With spring ball wrapped up for most college football teams, college football analysts across the country have been given a sample size large enough to form their preseason thoughts on teams. USA Today writer Paul Myerberg was the most recent media figure to drop his preseason predictions, ranking all 138 FBS teams — including the Wisconsin Badgers.
Despite having an encouraging offseason and stretch of practices, Myerberg was clearly not impressed, putting Wisconsin near the middle of the pack at 76th overall. How much of the Badgers’ spring film he actually watched is a mystery, but at the very least it puts into perspective what the media perception is on the team as of now.
Luke Fickell needs to rebuild the way the national media sees Wisconsin football
Although it is frustrating to see the Badgers continue to catch disrespect from the media, it’s hard to argue that it’s unwarranted. Wisconsin has struggled mightily in recent years, recording back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in over 30 years. The “Luke Fickell era” in its entirety has been wildly disappointing, as since joining the program, he has eclipsed just one winning season thus far and has yet to log a bowl game win.
With that said, those connected to the program seem to be far more optimistic about what the 2026 season will have in store, with the program looking as if it has turned a corner. Wisconsin was able to retain numerous impact players from last season, along with attacking the transfer portal, walking away with a more than solid haul.
New quarterback Colton Joseph looks as if he is the QB that the team had been waiting for, showcasing a dual-threat ability that is sure to be put to use. Along with that, the Badgers acquired a plethora of receiver and running back talent in the transfer portal, filling out the roster and bringing what should be a balanced attack to the table.
our 2026 schedule is officially locked in 🔒
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 27, 2026
🎟️: https://t.co/WZGTXhCix3 pic.twitter.com/1Mqq2l5LZh
However, Wisconsin has yet to prove that this talent can translate to wins, leaving the greater public skeptical as to what the team’s ceiling is. Almost everyone understands that if everything goes right, the Badgers could easily be a team competing at the top of the Big Ten next year, especially considering the relatively easy schedule that Wisconsin faces. But all that skepticism is just that — skepticism. Until coach Fickell and the rest of the Badgers staff prove they can turn talent into wins, the media will remain cautious in their evaluations of Wisconsin, and rightfully so.
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