The Wisconsin Badgers football team is in the midst of a new era in Madison. The new hiring of head coach Luke Fickell has been as good as advertised so far. Fickell has given the program a complete makeover. The coaching staff has been given a facelift and new recruits are flooding in. For this season, the transfer portal proved lucrative for the Badgers. Yes, we all know the Badgers have yet to even take the field under their new leadership, however, the excitement is brewing for a reason. It is also getting noticed on the national stage.
24/7 Sports Has Wisconsin Badgers #10 In Future Top 25 Rankings
Per 24/7 Sports:
Luke Fickell is an elite coach. And if you’re not all-in on the likelihood he takes Wisconsin to a top-end level quickly, you haven’t watched college football over the past five seasons. A master developer of talent with a scheme that works, not only did Fickell promote a school-record number of draft picks during his stint at Cincinnati, but he broke through the perceived glass ceiling of the College Football Playoff within the Group of Five ranks. He’s going Air Raid at Wisconsin and his recruiting budget has likely tripled in the Big Ten, comparatively. Wisconsin’s always been a sleeping giant of sorts and this is one program with a chance at a considerable rise over the next few years.
“Optimism for this program is at an all-time high,” Badgers247’s Evan Flood said. “Wisconsin has yet to play a game under the new regime, but Luke Fickell has come in and quickly reenergized a program that had been fading over the last three seasons with 13 additions in the transfer portal and some exciting hires within the coaching staff, mainly offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who’s expected to not only modernize the Badgers offensively, but perhaps give them one of the most potent attacks in the Big Ten. You’re seeing players like Tanner Mordecai, Bryson Green, C.J. Williams, Nick Evers, who probably wouldn’t have given this program the time of day in the past, now flock to Madison.
“Current players have bought in quickly as well. Not only did Fickell minimize the damage that typically takes place in the transfer portal once a coaching change occurs, he convinced a few players to remove their names as well. With a soft schedule in 2023 and more talent at the skill positions than they’ve had in a long time, the expectation bar is already set around 10 wins with UW fans.”
Wisconsin Badgers Football: Tanner Mordecai Gives Early Hope
While no one is questioning Mordecai’s talent, many have wondered whether he would make the transition into a Big Ten program smoothly. It is safe to say that Fickell does not think that will be an issue as he spoke about the quarterback in a recent interview.
“Tanner, in particular, he’s done a phenomenal job. He has been everything that I would hope for. Meaning in the sense that he came in, kind of kept his mouth shut, went to work, and proved a lot of things.”
Mordecai seems to be all business. He is coming in and getting right to work. As a sixth-year senior, he realizes that this is his last shot at reaching a national championship and he is committed to doing everything he can to make it happen.
Wisconsin Badgers Football: Nick Evers Give Long-Term Hope
Nick Evers transferred to Madison after spending his freshman year with the Oklahoma Sooners. Now, the former top-10 QB recruit will battle it out for the QB2 role behind Tanner Mordecai. In the team’s first practice, he took QB2 reps behind former Mississippi State Braedyn Locke.
Fans are intrigued by his arm and athleticism, and despite not getting QB1 reps, he’s sending expectations through the roof after throwing an unbelievable dime in practice to Chris Brooks Jr. Full video below:
DROPPIN' DIMES
Transfer QB Nick Evers (@NickEvers12) airs out a jump ball for Chris Brooks Jr. (@chris_brooksjr2). He comes away with the spectacular catch.Regardless of whoever is under center for @BadgerFootball, it sure looks like Phil Longo's offense will be a treat. pic.twitter.com/YnAHp1eGKa
— Pablo Iglesias (@PabloIglesiasTV) March 25, 2023
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