What Does Success for Wisconsin Football in 2023 Look Like?

Wisconsin football is coming off its most disappointing season in over a decade. There is no way to sugarcoat the rollercoaster that was 2022. Add the sucker punch of a loss to Minnesota to cap off the regular season, and fans were ready to move on to 2023.

The Alternate Reality of Wisconsin Football

Most believed 2023 would be the first year of a Jim Leonhard administration in Madison. In an alternative reality, we likely are not discussing intriguing transfer quarterback Tanner Mordecai, offensive coordinator Phil Longo implementing the Air Raid, or defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s dollar defense. Under Leonhard, Wisconsin likely trots out Myles Burkett or Chase Wolf under center, Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis returns home to Madison, and Jimmy cooks on defense.

Jul 27, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

With such drastic changes under head coach Luke Fickell, can the new-look Badgers succeed immediately? What does “success” mean in 2023? If you ask Fickell, it means Wisconsin is playing its best football at the end of the year. UW will have a chance to compete for a championship if they do that.

Badgers Head Coach Luke Fickell Must Sell His Vision for Wisconsin Football

Success in 2023 in Madison means Fickell, Longo, and Tressel showcase their vision for Wisconsin football. Modernizing the offense, recruiting department, and public relations are great pieces to start. It will not matter, however, if it does not produce results on the field.

Wisconsin Badgers Football 2023 Predictions: Statistical Leaders

Wisconsin football saw its 2023 recruiting class fall apart before Fickell arrived. Losing, particularly in unexpected fashion, does not attract young talent. The Badgers have assembled an impressive 2024 recruiting class with three talented running backs, a flashy wide receiver in Kyan Berry-Johnson, and another highly-ranked quarterback. Fickell and company have built this class around the promise of a high-octane offense. Doubt could quickly creep in if that offense stutters instead of launches.

Change is often met with resistance. Thus far, aside from their in-state recruiting woes, this new Wisconsin football staff has yet to face adversity that could bring out that resistance. Nothing creates more strife around a college football program than losses on Saturdays. Whatever the number of wins at the end of the season, Fickell needs enough to sell his vision for the future of the Badgers. Perhaps things start slowly, but clear improvement by the end of the season is necessary to call it a success.

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