Wisconsin’s new Week 1 look against Notre Dame has already done its job: people are arguing about it.
The alternate combo - chrome with red helmets and all-red uniforms - has split fans hard, with plenty calling it “gross” and others leaning all the way in on the “fire” side. It has the feel of an NFL color rush setup, and it’s clearly not leaving anybody neutral.
One of the louder voices in the conversation is former Notre Dame quarterback and current media personality Malik Zaire, who actually came down on Wisconsin’s side. He posted on X that he thinks the Badgers’ uniform goes harder than Notre Dame’s, adding, “Say it ain't so?!” with a sad face emoji.
No way Wisconsins jersey goes harder than ours?!?! 😩 say it ain’t so?! lol https://t.co/zLrOEBdTNI
- Malik Zaire (@MalikZaire8) July 9, 2026
That kind of reaction is only adding fuel to a debate that already has Notre Dame fans chiming in, many of them unhappy with their own look and quick to take shots at Wisconsin’s. One response in the mix put it bluntly: “At least ours is better than the Badgers.”
But the strongest approval may be coming from inside the Wisconsin locker room. Current Badgers players are apparently all in on the alternate set, and a video circulating on social media shows the team losing its mind when it sees the uniform. Mason Posa is seen running around the room and high-fiving teammates, which is about as clear a sign as you’ll get that the players are sold.
The boys like ‘em #Badgers https://t.co/1d3xWo2Deq pic.twitter.com/elnob1jDoS
- Carter Lowe (@cjlowecfb) July 9, 2026
That matters. Uniforms can be a headache for fans and still be a hit with players and recruits, and that’s part of why flashy alternates keep showing up. They get attention, they move merchandise, and they stir up exactly the kind of reaction Wisconsin is getting now.
As for the Badgers themselves, the source of optimism is pretty specific: the red helmets with the motion W are undefeated. If you like that sort of thing, there’s at least a reason to feel good about this one.
For everyone else, the uniforms are doing what they were built to do. They’ve got people talking, taking sides, and arguing over a Week 1 matchup that was already going to draw eyes.
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