The Wisconsin Badgers are 2-6 before getting set to play No. 23 Washington on Saturday.
The Badgers will enter the contest on a six-game losing streak. Several of Wisconsin’s losses during that span have been ugly, as the program was shut out in back-to-back contests against Iowa and No. 1 Ohio State in October.
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Badgers fans have voiced frustration with the direction of the program this season. Fickell is 15-19 in his fourth season since he took over before the team’s bowl game in 2022. The Badgers finished 5-7 in 2024.
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Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, athletic director Chris McIntosh informed Fickell of Wisconsin’s plans for 2026. Fickell will remain as head coach, and the Badgers intend to invest more into the roster.
“Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell will return to lead the Badgers in 2026, athletic director Chris McIntosh announced on Thursday,” Thamel wrote. “With the Badgers 2-6 overall and winless in Big Ten play, McIntosh is informing the Wisconsin team on Thursday that Fickell will return as head coach next year.
“The return will come with changes, which include increased investment in the roster and program, along with an ongoing analysis of every facet of the program.”
In October, McIntosh reportedly told players in a team meeting that Wisconsin was planning to keep Fickell in 2026. Players expressed relief at the decision.
McIntosh suggested that the program’s recent failures have been more about a lack of resources for Fickell than a troubling sign at head coach. Wisconsin wants to invest like the top teams in the Big Ten.
“Our intention is to be, in terms of our investment, on par with those that we intend to compete with,” McIntosh said. “Our expectations are to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten and beyond.”
Following its game against Washington on Saturday, Wisconsin will finish the regular season against No. 2 Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota. The Badgers will need to win out to become bowl eligible.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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