MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — Wisconsin defeated Western Illinois 36-9 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision game. The Badgers improved to 1-1, while the Leathernecks fell to 1-2. Wisconsin used a balanced attack, scoring on Abu Sama III’s 72-yard touchdown run and Darrion Dupree’s 28-yard scoring run. Colton Joseph added a 33-yard touchdown pass to Chris Brooks Jr. Gavin Lahm made field goals of 30, 49 and 51 yards. Western Illinois answered with Ronan Culkin field goals of 27, 27 and 34 yards. A potential Leathernecks touchdown in the third quarter was erased by a holding penalty. Wisconsin’s defense limited Western Illinois after the break, and the Badgers pulled away in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin led throughout and controlled field position. The Leathernecks return home to face Morehead State on Sept. 19. Wisconsin hosts Eastern Michigan on Sept. 19.