The border between Minnesota and Wisconsin has produced countless arguments and nothing captures the intensity of this regional divide like the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. When the Gophers and Badgers meet, it isn’t just another game. It’s the longest-running rivalry in major college football and a tradition woven into the very DNA of both fanbases.
The series began in 1890, long before modern conferences, television deals, or playoff committees existed. Back then, football was a rough, elemental game, and the Minnesota–Wisconsin matchup captured every bit of that. The Gophers dominated the earliest decades, controlling the rivalry during the Henry L. Williams years when Minnesota was a national power. Wisconsin surged at times, particularly in the 1950s and again in the 1990s and 2000s when Barry Alvarez turned the Badgers into a Big Ten force.
Through 100+ meetings, wars, pandemics, stadium changes, and coaching eras, the rivalry endured. Legends grew around the wooden Slab of Bacon trophy and eventually the now-iconic Paul Bunyan’s Axe, first introduced in 1948. Today, players don’t just want to win—they want to sprint to the opposing sideline, hoist the giant Axe, and literally carve their victory into history.
Minnesota’s Recent Rise in the Series
For decades, the rivalry tilted heavily in Wisconsin’s favor. From 2004 through 2017, the Badgers won 14 straight. For a generation of Gopher fans, defeating Wisconsin felt like a dream.
But the script flipped under P.J. Fleck. Minnesota has won three of the last four, including wins in 2021, 2022 and 2024. Suddenly, games that once felt lost before kickoff now feel winnable and even expected.
The Gophers haven’t just competed; they’ve played with physicality and confidence against Wisconsin’s traditionally bruising identity. They’ve produced big defensive plays, big receiving moments, and fourth-quarter toughness that has reshaped how the rivalry is perceived.
What once was red dominance is now a rivalry again.
DFS Opportunities
Wisconsin presents more attractive DFS opportunities. The Badgers rank 80th in points allowed per game (27.4), giving up 380.5 total yards per game, significantly worse than Northwestern. More importantly for targeting Gophers offensive players, Wisconsin’s secondary has regressed considerably in 2025, with their average passing yards allowed per attempt ballooning to 7.89 compared to 6.6 in 2024. This weakness in coverage creates legitimate upside for Minnesota’s passing attack in their season finale.
For those constructing DFS tournaments with multiple games, particularly when looking at DFS sites offering bonuses such as the one found at:
https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/underdog-promo-code/, the Wisconsin matchup becomes your window for Gophers offensive exposure. When building lineups, prioritize Minnesota receivers and tight ends in this game.
The Stakes This Weekend
And now, once again, everything comes down to Saturday.
The Gophers host Wisconsin in a matchup that carries emotion, pride, and consequences. The season hasn’t gone how Minnesota hoped as the season has been defined by lopsided losses, missed opportunities, and frustrating inconsistency have left fans frustrated. But beating Wisconsin will help shift the narrative.
A win gives Minnesota:
- Bragging rights for another year
- Momentum heading into the offseason
- A rivalry statement in recruiting battles
- A stabilizing moment for P.J. Fleck’s program
And above all: the Axe stays in Minneapolis.
For Wisconsin, the game carries meaning as well. Luke Fickell’s first two seasons in Madison have seen transition, flashes of the future, but also the loses are piling up. This is a chance for the Badgers to reclaim rivalry footing and head into offseason on a high note. Wisconsin wants the Axe back. Badly.
Matchup Notes — Where This Game May Be Won
This year’s meeting is defined by two teams still trying to figure out exactly who they are.
Minnesota’s offense has shown potential but needs consistency. Third-down execution, finishing drives, and avoiding turnovers will be critical. The Gophers must find ways to establish a rhythm, whether through the run game, quick passing, or explosive shots when the secondary bites.
Defensively, Minnesota must tackle well and prevent Wisconsin from controlling the line of scrimmage. When Minnesota has beaten the Badgers recently, it has been because the Gophers matched or exceeded Wisconsin’s physicality—something that used to feel nearly impossible.
The crowd will matter. Huntington Bank Stadium has become a stronger home environment each season, and rivalry energy tends to lift the defense. This season Minnesota is undefeated at home.
Why This Game Still Means Everything
College football evolves, conferences realign, and playoff formats change—but rivalries remain the soul of the sport. Minnesota vs. Wisconsin is more than a game; it’s a cultural event that connects generations. Parents bring kids, alumni return home, and entire communities treat the day as a holiday.
When the final whistle blows, one sideline will erupt in celebration as the Axe is raised once again. The other will watch, waiting another year for redemption.
For the Gophers, Saturday isn’t just about repairing a season, it’s about continuing a new era of competitiveness in the rivalry, one where Minnesota no longer plays the role of little brother.
The border battle is here. The Axe awaits. And as always, the stakes are enormous.