Led by sixth-year head coach Ivy Williamson, the Badgers compiled an overall record of 7–2 with a mark of 5–2 in conference play, trying for second place in the Big Ten.
Senior Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Badger to win the award.
He was a consensus selection to the 1954 College Football All-America Team and received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, awarded to the Big Ten's best player.
Ameche played linebacker on defense along with fullback on offense.
In four years as a Badger, he gained 3,212 yards, then the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record, scored 25 touchdowns, and averaged 4.8 yards per carry.