There's no doubt that Luke Fickell and company are in a prove-it year, and his seat is pretty hot going into 2025. After missing a bowl game and falling flat in the Big Ten last season, Fickell hopes to bounce back and show progress in his third season full season. At a minimum, the Badgers have to get back to a bowl game and show that the trend is going in the right direction. Brad Crawford of 24/7 Sports actually predicts that outcome.
"It's time for the Badgers to show progress under Luke Fickell. Unfortunately, there's no let-up with this season's brutal schedule. In addition to Alabama in the non-conference, Wisconsin takes on Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana — three playoff teams from a season ago — along with Michigan and Illinois. Getting to seven wins will be a feat for this group."Brad Crawford
It's a tough schedule next year, and that's a short straw for Fickell to pull, considering how much is at stake. That being said, Crawford predicts the Badgers to go 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten. Here's where he sees the losses coming from:
- Alabama (Away)
- Michigan (Away)
- Ohio State (Home)
- Oregon (Away)
- Indiana (Away)
This is fascinating because Crawford sees only one home loss, and that's against the defending National Champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also thinks the Badgers will start Big Ten play at 2-1, winning against both non-conference opponents, Miami (OH) and Middle Tennessee (and then losing to Alabama).
This feels optimistic and really, in many ways, maybe a best-case (realistic) scenario. If Fickell can pull this prediction off, there will definitely be optimism about the direction of the program. However, if he falls below six wins again, the fans will be looking to raise money towards his buy-out. There will be some energy to start the season but it will be cautious until it's proven on the field.