The 2025 college football season kicks off with a primetime Week 1 matchup as the Wisconsin Badgers host the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. The non-conference tilt — 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH) — serves as a key litmus test for both programs. For Wisconsin, it’s about asserting early dominance and showcasing a revamped offense. For Miami (OH), it’s an opportunity to challenge a Power Five opponent and measure its depth.
Set at the iconic Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, this game represents not just a clash of programs but of philosophies — physical Big Ten football versus the fast, efficient Mid-American Conference (MAC) style. With national TV coverage expected and both fanbases eager to begin a new season, 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH) is one of the must-watch games of Week 1.
📅 Game Day Info – 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH)
- Matchup: Miami (OH) RedHawks at Wisconsin Badgers
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (expected)
- Streaming Services: FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling, BTN+
The game marks the season opener for both teams and is expected to draw a strong national viewership as one of the featured Thursday night contests.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: Camp Randall Stadium
There are few more intimidating environments in college football than Camp Randall Stadium. The home of the Wisconsin Badgers is legendary for its “Jump Around” tradition, rowdy fans, and chilly nights. With a capacity of over 80,000, the stadium will be rocking on opening night, giving Wisconsin a true home-field advantage in 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH).
🔍 Team Previews – 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH)
🔴 Wisconsin Badgers: Luke Fickell’s Second Act Begins
Head Coach Luke Fickell enters his second full season at Wisconsin after a transitional 2024 campaign. The Badgers are expected to contend for a Big Ten title in 2025, powered by a reloaded roster, deeper QB room, and one of the top defenses in the country. Wisconsin is also continuing to evolve offensively, shifting from their historic run-heavy identity to a more balanced attack.
🔑 Key Wisconsin Players to Watch:
- QB Tanner Mordecai – Veteran leader back for his final season, with improved decision-making and better protection.
- RB Braelon Allen – The bruising, NFL-caliber back leads the ground attack.
- WR Will Pauling – Slot machine with excellent hands and route-running.
- LB Jordan Turner – Sideline-to-sideline linebacker and vocal leader of the defense.
- DL James Thompson Jr. – Pass-rushing force capable of collapsing pockets.
The Badgers will use this game to test new schemes and build early-season chemistry, but they’ll be on guard against a feisty MAC opponent.
🔴 Miami (OH) RedHawks: Seeking a Signature Win
Under longtime head coach Chuck Martin, the RedHawks have been one of the most consistent programs in the MAC. In 2024, they finished with 9 wins, thanks to a suffocating defense and clutch quarterback play. Miami (OH) isn’t just looking for a paycheck in 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH) — they’re out to compete and possibly stun the Power Five opponent on their own turf.
🔑 Key Miami (OH) Players to Watch:
- QB Aveon Smith – Dual-threat signal caller with a strong arm and quick feet.
- RB Kenny Tracy – Versatile back who contributes both rushing and receiving.
- WR Gage Larvadain – Speedster who stretches defenses vertically.
- LB Matt Salopek – Defensive cornerstone and tackling machine.
- DB Yahsyn McKee – Ball-hawk corner with shutdown potential.
The RedHawks return much of their defensive core, and that cohesion will be critical if they hope to contain Wisconsin’s power game.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch
Braelon Allen vs. RedHawks Front Seven
The Miami (OH) defensive line faces a major challenge in stopping the 240-pound back with a low center of gravity and punishing running style.
Tanner Mordecai vs. Miami (OH) Secondary
If Miami sells out to stop the run, Mordecai will be tasked with exploiting single coverage and hitting play-action passes to Pauling and company.
Aveon Smith vs. Wisconsin Linebackers
Smith’s ability to extend plays and make throws on the run will be vital. Wisconsin’s linebackers are athletic, but Smith is elusive.
📈 Odds & Predictions – 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH)
- Point Spread: Wisconsin -17.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Moneyline: Wisconsin -1300, Miami (OH) +700
Expert Picks:
- Against the Spread: Miami (OH) +17.5
- Total: Under 48.5
- Straight Up Winner: Wisconsin
Prediction: This one will be competitive early, but Wisconsin’s depth will wear Miami down in the second half. Expect a low-scoring affair dominated by running and defense.
⭐ Players to Watch
Braelon Allen – RB, Wisconsin
One of the nation’s top running backs, Allen is a nightmare in the open field and can punish tacklers over four quarters.
Aveon Smith – QB, Miami (OH)
His legs will be critical in escaping Wisconsin’s aggressive pass rush.
Tanner Mordecai – QB, Wisconsin
If he stays efficient and avoids turnovers, Wisconsin can dictate the game flow.
Matt Salopek – LB, Miami (OH)
A tackling machine who must stay disciplined against the run-pass option looks.
🧠 Coaching Breakdown: Luke Fickell vs Chuck Martin
Luke Fickell is no stranger to the MAC, having coached at Cincinnati. He brings intensity, NFL-style organization, and high defensive IQ.
Chuck Martin is a veteran coach known for squeezing the most out of his players. He has an excellent track record in non-conference games and isn’t afraid to go for broke against bigger programs.
📊 2024 Season Recap
Wisconsin Badgers (2024):
- Record: 8–5
- Conference: Big Ten
- PPG: 29.4
- Yards Allowed/Game: 327.1
- Notable Wins: vs. Iowa, vs. Purdue
- Bowl Game: Quick Lane Bowl – Win
Miami (OH) RedHawks (2024):
- Record: 9–4
- Conference: MAC
- PPG: 25.6
- Yards Allowed/Game: 301.2
- Notable Wins: vs. Toledo, vs. Ball State
- Bowl Game: Camellia Bowl – Loss
🧩 X-Factors in the Game
- Special Teams Play: Miami (OH) needs a short field or a return TD to keep things close.
- Turnovers: A Mordecai interception or a fumbled handoff could tilt momentum early.
- 3rd Down Efficiency: Controlling the clock is crucial for both teams. Miami must extend drives; Wisconsin must finish them.
🏆 Final Score Prediction – 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH)
Final Score: Wisconsin 30, Miami (OH) 16
Expect a methodical Wisconsin win, with the Badgers running the ball 40+ times and playing lights-out defense. Miami (OH) will hang tough, especially in the first half, but Wisconsin’s size and physicality up front will take over down the stretch.
- Game MVP: Braelon Allen – 145 yards, 2 TDs
- Top Defender: Jordan Turner – 9 tackles, 1 INT
- X-Factor: Will Pauling – 5 catches, 82 yards
❓ FAQs – 🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH)
When is the Wisconsin vs Miami (OH) game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.
Where is it being played?
At Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Which channel will broadcast the game?
Expected to air on Big Ten Network (BTN).
Is Miami (OH) part of the Big Ten?
No. Miami (OH) is a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Who is favored to win?
Wisconsin is favored by 17.5 points according to current odds.
Can Miami (OH) pull off an upset?
It’s unlikely, but early turnovers and special teams plays could make things interesting.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Expect Physicality, Discipline, and a Statement Game
🏈 Wisconsin vs Miami (OH) is the kind of Week 1 matchup that tells you a lot about both teams. Wisconsin needs to dominate the trenches and execute its evolving offensive scheme. Miami (OH), meanwhile, hopes to hang tough, frustrate the Badgers, and keep the score respectable.
Whether you’re watching to scout potential NFL talent like Braelon Allen or rooting for a classic David-vs-Goliath upset, this game offers high-stakes football in a raucous Big Ten environment. All signs point to a controlled, physical win for the Badgers — but as every Week 1 game proves, anything can happen under the lights.