STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Wisconsin will begin its Big Ten schedule Saturday with a trip to Beaver Stadium to face a nationally ranked Penn State team in a game that will be available only via streaming.
Where and when to watch
The Badgers and Nittany Lions are scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Eastern Saturday, Sept. 26, at Beaver Stadium in State College. The matchup will not air on traditional broadcast or cable channels; it will stream exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s subscription platform.
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
- Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Beaver Stadium, State College, Pa.
- Streaming: Peacock (subscription required)
How the teams match up
Penn State enters the game ranked No. 14 in the LBM Coaches Poll and has generated eye-popping margin in its non-conference slate, outscoring Marshall, Temple and Buffalo by a combined 127-22. The Lions’ early-season defense has been particularly stingy: they have allowed just nine total points through the first three quarters of their games this year.
The November-to-April turnaround under first-year head coach Matt Campbell is still being evaluated; after an easier start, Penn State will now face the kind of conference test that often defines a season’s trajectory.
Wisconsin comes into Big Ten play seeking offensive improvement. The Badgers averaged about nine points per game in conference play last season and managed only 13 points in a 41-13 loss to Notre Dame on Sept. 6 this year. With that backdrop, Wisconsin’s ability to produce points will be central to any upset hopes at Beaver Stadium.
Context from last season and coaching notes
Penn State’s 2025 campaign featured a collapse in league play that followed a strong start; the team lost each of its first six Big Ten games after opening 3-0, and that slide contributed to the dismissal of former coach James Franklin. The program has turned to Campbell and his staff to restore stability and avoid a repeat of that midseason fade.
For Wisconsin, offensive struggles have been a persistent concern since the start of 2025. The Badgers will be tested by a veteran Penn State defense on a neutral-to-hostile field, and how Wisconsin’s offensive staff and players respond will likely determine whether the team remains competitive in the early Big Ten standings.
Practical viewing information
Fans planning to watch should note the exclusive streaming arrangement. Peacock requires a subscription, and availability may vary by device and location. Viewers relying on traditional over-the-air or cable services will not find the game on regional sports networks or network television.
| Team | Notable stat |
|---|---|
| Penn State | Outscored non-conference opponents 127-22 |
| Wisconsin | Averaged ~9 PPG in Big Ten play (2025) |
What to watch during the game
Key storylines for Wisconsin fans include whether the Badgers can sustain longer drives, protect the ball and generate explosive plays against a defense that has limited opponents’ scoring through three quarters. For Penn State, the focus will be on whether the Lions can translate non-conference dominance into consistent performance against a power-conference opponent and avoid the late-season setbacks that hurt them before.
Saturday’s result will carry implications for both teams beyond the immediate standings. A convincing road victory would bolster Penn State’s early-season résumé; a strong showing by Wisconsin would ease some concerns about the offense and provide momentum in the grind of conference play.
Fans planning to attend at Beaver Stadium should follow team and stadium channels for entry guidelines and any last-minute changes. Those watching at home should confirm Peacock access and consider logging in early to troubleshoot streaming or account issues before kickoff.
Coverage of the game and postgame analysis will be available through local outlets and team media channels. Expect early reaction to focus on Wisconsin’s offensive performance and how Penn State’s defense fares against a Big Ten opponent for the first time this autumn.
