Despite a disappointing 2024 season that ended with five consecutive losses, the University of Wisconsin is showing continued faith in head coach Luke Fickell. On Wednesday, the university announced a surprising extension of Fickell’s seven-year contract, locking him in through March 31, 2032. Fickell, who came to Wisconsin in 2022 after the firing of Paul Chryst, had initially signed a seven-year, $7.7 million deal that was set to run through 2030. Following a 7-6 season and a bowl appearance in his first year, Fickell received a one-year extension in January 2024. Even after Wisconsin’s 5-7 finish in 2024, the program has extended his contract by another year.
Fickell, 51, played nose guard at Ohio State from 1993-96 before spending a brief time in the NFL. He then began his coaching career at Akron as a graduate assistant and later returned to Ohio State in 2002, where he spent 15 years in various roles, including linebackers coach, co-defensive coordinator, and interim head coach in 2011. During his time with the Buckeyes, he helped win two national championships (2002, 2014) before taking over as head coach at Cincinnati in 2017. At Cincinnati, he earned multiple coaching awards and led the team to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. However, his time at Wisconsin has been less successful, with a 12-13 record over his first two seasons, leading to speculation that he could be on the hot seat.
Despite the struggles, there were some positives in Fickell’s tenure, including a close three-point loss to Big Ten Champion Oregon in November. On the recruiting front, Wisconsin secured the nation’s No. 27 class and the ninth-best class in the Big Ten for the 2025 cycle (per 247Sports). Additionally, Fickell and his staff landed the No. 12 transfer class, which includes players who could help turn the program around.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule is filled with opportunities to prove themselves, including road games against Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and Indiana, along with high-profile home games against Ohio State and Illinois. The Badgers will begin the season at home against Miami (Ohio) on August 30.
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