Instant reaction to Wisconsin football's stunning upset over Penn St.
· Yahoo Sports
Wisconsin has stunned Penn State, the college football world and even its own fans.
Down 17-0 at one point, Luke Fickell's Badgers stormed back for a riveting come-from-behind 24-20 victory to knock off Penn State on the road in their Big Ten opener.
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It was the Badgers' first win at Penn State in 23 years, their first victory over the Nittany Lions in 15 years and largest comeback in 20 years. It was also Wisconsin's first Big Ten road win in nearly two full years.
The Nittany Lions had won their first three games by an average of 35 points and it looked like Matt Campbell's team was on its way to another large victory, while it seemed like another conference defeat for Fickell's squad.
But the Badgers' defense kept fighting and Colton Joseph shuck off multiple interceptions to lead the shocking rally.
Wisconsin trailed 20-10 going into the fourth quarter but outscored Penn State, 14-0, in the final 15 minutes. The Badgers took the lead in the final minute on a thrilling 72-yard touchdown from tight end Jacob Harris, who had one massive stiff arm on his way into the end zone.
It's been a trying few years for Fickell and the Badgers program with consecutive losing Big Ten seasons without bowl appearances as the fanbase and alumni has grown frustrated with each year. It took them six games to win their first conference game last year and it didn't happen until Nov. 8.
They've now gotten the 2026 conference season started with one of the biggest victories in recent program history and the biggest by far in the Fickell era.
Are the Badgers back?
Here's how social media is reacting to Wisconsin's upset win.
ON WISCONSIN WE BACK BABY ‼️‼️‼️‼️ BELIEVE THAT 👐🏾 pic.twitter.com/jhpvX3ULuP
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) September 27, 2026
What a win for the program. Well done @BadgerFootball
— Sam Dekker (@dekker) September 27, 2026
ON WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Ryan (@BrewPack8) September 27, 2026
Signature win for Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin #Badgers!
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) September 27, 2026
It's the first road win for the Badgers in two years, highlighted by this go-ahead 72-yard touchdown courtesy of Colton Joseph and Jacob Harris. Wow. pic.twitter.com/ob4521bDw6
FINAL: Wisconsin 24, #13 Penn State 20.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 27, 2026
Biggest win of Luke Fickell's tenure with the Badgers. Huge win for a coach who entered the season squarely on the hot seat.
A massive moment in the Luke Fickell Era.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) September 27, 2026
The Wisconsin Badgers just came back from a 17-0 deficit to stun Penn State in Happy Valley 24-20. Largest comeback since 2006.
Wisconsin has earned a Big Ten road win for the first time in two years, snapping a 7-game road L streak.
LET’S GO‼️ @BadgerFootball
— Derek Watt (@DerekWatt34) September 27, 2026
Wisconsin football schedule
See the Wisconsin football team's schedule in photos:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Instant reaction to Wisconsin football's stunning upset over Penn St.
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