It's National Signing Day, and all of 2025 class has now put pen to paper as the current cycle is coming to a close. Wisconsin has put together some solid recruiting classes over the years under head coach Luke Fickell, but it has yet to have a bigger impact on the field. So where does the 2025 class rank nationally, and all-time for Fickell?
Fickell lands another top recruiting class despite lack of on-field success
According to 247Sports ranking, the Badgers finished the 2025 cycle with the 27th ranked class in country. The class includes 23 commits, including seven four-star recruits, with the group headlined by New Mexico linebacker Mason Posa. It's a strong class overall, with players like quarterback Carter Smith and edge Nicholas Clayton, and is the ninth ranked class in the Big Ten.
It's the second-highest ranked class for Luke Fickell since becoming the head man at Wisconsin, falling just short of the 23rd ranked class of 2024. His now infamous class of 2023, in which over half of the players have already transferred out, was ranked as the 59th best class. The 2022 class, which did feature some Fickell recruits, was ranked 41st in the nation.
Despite having a few top-50 classes, the results on the field haven't matched up. Fickell's sub-.500 record in two full seasons, including a 5-7 record this season and Wisconsin's worst in over 20 years, has dulled the excitement of having top recruiting classes. Hopefully, despite another challenging schedule in 2025, he's finally able to get the most out of his recruits.
The Badgers have only one commit so far for the 2026 class, offensive lineman Benjamin Novak, and losing GM Max Stienecker will be a tough loss to overcome. But Fickell has consistently put together strong classes, and he'll need another one if he's going to make it far with the Badgers.