Wisconsin Football Labeled as ‘Wild Card’ by National Media Outlet

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football program are entering a seemingly brand new era in year two of his tenure. 

With the expansion of the Big Ten conference and a challenging schedule looming in 2024 that features tough matchups against Alabama, USC, Oregon, and Penn State, there’s plenty of uncertainty about Wisconsin’s potential trajectory following a disappointing 7-6 season.

That said, the Wisconsin football staff was aggressive in the transfer portal to fix some of the roster’s deficiencies, making it conceivable that the team will be markedly better, but the record might not reflect it. 

That’s why Late Kick host Josh Pate singled out Fickell and company as one of college football’s biggest mysteries ahead of the 2024 season, and if I’m being honest, I couldn’t agree more. 

Wisconsin Football Considered a ‘Mystery’ Heading into 2024

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell runs onto the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program have been in transition since the moment Chris McIntosh hired him as the Badgers head coach.

From schematic overhauls to personnel makeup, the Badgers look far different now than they had at any point in the last 20 years. That said, the transfer portal has allowed this staff to build the roster in their vision much more quickly, and because of that, results are expected to follow in short order, fair or not, due to his reputation as a program builder.

“They were 7-6 last year,” Pate said. “There was a lot of internal transition. First-year staff. Going from Paul Chryst to Luke Fickell, that’s understandable. Their key offensive numbers were not good enough. They were in the 60s and the 70s in terms of national rankings in the key offensive metrics.

“Now, they’ve brought in Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback. Transferred in from Miami. They’re 20th in returning production. They return 70% of a top-40 defense. It’s year two under Luke Fickell, and I don’t think there are ever guarantees in this sport, but I feel very, very comfortable in betting on a program year two under that guy and under his staff. Luke Fickell’s the real deal.”

In another article, Carter Bahns of 247Sports echoed that sentiment, labeling the Wisconsin Badgers as a ‘wild card.’

While the competition levels are very different, Fickell was able to turn around Cincinnati in a major way in year two. Some continuity in scheme and personnel may lead to a similar fate for Wisconsin football.

Hopefully, this upcoming season will clarify what this program’s floor and ceiling might look like moving forward.

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