Wisconsin Football Building for the Future, Flopped in the Present

As a passionate supporter of the Wisconsin football program, I firmly believe that the decisions made by Athletic Director Chris McIntosh have set the Badgers on a path to future success.

The transition from Paul Chryst to Luke Fickell as head coach was a necessary step in evolving the program to compete in an ever-evolving college football landscape.

While it’s understandable that this transformation will take time, it’s essential to recognize that this team was designed to win now, with seasoned players and notable additions from the transfer portal.

A Move to Secure the Future of Wisconsin Football

Chris McIntosh’s decision to bring Luke Fickell on board was a pivotal moment in the program’s history, on paper, that is. It signaled a move that the Badgers knew what was coming and wanted to swing for the fences to join the discussion as an elite program in the Big Ten.

For the record, this is a move I believe will pay off in the long run.

Fickell’s vision and coaching acumen have the potential to elevate Wisconsin football to new heights, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that building a championship-caliber team takes time.

Even though he led the Cincinnati Bearcats to the college football playoffs, his first year on the sidelines, they finished with a 4-8 record. Nevertheless, they made a remarkable turnaround in the subsequent season, reaching an impressive 11-2 record. This u-turn demonstrates that rapid transformation is possible, but expecting it immediately may have been a fool’s errand.

The transition from a more pro-style offensive scheme to the Air Raid under Phil Longo was also a significant shift.

Recruiting and developing players who fit this new system is not an overnight process. But the fact that Wisconsin football is moving in this direction, embracing change and modernizing its approach to the game, speaks to the Badgers’ desire to take the next step.

No Excuses, High Expectations

Let’s be clear: there should be no sugarcoating this season’s results.

While the evolution of this program might take time, there’s no room for excuses when the expectation is success. Wisconsin had the opportunity (expectation) to win the Big Ten West this year, even in a re-tooling year.

This division is at an all-time low, and the looming conference realignment only adds to the urgency of seizing the moment.

After Wisconsin’s humiliating loss to Iowa on their home turf, it’s safe to say that any chances the Badgers had of clinching the Big Ten West went up in smoke.

It’s a division Wisconsin football should have dominated this year.

With the cupboard far from bare, the Badgers had all the tools necessary to succeed. Returning 7 out of 11 starters on defense and 9 out of 11 on offense — paired with some key transfer portal additions should have put them in a prime position for a Big Ten championship appearance against one of the Goliaths from the East.

Expecting more than a Big Ten title game appearance was unrealistic, but failing to win the Big Ten West in its last year of existence is a tough pill to swallow.

A Future Worth Believing In

While this season (which isn’t over) didn’t pan out as we had hoped, it’s essential to maintain our faith in the vision for Wisconsin football set by Chris McIntosh and Luke Fickell.

Building a championship program isn’t a one-season endeavor; it’s a long-term commitment. The transition may have presented its challenges, but these are the trials and tribulations that come with rebuilding and shifting philosophies within a program.

The Badgers are on the path to success. Wisconsin football has the right leadership, a commitment to modernization, and seemingly all of the resources on the NIL front necessary to help this program get over the hump.

It might not have happened this season, but with a little bit of patience and unwavering support, Wisconsin’s future is bright, and better days are on the horizon.

For ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinions, and analysis, you can follow Dillon Graff on X @DillonGraff.