The Wisconsin Badgers’ most heartbreaking setbacks since 2017 include their loss to BYU.

The Wisconsin Badgers football program has long been known for its strong, competitive teams, consistent bowl appearances, and the storied legacy of its success in the Big Ten Conference. However, like many high-level programs, the Badgers have endured their fair share of heart-wrenching setbacks, games that stung far more than others for various reasons — from missed opportunities to devastating upsets. These setbacks, while memorable, have served as fuel for future seasons, showing just how competitive the program has been and how it’s continued to build despite the setbacks.

Since 2017, one of the most memorable and bitter losses that stands out among Badgers fans occurred in 2018, when the Badgers lost to BYU. While Wisconsin’s season was filled with ups and downs, that particular loss remains one of the hardest to swallow. To fully understand the heartbreak of this and other setbacks, it’s necessary to reflect on the context of these games and why they meant so much.

In this piece, we will explore not only the BYU loss but also the other most heartbreaking losses for the Wisconsin Badgers football team since 2017, examining what went wrong and why those moments still resonate with fans.

1. The 2018 Loss to BYU: An Unexpected Defeat

The Wisconsin Badgers entered the 2018 season with a great deal of hype. After finishing the previous season with a 12-2 record, winning the Big Ten Championship, and earning a spot in the Orange Bowl, expectations were high. With a strong returning roster that featured standout players like running back Jonathan Taylor, many considered Wisconsin to be a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.

However, the Badgers’ hopes took a huge blow in Week 3 of the season when they lost to BYU at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The final score was 24-21, but it wasn’t the narrow margin of defeat that made the loss so gut-wrenching — it was the manner in which it happened.

Wisconsin was favored heavily to win this game, with BYU coming in as an unranked team. The Badgers struggled to convert on third downs and committed key turnovers at crucial moments. The offensive line, often considered a strength of the team, failed to dominate as expected, and BYU was able to control the clock and dictate the tempo of the game.

The loss came at a particularly bad time for Wisconsin, as it was a non-conference matchup and one that could cost them a spot in the College Football Playoff, should they win the Big Ten and finish with a strong record. More importantly, the defeat broke Wisconsin’s streak of 26 consecutive home wins, marking an end to their dominance in Madison.

This upset remains one of the most painful for Badgers fans, as it not only cost the team a game they should have won but also dramatically altered the trajectory of their season. While Wisconsin went on to finish the year with an 8-5 record, the hopes of a playoff run were dashed, and the loss to BYU remained a bitter memory for years to come.

2. The 2019 Big Ten Championship Loss to Ohio State: A Crushing End to a Historic Season

Fast forward to 2019, when Wisconsin again found itself in a great position to achieve something special. The Badgers had a remarkable regular-season record of 10-2, which included impressive victories over top-ranked teams like Michigan and Iowa. The stage was set for a showdown with Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

At the time, Ohio State was considered one of the top teams in the country, and their offense was firing on all cylinders, led by quarterback Justin Fields and star running back J.K. Dobbins. However, Wisconsin entered the game with the best defense in the conference and a solid running game spearheaded by Jonathan Taylor, who had an exceptional season.

Unfortunately, despite a strong first half and some early optimism, the Badgers couldn’t keep up with Ohio State’s offensive firepower in the second half. Wisconsin was trounced 34-21, with Ohio State scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to pull away.

The loss stung for a variety of reasons. Wisconsin had come so close to securing their first Big Ten title since 2012, and they had the talent to potentially challenge for a College Football Playoff berth. However, the team was undone by mistakes, including a costly interception and missed opportunities in the red zone.

The heartbreak of the 2019 Big Ten Championship game wasn’t just in the loss itself but in the realization that Wisconsin had been so close yet so far away from achieving their ultimate goal. The game was especially frustrating because it represented a clear gap between Wisconsin’s program and the upper echelon of college football, represented by teams like Ohio State.

3. The 2021 Loss to Penn State: A Disappointing Start to the Season

The 2021 season marked the start of a new chapter for the Wisconsin Badgers under Paul Chryst. The team had solid talent but faced significant questions, especially at the quarterback position. Wisconsin opened the season with high hopes, and the game against Penn State — which was part of the opening weekend of the season — was seen as a crucial early test.

Unfortunately, the Badgers’ offense was stagnant in this game, and despite a solid defensive performance, Wisconsin fell 16-10 to Penn State. The offense could never quite get in gear, and the team struggled to find consistency at quarterback. This loss was especially painful because it was the first game of the season, and Wisconsin had been expected to challenge for a Big Ten Championship.

For a team with championship aspirations, a loss like this early in the year can be a massive setback. The loss to Penn State wasn’t just about missing out on a key win but also about the missed opportunity to set the tone for the season. It was clear from the start that the Badgers would have to work hard to recover from that loss.

Ultimately, the 2021 season ended in disappointment for the Badgers, as they finished with a 9-4 record, falling short of the goals that they had set for themselves.

4. The 2022 Loss to Michigan State: A Shocking Upset

In the 2022 season, Wisconsin came into the year looking to regain its previous form. However, they were once again jolted by an unexpected and disappointing setback. The Badgers traveled to Michigan State, a team that was expected to be a strong but beatable opponent, but they were blindsided by a 34-28 loss.

The loss was painful for many reasons. First, Wisconsin had been playing well in the lead-up to this game and appeared to be in control of their destiny. The Badgers had a strong rushing attack, led by running back Braelon Allen, and the defense was playing tough. However, Wisconsin’s offense faltered at crucial moments, and they were unable to contain Michigan State’s explosive playmaking.

The game was a massive blow to Wisconsin’s hopes for a successful season, as the loss dropped them to 1-2 on the year. It also exposed some of the same weaknesses that had been present in previous seasons, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Wisconsin would struggle for much of the season and fail to meet the expectations that had been set for them.

5. The 2023 Loss to Ohio State: Another Close Call

In the 2023 season, Wisconsin found itself in another must-win situation, this time against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State had long been a nemesis for the Badgers, and the matchup once again proved to be a heartbreaker. Despite a strong performance from the defense and some solid play on offense, Wisconsin ultimately fell short, losing 27-24.

This game was another example of a Wisconsin team playing tough but coming up just short in the big moments. The defense had Ohio State on the ropes multiple times, but the Buckeyes were able to make key plays down the stretch to secure the win. The loss further cemented Ohio State’s dominance over Wisconsin in recent years and left fans feeling frustrated by another missed opportunity.