The Wisconsin Badgers faced a humiliating 37-0 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 11, 2025, at Camp Randall Stadium. This defeat marked a continuation of struggles for the Badgers, who have now lost their last eight Big Ten games, the longest streak since 1989-1991. Following hopes for improvement under head coach Luke Fickell, the team appeared to lack the toughness and execution necessary to compete effectively.
In the lead-up to this game, Wisconsin had emphasized the importance of beating Iowa. The Badgers had dedicated their offseason to building the mental and physical resilience needed for such a rivalry match. Practices included 42 pushups, symbolizing their focus on avenging last year’s loss. However, the strategy failed to translate into performance on the field, as the team struggled to regain momentum after falling behind early.
The first quarter was a disaster for the Badgers, who turned the ball over three times, allowing Iowa to establish a commanding lead. By halftime, Wisconsin found itself down by more than 20 points for the third time this season. Linebacker Christian Alliegro reflected on the game’s early moments, stating, “It reminded me a lot of last year. I feel like they got on us really quickly, and I feel like we really had no momentum to get back in the game.”
Iowa, now 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, executed its game plan efficiently but did not employ any new tactics against a Wisconsin team that seemed unable to adapt. Wisconsin’s defense struggled, allowing Iowa to score on seven of twelve drives. The Badgers’ offense managed only three runs of over ten yards and two passes exceeding fifteen yards, further highlighting their inability to generate big plays.
Following the game, emotions ran high among the players. Running back Dilin Jones bluntly stated, “We just went out there and got our ass whooped. There’s not much we can say.” Jones finished with 69 yards on 16 carries, but the injury to Darrion Dupree early in the game left him as the primary option in the backfield. Dupree’s inability to put weight on his right leg after leaving the field compounded Wisconsin’s challenges.
Fickell expressed his disappointment in the team’s preparation. “That’s as low as it can be. I apologize to our guys, to not be ready, to not have them ready,” he said. The coach acknowledged that significant strides have been made in talent acquisition but emphasized that the team must find its identity. “Right this second, we’re not feeling real good… we’re at a low point. We got to continue to find who we are,” he added.
The loss has intensified scrutiny on Wisconsin’s performance, particularly as they prepare to face No. 1 Ohio State next. The team’s lack of identity and struggles to establish a rhythm on both sides of the ball leave fans and analysts questioning the direction of the program under Fickell. “I feel like we really don’t have an identity,” Alliegro admitted. “It’s just such a weird feeling that I feel like we have no grip in the game.”
As Wisconsin players look to regroup, they are determined to bounce back quickly. “We’re gonna stay down for a little bit, but we’re not gonna stay down for long,” Alliegro said, emphasizing the need for resilience as the Badgers turn their focus to their next challenge. The upcoming matchup against Ohio State, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time, will test Wisconsin’s resolve and ability to overcome adversity.
