Punter Sean West was the leading passer on Saturday night. The Wisconsin Badgers' offense sputtered to just 13 points. So of course, they beat No. 23 Washington 13-10 in what was Luke Fickell's first victory against a ranked opponent since he came over from Cincinnati three years ago.
Wisconsin had been in dire straights leading up to the game. The announcement of Fickell's return in 2026 did not exactly go over well, but the Badgers found a way on Saturday night. It left fans and former players elated, including the university chancellor, Jennifer Mnookin...
Mnookin rarely comments on anything sports-related, but she wanted to show her support of Fickell.
In UW vs. UW, the BADGERS take the win!!! Even rain and snow couldn’t stop US tonight 🦡🏈👐 https://t.co/hLDsGMLF2v
— Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin (@uwchancellor) November 9, 2025
While Mnookin and athletic director Chris McIntosh have been taking heat for how the program has fared the last few seasons, they were vindicated tonight by a short-handed, but scrappy Badgers team. This is a win Fickell and company can build on, hopefully into a much-improved season in 2026.
Naturally, this upset victory over No. 23 Washington had all sorts of fans coming out of the woodwork.
Wisconsin Badgers fans and former players react to wild Washington win
Barstool Sports' Big Cat chimed in after the Wisconsin win, even though he had been so anti-Fickell...
THE BADGERS HAVE WON A BIG TEN FOOTBALL GAME!!!
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) November 9, 2025
I’m all in on Fickell 2.0 as long as we never ever see the vest again. A lot of things have been said, a lot of losses have been had but today is a new day! #OnWisconsin
Fickell's patented T.E.A.M. vest was nowhere to be found on the sidelines. It looks like he may have to retire it permanently after tonight's performance. Also, Wisconsin fans are back to rushing the field!
Former running back Melvin Gordon has been outspoken about the team. He does not seem to thrilled with the idea that Wisconsin is storming fields after beating borderline top-25 teams...
Us rushing the field after that is crazy lol 😂 it’s definitely tough times
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) November 9, 2025
The two freshman linebackers in Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa were all over the field. The duo combined for 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. It is safe to say the future of the linebacker position is in good hands. Many fans on social media showed how excited they are about the young duo moving forward.
Both LBs are studs
— FIRE LUKE FICKELL (@Football7169) November 9, 2025
On, Wisconsin.🔥 #Badgers
— Mike Murphy (@RealMikeMurph) November 9, 2025
4th string QB. 4th string RB. Injuries galore.
Most difficult schedule in the entire country.
Two true Freshmen LB’s on an insane stretch of making plays. Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa are unbelievable. WOW!
Overall, Wisconsin fans are just happy that the team finally won a game vs. a high quality opponent.
I still can’t believe we won. It’s crazy how much joy this has brought to my life. #badgers
— Doc (@Doc_Brewer18) November 9, 2025
At the end of the day, Badgers fans have been through a lot over the last few seasons. A win over Washington was certainly a sight for sore eyes. Who knows? It might be the momentum-shifter the Badgers need moving forward.
While getting to a bowl game still seems likely out of reach, this is a win Wisconsin can build on.