Luke Fickell has support of recruits going into critical season

Things have not gone the way anyone really predicted for Wisconsin and coach Luke Fickell. He has a 13-13 overall record since coming to Madison. That has a lot of people talking about his seat getting hot after just two seasons. 

The Badgers went 5-7 last year missing a bowl game. This year’s schedule is nothing short of brutal. In consecutive games the team plays Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Indiana and Illinois. Not to mention a Sept. 13 date with Alabama in Tuscaloosa. 

Fickell’s recruiting classes have been good on paper so far. The team finished No. 22 in 2024 and No. 27 the last two years in the Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings. The 2026 class comes in at No. 45 right now but it is a smaller class with just 14 commitments. 

But even as Fickell enters a critical season the recruits in the 2026 class head into the season very optimistic. 

“I think this year’s team is going to surprise a lot of people,” three-star wide receiver commit Tayshon Bardo said. “All the guys are hungry and have a chip on their shoulder and Coach Fick is and will be the “guy” this year.”

In-state linebacker Ben Wenzel was seen as an Oklahoma lock before Wisconsin turned up the heat in his recruitment this summer. He believes the Badgers have great things ahead this year.

“I am so excited to see the Badgers take the field this season,” Wenzel said. “They definitely have the weapons to do well this season! I love Coach Fickell. He is a great leader for the men and can definitely help me achieve my goals!”

Fishers (Ind.) High cornerback Carsen Eloms is equally as fired up about the outlook in Madison this fall.

“I’m excited and can’t wait to see all the hard work they’ve been putting in,” Eloms said. 

“Plus facing all these ranked opponents and for them to shock the world. I think Coach Fick is ready to dominate and show the world who the new Badgers are.”

Eloms was happy to hear that the other recruits I spoke with feel the same way that he does. He believes if they stay unified it can only help the team culture that Fickell is building. 

The fan base at Wisconsin may be growing restless already. Progress certainly needs to be shown on the field in Year 3 for Fickell. But heading into the season the 2026 commitments have plenty of excitement and patience.