The team compiled a 5–4–1 record (3–3 against conference opponents), finished in sixth place in the Big Ten Conference, and was outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 110 to 104.
Glenn Thistlethwaite was in his fifth and final year as Wisconsin's head coach.
[1][2] Guard Greg Kabat was selected by the Associated Press (AP) and Central Press (CP) as a third-team player on the 1931 College Football All-America Team,[3][4] and by the AP and the Big Ten team captains as a first-team player on the 1931 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
[5][6] Tackle Harold Smith was selected as the team's most valuable player.
[8] The team played its home games at Camp Randall Stadium, which had a capacity of 38,293.