Homecoming Parade, hosted by the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee, a student-led organization within the Wisconsin Union.

“Along with traditions like the popular parade down State Street, Homecoming 2026 will introduce new activities across campus to build excitement and spirit leading up to the big game,” said Clara Mak, Wisconsin Homecoming Committee president. “We are already hard at work planning a full week of events that will bring together students, alumni, and the community, to celebrate what it means to be a Badger.” 

As part of UW–Madison’s Homecoming celebration, alumni, students, and community members are invited to take part in two signature Wisconsin Alumni Association traditions. On Friday, Oct. 2, Fill the Hill will bring campus together on Bascom Hill as pink flamingos representing gifts supporting the university’s greatest needs, transform a historic student prank into a spirited display of philanthropy and Badger pride.

WAA’s celebration will continue after the UW Homecoming Parade, with the Homecoming Block Party and pep rally, a high energy, family-friendly event featuring the UW Marching Band, Bucky Badger, alumni DJs, interactive activities, and fireworks (weather permitting). All of these events offer Badgers of all ages a chance to come together and build excitement ahead of the Homecoming game versus Michigan State.

Wisconsin football season tickets are available now, giving fans the best chance to be at Camp Randall Stadium for the Homecoming game versus Michigan State.

The Badgers’ meeting with the Spartans is the UW’s Big Ten home opener, coming a week after Wisconsin opens Big Ten play at Penn State on September 26. Homecoming falls before the UW bye week and its trip west to take on UCLA (October 17). The Badgers’ first three Big Ten matchups come against programs with new head coaches for the 2026 season.

Select game times and TV designations will be announced at a later date.