.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
When Luke Fickell arrived in Madison, the expectation was a modernized offense paired with Wisconsin's traditional physical dominance. The reality of the transition has been far bumpier, plagued by roster turnover and offensive inconsistency. But in the 18-team Big Ten, style points don't matter as long as you survive.
In Madison, a massive leap forward is the ultimate expectation, yet that is exactly what the latest national models are tempering.
CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford projects a 7-5 regular-season record for the Badgers, a mark that keeps them far away from Indianapolis but safely lands them a respectable bowl bid while the program continues its cultural overhaul.
MORE: College football rankings post-spring Top 25
The model expects Wisconsin to lean heavily into its physical identity to grind out victories. Crawford projects the Badgers to secure non-conference wins over Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan, alongside critical Big Ten victories over Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and rival Minnesota.
However, the schedule offers zero margin for error when facing elite talent. The model predicts the Badgers will drop a massive non-conference game against Notre Dame, followed by bruising Big Ten defeats to Penn State, UCLA, USC, and Iowa.
While a 7-5 finish isn't exactly the elite breakthrough Badgers fans are craving, Crawford notes that it is exactly the type of steady, stabilizing campaign Fickell needs to secure his footing.
"In a league that punishes inconsistency, seven wins would reflect progress rather than stagnation," Crawford wrote. "It's not flashy, but it's the kind of season that buys Fickell more time in Madison."
MORE: Why the College Football Playoff field should expand to 16
If the Badgers can leverage their portal additions to improve the line of scrimmage, 2026 will serve as a vital stepping stone in Fickell's long-term rebuild.
English (US)