The Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois State Redbirds have adjusted the date of their football game in 2029, according to an official announcement Wednesday.
Wisconsin and Illinois State were previously scheduled to meet on September 8, 2029 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc. Per a release from ISU, the two schools will now meet in the season-opener on Saturday, August 25 that season.
The date adjustment follows the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs may begin most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1.
“It’s always great for us to be able to schedule a quality Big Ten opponent like Wisconsin,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “These games are great for our players, fans and alumni and help us set the bar for the season. We were at Wisconsin not that long ago in 2022 and it was a great atmosphere, and I expect it will be again when the Redbirds visit in 2029.”
In that 2022 matchup, the only previous meeting between the two schools, the Badgers defeated the Redbirds 38-0 in Madison.
In other non-conference action in 2029, Wisconsin is scheduled to visit California on Sept. 1 and host Akron on Sept. 22.
Wisconsin is currently the only announced non-league opponent for Illinois State’s 2029 slate.
