Intriguing Wisconsin OC option to replace Phil Longo could be headed elsewhere

With one game left in the season, it's make or break time for the Wisconsin Badgers in terms of getting to a bowl game. Regardless of how things go against Minnesota on Friday, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is going to be a busy man in the coming weeks looking for a new offensive coordinator.

Not long ago, Fickell made the tough call to part ways with Phil Longo, who simply wasn't getting the job done in Madison. As soon as Longo was let go, multiple names were tossed around as possible candidates to replace him. The list included Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle.

This season, Arbuckle has the Cougars' offense looking sensational, with quarterback John Mateer putting up video game-type numbers. Could Arbuckle make his way to Wisconsin? That's what a lot of people are hoping for, but recent rumors are flying stating that Arbuckle could be on the verge of taking over as Oklahoma OC for 2025:

Will Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle end up joining the Oklahoma Sooners?

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert was asked about the Arbuckle speculation that's been going around, but he kept things pretty vague. Per Dickert, all coaching decisions will be coming at the end of the 2024 season.

With that said, it sure feels like Arbuckle has one foot out the door over in Pullman. He's a rising coach and multiple teams will surely have interest in trying to land him this offseason. With how exciting his offense has been at times for the Cougs, it'd make sense why Wisconsin fans would want Fickell to go after him.

However, there's competition for Arbuckle's services and it seems like the Sooners are leading the race to poach him from Wazzu. Regardless of what happens with Arbuckle, Fickell has to make a splash hire for his next OC, as the Longo decision was a rough one from the start. The Badgers need to get back to instilling fear in opposing defenses, something that hasn't been the case in '24.