Facing a transfer-heavy Badger offense, the Fighting Irish must rely on an elite linebacker corps and breakout star Boubacar Traore to neutralize dual-threat quarterback Colton Joseph.
It's always difficult to prepare for a new-look offense in week one of the season. Despite returning offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, Wisconsin brings in a host of new players that will change the dynamic of the Badger offense. Notre Dame will have to be prepared to make adjustments on the fly, which makes these matchups they'll face on Sunday all the more crucial.
Notre Dame is expected to have one of the most dominant defenses in the country this fall, and they'll have the opportunity to kick off their 2026 campaign against one of the worst statistical offenses in 2025. But, as we know, the outlook of teams change from year to year, especially in this era of the transfer portal. Wisconsin is hedging their bets on a handful of these portal acquisitions panning out, which makes for some very intriguing matchups to watch.
NOTRE DAME LINEBACKERS
The Fighting Irish linebacking corps is the best unit in the country, something we've talked about routinely throughout the offseason. They check every box when you evaluate experience, talent, depth and returning production. Senior middle linebacker Drayk Bowen was just named a captain for the second year in row. In addition to the Indiana native, they return 5th-year senior Jaylen Sneed, senior Jaiden Ausberry, junior Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and sophomore Madden Faraimo. This unit is expected to anchor this exceptionally talented defense and they'll have a chance to showcase their depth and talent this Sunday night.
Matchup To Watch: The Badger's dipped into the transfer portal to solve their quarterback woes from a season ago and they found their guy in Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph. Joseph is Wisconsin's most productive 'returning' offensive player and leads the team in passing and rushing production. The dual threat quarterback has the ability to hurt you with his arm and his legs, something the Fighting Irish linebacking corps will have to be ready for. We've boasted about their range, athletic ability and speed routinely this offseason and it'll be on full display against the Badger's dual threat playmaker under center.
DE BOUBACAR TRAORE
We've been expecting this to be an electric season of college football and one of the biggest reasons why is the elevation of play we'll see at defensive end across the country. Notre Dame defensive end Boubacar Traore is one of the players in the forefront to lead that charge. Last season, the Massachusetts native broke out leading the team in sacks (6.5), tackles for a loss (10.0) and pressures (31). This year, he's expected to take another jump and cross the threshold to becoming a nationally elite player.
Matchup To Watch: If Traore is going to make the jump we expect him to make, he's going to have to start his 2026 campaign off strong. Sunday night, he'll be going against one of the most inexperienced starters on Wisconsin's offensive line, right tackle Lucas Simmons-Johansson who has a total of 21 snaps played in college. The 6-7, 323-pound tackle stepped into the starting role after some shuffling around due to injuries in camp. This is a matchup Traore has to dominant in both phases, setting the edge against the run and getting after Joseph in the pass game.
DT ARMEL MUKAM
One of the reasons I look forward to the season every year is getting to watch players breakout. It happens every year, and this season I believe one of those players is defensive tackle Armel Mukam. The 6-3, 300-pound interior lineman elected to return to South Bend after initially entering the transfer portal after the regular season concluded. Fortunately, he withdrew his name and went on to have an spectacular offseason. The Canada native got the nod to start at defensive tackle alongside 6th-year senior Jason Onye in the season opener.
Matchup To Watch: One of the most intriguing stats that have surfaced when researching this matchup is the correlation between Wisconsin having success on the ground and their win/loss record. Under head coach Luke Fickell, the Badgers are 15-0 when rushing for at least 150 yards. On the flip side, they're 1-21 in games when they rush for under 150 yards. Mukam will be matched up against right guard Stylz Blackmon who hasn't played a snap of football since Week 3 of the 2024 season against North Dakota State. Mukam will be one of the interior players responsible for halting the Badger's rushing attack. This will, without a doubt, be a matchup to watch Sunday night.
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