Wisconsin Football ‘Fortunes Could Change’ Amid Conference Realignment

The days of the Wisconsin Badgers football team coasting to 8-10 win seasons by mowing down the Big Ten West are now a thing of the past. 

Moving forward, the Big Ten will feature 18 teams spanning coast to coast following the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. In short, the road to appearing in the conference title just got quite a bit harder.  

ESPN staff writers recently conducted a roundtable discussion to dissect realignment across college football and how it could potentially change the status quo — with the Wisconsin Badgers new direction under Luke Fickell taking center stage. 

Wisconsin Badgers Preparing for New College Football Landscape

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell leads his team onto the field prior to the game at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Athletic Director Chris McIntosh swung for the fences when he hired Luke Fickell as the next Wisconsin football head coach.

McIntosh made that move to try and secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs in the future, a milestone that the Wisconsin Badgers would have achieved several times in the past if the new format existed.

But Fickell’s inaugural season at Wisconsin showcased a blend of highs and lows, particularly evident in the team’s poor offensive performance as they adjusted to coordinator Phil Longo’s Air Raid-style scheme.

That said, ESPN staffers feel that Fickell has been proactive in building the Wisconsin football program’s roster for the impending challenges posed by a Big Ten conference with increased size, length, and depth to compete against a bevy of offensive approaches.

While not an ideal way to build a team, the Wisconsin Badgers have been actively involved in the transfer portal to bolster their overall talent and find better system fits. ESPN personalities feel they’ve been far more proactive than many of their former Big Ten West counterparts.

Whether or not those additions will translate to more wins for the Badgers in 2024 remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that the coaches now have far more players that fit their schematic preferences than a year ago.

Could the Badgers Push for a Spot in the Playoffs?

A key factor in the Wisconsin football program’s potential resurgence in 2024 lies in the effectiveness of Phil Longo’s offensive system, especially with the addition of quarterback transfer Tyler Van Dyke.

If the pieces fall into place and Longo’s scheme clicks, Wisconsin is poised to take significant strides forward, especially when you consider the notable additions made on defense.

Unlike other teams in the former Big Ten West, which have largely opted to maintain the status quo, Wisconsin is embracing modernization to position itself as a potential contender in the restructured league down the road, says ESPN staff writer Adam Rittenburg.

Luke Fickell’s vision for the Wisconsin Badgers extends beyond mere adaptation—it’s about thriving in a competitive landscape while staying true to the program’s values and traditions.

As the team continues its journey under Fickell’s leadership, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the evolution of Wisconsin football. However, they have an uphill climb back to the top considering the Badgers are 27-19 since the 2020 season.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!