Season Opener Pits Revamped Badgers Against MAC Powerhouse
The 2025 college football season kicks off with a compelling non-conference matchup as the Wisconsin Badgers host the Miami (OH) Redhawks on Thursday, August 28. The game, set for a 9:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, presents a crucial first test for two programs heading in different directions after the 2024 season.
A Quest for Redemption in Madison
For the Wisconsin Badgers, this opener is about turning the page. The team is coming off a profoundly disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2024, a season that saw them miss a bowl game for the first time in over two decades. In response, head coach Luke Fickell and his staff were aggressive in the offseason, making significant changes to both their schemes and roster.
The Badgers heavily utilized the transfer portal, bringing in nearly 20 new players to bolster the lineup. Among the key additions is quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who arrives from Maryland to take the helm of the offense. He will operate under new Offensive Coordinator Jeff Grimes, who is expected to implement a pro-style, run-first attack. This system will lean on a trio of running backs led by starter Dilin Jones, aiming to re-establish the physical dominance Wisconsin football is known for.
Miami (OH) Faces a Roster Overhaul
While Wisconsin seeks a rebound, the Miami (OH) Redhawks aim to prove their recent success is sustainable. The Redhawks have been a consistent force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), appearing in the conference championship game in back-to-back seasons and compiling 20 wins over that stretch. They finished 2024 with a 9-5 record, capped by a bowl game victory.
However, the Redhawks enter 2025 with a major question mark on offense, as they return no starters from last year’s squad. The most significant departure was four-year starting quarterback Brett Gabbert. Stepping in is new quarterback Daequan Finn, an electric player whose running ability could pose a significant challenge for Wisconsin’s revamped defense. Despite the offensive turnover, Miami is regarded as a well-coached and disciplined team that will not be an easy opponent.
Matchup Preview and Historical Context
This game marks only the second meeting between the two programs. Their last encounter was on September 12, 2015, when Wisconsin secured a dominant 58-0 victory at home. While history favors the Badgers, the current landscape presents a different challenge.
Betting markets have positioned Wisconsin as a significant favorite, with the point spread hovering around 17.5 points. The over/under for total points is set near 40.5, suggesting that oddsmakers anticipate a strong defensive performance from both sides. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, experts predict a comfortable win for the Badgers, but many caution that the Redhawks could keep the game competitive, especially in the early stages as both teams work to find their rhythm with new personnel.
How to Watch
Fans can catch this season-opening contest live from Madison. Here are the details:
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Live Stream: Fubo
The matchup serves as a critical tone-setter for both teams. Wisconsin is desperate to start its season with a convincing win to erase the memory of 2024, while Miami (OH) has an opportunity to make a national statement against a Big Ten opponent despite its offensive rebuild.
