Report: Wisconsin, Notre Dame discussing Soldier Field series

Update, 1:19 p.m. CST: This gets even better, as Paul Chryst said a return trip to Lambeau Field could be in the works.

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame in Chicago? It’s a series so smart, it’s a wonder it’s not already in place.

In fact, the two college football powers are currently in discussions about making it happen, the Chicago Tribune’s Teddy Greenstein reported Monday. No announcement is imminent, and as Greenstein reported, neither school has gone on the record to acknowledge the discussions.

Soldier Field is basically middle ground for both schools, less than two hours from South Bend, Ind., and about two and a half from Madison, Wis.

Speaking in general terms about college teams playing at Soldier Field, LeFevour cited recruiting and marketing benefits plus “the experience” that players get from playing in a pro facility.

The sides have tried to hammer out a series before. In 2009, Alvarez talked about trying to set up a game to be played between 2012-1015. That never happened.

Wisconsin and Notre Dame last met in 1964, and the Fighting Irish own the all-time series 8–6–2.

We’ll have more on this report shortly, but right now, this is such a no-brainer that we’re rooting for.

Wisconsin loses out on Joey Hauser

It appeared to be a race between two in-state, Division I programs for a highly-ranked prep standout, but he’ll be joining his brother in Milwaukee.

Stevens Point, Wis., forward Joey Hauser committed to Marquette over Wisconsin on Sunday evening. The class of 2018 recruit announced his decision via Twitter:

Hauser is a consensus four-star forward by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals, and Scout, and was a top-50 player (Scout ranks him the 18th player in the nation). He will join his brother, Sam, as a member of head coach Steve Wojciechowski’s program.

Wisconsin will have to pivot quickly from Hauser’s decision. BadgerBlitz.com’s Jon McNamara reported to watch out for power forwards George Conditt or Jaxson Hayes. Also check out BadgerNation.com’s analysis ($) of who head coach Greg Gard and co. could look at for this class, along with Badger247’s breakdown ($).

As always, please, please, PLLLLLEASE do not tweet at 17-year old kids about their respective decisions.

Links:

• Monday starts the annual Big Ten media days in Chicago. B5Q will recap the highlights there. For now, here’s Part 1 of UWBadgers.com’s Q&A with the three players representing Wisconsin the next two days: Troy Fumagalli, Jack Cichy, and T.J. Edwards.
• The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus wrote about head coach Paul Chryst “starting to prove he was the right choice.” With a 21-6 record through two seasons, plus a New Year’s Six bowl victory in 2016, the program is in solid shape for years to come.
• Check out more Camp Randall 100 series with thoughts on John Jardine, Charles Van Hise, and Melvin “408” Gordon.