Wisconsin Football kicked off the 2025 season on Thursday night at Camp Randall Stadium, stifling the Miami (OH) RedHawks in a 17-0 win. The Badgers' defense assembled an impressive performance, holding the RedHawks to just 117 total yards and a 0-for-9 third down conversion clip.Thursday night's win marks the Badgers' 28th straight victory over a non-conference opponent in the season-opening game. Additionally, Wisconsin now owns a 17-0 record in night games against unranked teams.

The first quarter was a defensive battle that saw both sides fighting for field position. Wisconsin broke through first with a 15-play, 69-yard drive capped off by a 42-yard field goal by senior kicker Nathanial Vakos.  

Starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who made his Badger debut, went 6-13 for 68 yards before his night ended prematurely due to a second-quarter injury. 

The Badgers took a 3-0 lead into the locker room at the half, but came out playing inspired football in the third quarter.  

On the Badgers' second drive of the second half, backup quarterback Danny O'Neil got the UW offense rolling. O'Neil scampered for a 17-yard gain on a third-and-nine to keep the drive going. From there, O'Neil hit Grant Stec up the seam for a 22-yard gain that had the Badgers knocking on the door of the end zone. Wisconsin hit paydirt on a 3-yard touchdown catch from senior Vinny Anthony II. 

With the Badgers ahead, safety Preston Zachman picked off RedHawks quarterback Dequan Finn deep in Miami territory and returned the ball down to the 2-yard line. The turnover set the Badgers up for an easy score on a 1-yard touchdown run from O'Neil. 

The story of the night for the Badgers was the defensive unit. They flew around all night, making life miserable for the RedHawks.  

Preston Zachman had another career night to begin his final season as a Badger. Zachman showed out with two interceptions and now has seven interceptions in his career. Tonight was his first multi-interception game. 

The Badgers defense held Miami to only 117 yards and added three sacks. Christian Alliegro led the defensive charge with four tackles and a sack. 

Sebastian Cheeks made an impact with four tackles, including a tackle for loss to keep the struggling RedHawks at bay. 

Plenty of new faces made an impact on offense. O'Neil, who made his Wisconsin debut, went 12-19 for 120 yards passing and tallied rushing and passing scores. Receivers Jayden Ballard, Eugene Hilton Jr., and tight end Grant Stec, all made their first catches in Badger uniforms.

FROM THE FIELD 
Wisconsin Head Coach Luke Fickell 
"It's game one and there's an unselfishness that I think is where the strength of this [team] is and what we have right now... The truth-of-the-matter is, I really don't think that they care who's out there. That's what we have to continue to do to grow." 

UP NEXT 
The Badgers host Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. The game will feature a white-out and a Bucky bucket hat giveaway for fans, while supplies last.