Wisconsin Defeated Penn State in Comeback Win
Wisconsin snapped a two-decade road losing streak against Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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Wisconsin secured a 24-20 victory over Penn State on Saturday after trailing by 10 points at halftime. The Badgers executed a late-game rally, highlighted by a 72-yard touchdown pass to clinch their first win in State College since 2003.
Why it matters
The result represents a significant shift for Wisconsin, which ended a six-game losing streak against their Big Ten rival. The win puts the Badgers at 1-0 in conference play while creating an early hurdle for Penn State.
Wisconsin outgained Penn State 355-248 in total offensive yardage. Rocco Becht finished the game with 129 passing yards on 12-for-29 attempts.
The players
Colton Joseph
He is the Wisconsin quarterback who delivered the game-winning 72-yard touchdown pass.
Jacob Harris
He is the Wisconsin player who caught the decisive 72-yard touchdown pass in the final minutes.
Rocco Becht
He is the quarterback who finished the contest with 129 passing yards.
Josiah Zayas
He is the player who recorded a 51-yard interception return for a Penn State touchdown.
The details
Wisconsin trailed 17-7 at halftime but mounted a comeback with two touchdowns in the final four minutes of play. The decisive blow came on a 72-yard pass from Colton Joseph to Jacob Harris with 1:13 remaining, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
Timeline
Wisconsin last won at State College in 2003.
The game took place on September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This victory moves Wisconsin to 1-0 in Big Ten play and provides the team with momentum heading into their next matchup. Conversely, the loss puts Penn State at 0-1 in the conference, forcing an immediate rebound attempt in their upcoming game.
Wisconsin improves to 1-0 in Big Ten play, positioning the team favorably in the early conference standings. Penn State drops to 0-1, complicating their path in the Big Ten.
The takeaway
This win proves that Wisconsin can overcome long-standing road struggles against high-level conference opponents. Fans should watch how Penn State adjusts its offensive strategy to recover from this early conference loss.
What happens next
Wisconsin hosts Michigan State on Saturday, while Penn State travels to face Northwestern on Friday.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and league standings, visit the Football section.
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