It's go time for Luke Fickell. After a long summer of getting ready for the new season, we are less than one week away from Wisconsin football taking on Miami (Ohio) in a game the Badgers should dominate. Fans will go into meltdown mode if Wisconsin suffers a loss.
Thankfully, we don't expect that to happen. With that said, the pressure is on for Fickell to step up in what's a make or break Year 3 for him. At the end of last season, just about everyone was calling for him to get fired after the Badgers went 5-7, ending a 22-year streak of winning campaigns.
It's obvious when we say that Fickell's job is on the line, as another five-win season will likely result in the lights being turned off for his time in Madison. In a recent piece from The Associated Press, Fickell was named as one of the coaches fighting for his job in 2025.
Luke Fickell is working to save his job with Wisconsin football this season
"After two full seasons at the helm, Luke Fickell could use a breakout season," The AP's Maura Carey wrote. "Wisconsin went 5-7 last year after a 7-6 finish in his first full season, easily an afterthought in a Big Ten Conference that grabbed two national titles. Inconsistent quarterback play, injuries and a difficult schedule have troubled the Badgers. Fickell’s strong run at Cincinnati seems a long time ago now. Up next is a schedule that includes visits to Alabama, Michigan and Oregon. At least Ohio State is at Camp Randall Stadium."
Fickell isn't alone on the list, as he's joined by Brent Venables, Hugh Freeze, Sam Pittman, Billy Napier and Lincoln Riley. Kalen DeBoer was an honorable mention, as his seat was sizzling hot after Alabama didn't make the CFP in its first year without Nick Saban.
As for Fickell, he has gone 7-6 and 5-7 in his two full years as the program's leader. Things could not have gone worse for him last fall, as starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, now with SMU, suffered a torn ACL early on against Alabama. Bradeyn Locke took over and the offense suffered.
It's now on Billy Edwards Jr. to be the savior for the Badgers, as the Maryland transfer is looking sharp in camp and ready to make a statement. If he can be as good as advertised, Wisconsin will be able to do a 180 moving forward. If he struggles, it could be one of the reasons Fickell isn't brought back next season.