The Wisconsin Badgers are facing an identity crisis this September. Even with a 2-1 start, head coach Luke Fickell’s record of 15-14 in Madison is below what fans expect from a program used to winning.
The tough schedule began with a 38-14 loss to Alabama, closing out nonconference play. Entering Week 4, the Badgers sit 15th in the Big Ten, and critics are growing frustrated with Fickell’s tenure.
CBS Sports’ Will Backus recently suggested it might be time to part ways with Fickell, similar to what UCLA did when they fired DeShaun Foster. Backus pointed out that the loss to Alabama highlighted the gap between Wisconsin and top college football programs.
Fickell has yet to earn a signature win or beat a ranked opponent. While Wisconsin could fire him, the cost would be massive—$25 million if done before December, the largest buyout in Big Ten history. Backus notes that sometimes programs have to “bite or buy the bullet” when it’s clear things aren’t moving forward.
The Badgers will return home to face Maryland, a matchup that could give quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. a chance at redemption. Danny O’Neil has also settled into the starting role, adding intrigue to the game.
For now, Wisconsin fans can only wait and see if things improve in Madison.