Wisconsin Rallied to Defeat Penn State
Wisconsin overcame a 17-point deficit to secure a 24-20 victory over Penn State in State College.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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The Wisconsin football team completed a comeback on September 26, 2026, by defeating Penn State 24-20. The Badgers mounted a 24-3 scoring run to erase an early 17-point lead held by the Nittany Lions.
Why it matters
The result marked a significant shift in momentum, as Wisconsin capitalized on late-game opportunities to overcome a substantial deficit. The loss halted Penn State's control of the game despite early scoring dominance.
Wisconsin won despite facing a 20-10 deficit when Tony Rojas intercepted a pass. The winning drive featured a pivotal 25-yard screen pass conversion followed by a 72-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Harris.
The players
Jacob Harris
He is a 265-pound tight end who caught the winning 72-yard touchdown pass.
Tony Rojas
He is a defensive player who intercepted a pass at the Penn State 45-yard line with 8:11 remaining.
Colton Joseph
He is a Wisconsin player who scored a rushing touchdown with 1:18 remaining in the first half.
The details
After trailing 17-0, Wisconsin executed a 24-3 run to seal the win. Key moments included Colton Joseph scoring a rushing touchdown in the first half and Jacob Harris catching the decisive 72-yard touchdown pass with under two minutes remaining.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Wisconsin defeated Penn State 24-20.
Season Trajectory
This loss significantly disrupts Penn State's position in the current season playoff race. Wisconsin's comeback victory alters the competitive balance of the division as teams fight for favorable conference positioning.
Wisconsin converted a critical second down-and-19 situation from its own 6-yard line with 1:58 remaining to keep the final drive alive. Penn State failed to capitalize on the possession following the Tony Rojas interception, resulting in a three-play loss of one yard.
The takeaway
Upsets in conference play emphasize the importance of maintaining focus throughout all four quarters of a game. Teams must consistently execute high-stakes plays like long-distance conversions to prevent late-game scoring runs by opponents.
Further reading
For more on local gridiron developments, visit the Football section.
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