Late in the afternoon on April 2, the University of Utah football program’s verified Twitter account fired off a graphic indicating that an early-season game at Arkansas in 2028 was being moved to 2029.
There was no news release, no explanation, and nothing further on the matter, but the overwhelming notion was the out-of-nowhere, newly created 2028 opening was going to be filled sooner than later.
That notion came to fruition on Monday morning as the athletic department announced a home-and-home series with Big Ten power Wisconsin. The Utes will play at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Sept. 16, 2028, while the Badgers will make the return trip to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Sept. 10, 2033.
With the addition of the Badgers, every Utes nonconference schedule through 2028 is complete, with the exception of one opening in 2025. Utah’s 2028 schedule also includes a visit from Dixie State on Aug. 31 and the last-scheduled game, at least for now, vs. BYU on Sept. 9.
Utah agreeing to play Wisconsin is the latest indication that athletic director Mark Harlan wants to beef up his football program’s nonconference slate. Under Harlan, Utah has signed on for home-and-homes with Florida (2022, 2023), LSU (2031, 2032), Arkansas (2026, 2029) and now Wisconsin.
Toward the end of Chris Hill’s tenure as athletic director, the Utes agreed to series with Baylor (2023, 2024), plus AAC contender Houston (2026, 2027).
