A Visual Journey: 22 Iconic Moments from Badgers vs. Fighting Illini History

A blast from the past for any Badgers fan.

River Reynolds | Oct 17, 2023

A Visual Journey: 22 Iconic Moments from Badgers vs. Fighting Illini History /

In this story:

Badgers vs. Fighting Illini History

On a brisk October day in 1895, the Wisconsin Badgers met the Illinois Fighting Illini on the football field for the first time. That game would be the first of 7 ties between the two teams.

Building the Future: Wisconsin Badgers Possible Recruits for 2024

Now, 128 years and 88 games later, the Badgers are making their way to Illinois for what's sure to be another electrifying showdown. Wisconsin leads t with 44 wins to Illinois' 38. Wisconsin has dominated the last decade, securing 8 wins out of the past 10 games. But Illinois has managed to tilt the scales recently, coming out on top in their last two encounters. Make sure you mark your calendars for Saturday, October 21, as it is bound to be a close and exciting game!

As they prepare to face off yet again, we take a moment to delve into a rivalry full of dramatic moments and unforgettable performances with our 2006-2022 photo gallery.

October 28, 2006; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end (43) Andy Crooks and Illinois defensive back (32) Justin Harrison battle for a pass during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Jeff Hanisch

October 28, 2006; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback (7) John Stocco throws a pass as Illinois linebacker (40) Antonio Steele tries to make the sack during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Jeff Hanisch

Oct 6, 2007; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Rashard Mendenhall (5) runs away from Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Allen Langford (17) and defensive lineman Matt Shaughnessy (92) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 6, 2007; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Travis Beckum (9) makes a reception over Illinois Fighting Illini defensive backs Justin Harrison (32) and Vontae Davis (1) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 25, 2008; Madison, WI, USA; A reflection in a tuba of the Wisconsin marching band performing prior to the game against Illinois at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 25, 2008; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Dustin Sherer (18) dives for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 25, 2008; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Allen Langford (17) intercepts a pass in front of Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Fred Sykes (82) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 19, 2011; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) dives for a touchdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 19, 2011; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Justin Green (26) is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 6, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Tyler Dippel (51) sacks Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (2) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 6, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Illinnois Fighting Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (2) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Ethan Armstrong (36) and defensive end Konrad Zagzebski (74) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 19, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Miles Osei (8) gets tackled by Wisconsin Badgers safety Michael Caputo (7)at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 11, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Reilly O'Toole (4) is sacked during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Fans and members of the marching band react as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Eaton Spence (27) intercepts a late second quarter pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Robert Wheelwright (15) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Dare Ogunbowale (23) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 20, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot, wearing a Milwaukee Brewers hat, waves the Wisconsin flag prior to the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 20, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jake Ferguson (84) during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 19, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jake Ferguson (84) runs in for a touchdown as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Sydney Brown (30) tackles during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 23, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jake Ferguson (84) celebrates with fullback Mason Stokke (34) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 9, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers kicker Collin Larsh (19) kicks and extra point against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Justin Clark (21) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) is tackled with the football as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (13) leaps over the play during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers by following us on Facebook: allbadgers247

Don't forget to join our Facebook community!

Published Oct 17, 2023

RIVER REYNOLDS

River Reynolds is a proud native of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Deeply passionate about sports, nature, and sharp cheese, she finds joy in the company of her beloved cats and dogs. She tries to see the positive in every player, capturing the essence of her Midwestern roots.