The Wisconsin Badgers have started the season 3-1, with their only loss being to the Washington State Cougars. Luke Fickell is in his first season as the new head coach, and there is reason for fans to be optimistic. Coach Fickell has had immense success as a coach, even leading the Cincinnati Bearcats to the College Football Playoff.

Fickell left the Bearcats to take over in Madison and inherited a team that is subpar, to say the least. Now, I am not saying that there is no talent on this team, but Fickell really hasn’t had time to bring in players that fit his playing style. The biggest question fans have is: What can we expect from this team moving forward? We are going to address that and discuss three reasons to have faith in Fickell.
#1: Badgers Recruiting Will Sky-Rocket
Let’s face it: Luke Fickell has a knack for bringing in top-tier athletes and did a masterful job in Cincinnati recruiting. His current roster does not really reflect the kind of players he prefers. While serving as the Bearcats head coach, Fickell produced players like quarterback Desmond Ridder, running back Jerome Ford, receiver Alec Pierce, and defensive back Sauce Gardner. Fickell helped Cincinnati produce two of the school’s best NFL draft classes in school history. Have faith, Badger Nation. Coach Luke Fickell will need a few years to bring in his own recruiting class.

#2. Fickell’s Knack for Winning
Head coach Luke Fickell has amassed a 67-26 record. He has found ways to win and knows what it takes to do so. Wisconsin has not been considered a dominant force since legendary coach Barry Alvarez stepped down. The Badgers have finally found a coach that will bring back a winning tradition to Wisconsin and has a history of winning. I would not surprised to see the Badgers being playoff contenders within the next 2-4 years.
#3. Fickell and the Transfer Portal
This is something that coach Luke Fickell had success with in the past. The way I see it, if he was able to bring so much talent to a Cincinnati program that is way smaller, what will he be able to do in Madison? Every year, we see coaches taking full advantage of the transfer portal, and I see Fickell being highly active this upcoming offseason. He is already bringing some of his recruits from Cincy to Madison, and I see him revamping this whole team heading into year two.

Final Thoughts
This team is not horrible by any means but is not as good as years past. The University of Wisconsin hit a home run, being able to acquire the services of a coach who is considered a top-10 coach by many. I believe that, in time, the Wisconsin Badgers will be a Big Ten powerhouse once again.
Fickell has the Badgers above .500, and their upcoming schedule provides a chance to finish strong. Honestly, this team could easily finish with a 10-2 record. Depending on how vengeful coach Fickell is against Ohio State, 11-1. While it is unlikely Wisconsin will upset the Buckeyes, it is still a great first year for Fickell in Madison.