The Athletic lists five important issues Luke Fickell and Wisconsin can respond to during spring practice this month.

As the Wisconsin Badgers gear up for their spring football practices in 2025, the energy surrounding the program is palpable. The arrival of head coach Luke Fickell, who took over the reins in 2023 after a highly successful tenure at Cincinnati, has created a new wave of optimism and anticipation. With his arrival, expectations for the Badgers have surged, as fans and analysts alike believe that Fickell is the key to returning Wisconsin to national prominence.

However, there are still several important issues to address during the spring practice period that will shape the team’s success moving forward. The Athletic recently compiled a list of five critical areas that Fickell and his coaching staff must focus on in order to ensure that the 2025 season starts on the right foot. These issues range from securing key positions to refining the team’s offensive and defensive strategies. As spring practices unfold, these are the issues that will be under the microscope as the Badgers work toward becoming a Big Ten contender once again.

1. Quarterback Play: Securing the Position of the Future

One of the most significant questions facing the Wisconsin Badgers heading into the 2025 season is the quarterback position. With the departure of former starter Graham Mertz, the Badgers find themselves in a unique position, having to develop a new signal-caller who can carry the offense effectively.

Under the previous coaching regime, Wisconsin’s offense often relied on a strong running game and a game manager at quarterback. However, with Fickell’s more modern offensive approach, which emphasizes a balanced attack, the quarterback will play a central role in making plays both in the air and on the ground. This puts added pressure on Fickell and his coaching staff to evaluate the candidates for the starting role and make the right decision before the season begins.

The competition for the starting quarterback job is expected to be a focal point during spring practices. Tanner Mordecai, the transfer quarterback from SMU, was brought in to potentially take the reins. Mordecai is known for his strong arm and ability to throw deep, which fits well with Fickell’s offensive system. However, there are other potential candidates in the quarterback room, including Deacon Hill, who has spent time learning the system but has not yet had the opportunity to fully prove himself as the starting quarterback.

Spring practices are crucial for Mordecai, Hill, and any other contenders to showcase their skills. The coaching staff needs to determine who is best suited to execute Fickell’s offense, and finding the right leader for the team is paramount to the Badgers’ success in 2025. Whether it’s Mordecai’s experience and explosive playmaking ability or Hill’s potential to develop into a leader, the quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines.

2. Offensive Line: Restoring the Wisconsin Standard

For years, Wisconsin’s offensive line has been a hallmark of the program. Known for its dominance in the run game, the Badgers have built a reputation as one of the toughest teams up front in the Big Ten. However, the Badgers have experienced a dip in offensive line performance over the past few seasons, which has impacted both their rushing attack and their overall offensive efficiency.

Fickell and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. must focus on restoring the offensive line to its dominant form. This is especially important as the Badgers look to support a new quarterback, develop a potent rushing attack, and protect the passer in a more pass-oriented offensive system. The team will need to establish consistency along the line, ensuring that key players step up and play at a high level.

There are several positions that are in flux along the offensive line. Jack Nelson, a talented junior offensive tackle, is expected to anchor the line, but several other spots remain up for grabs. The Badgers must identify the right combinations of players who can work together as a cohesive unit, and spring practice will be essential for assessing individual performance and unit chemistry. The Badgers’ success in the upcoming season will heavily rely on how well the offensive line performs, and there will be no shortage of attention paid to this position group.

Moreover, with Fickell’s shift toward a more balanced offensive approach, the offensive line must be able to adapt to both the running game and pass protection schemes. This balance is critical in creating a dynamic offense that can keep opponents guessing, and it all starts with solid offensive line play. Spring practice provides the perfect opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the line’s progress and address any weaknesses before the regular season begins.

3. Running Back Rotation: Developing Depth and Versatility

While the quarterback position is garnering a lot of attention, it’s important to remember that Wisconsin has historically been known for its strong running game. The team has produced several NFL-caliber running backs, including Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, and James White, to name a few. With that tradition in mind, it’s clear that the running back position will play a central role in Fickell’s offense.

However, one of the key questions for the Badgers in 2025 is depth in the running back room. The departure of Braelon Allen, one of the program’s best talents in recent years, leaves a void at the top of the depth chart. Fortunately, the team does have some talented running backs who are capable of stepping into a starring role.

Ches Malu, a talented sophomore, has shown promise and could be in line for a major role this season. However, Wisconsin will need to develop a rotation that provides depth and versatility in the backfield. This is particularly important if the Badgers are going to implement a more balanced offensive attack, as Fickell will want to rotate multiple backs and keep the offense fresh throughout the season.

The spring practices will give Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo the opportunity to experiment with different combinations of backs, assess their pass-catching abilities, and determine who can handle the load when called upon. Wisconsin’s ability to run the ball effectively, especially in key situations, will remain a cornerstone of the offense, so developing a reliable running back rotation will be essential.

4. Defensive Secondary: Filling Key Holes

While the Wisconsin defense has historically been a strength of the program, the secondary is an area that requires significant attention as the team heads into the 2025 season. With several key players departing, including Jay Shaw and Kamo’i Latu, the Badgers must now find replacements in the defensive backfield to maintain their defensive consistency.

The secondary will be critical to the Badgers’ overall defensive success, especially given the pass-heavy offenses they face in the Big Ten and beyond. Fickell will need to assess the depth at cornerback and safety, with an emphasis on developing young talent and creating a unit that can match up with the elite passing attacks in the conference.

Players like Ricardo Hallman, who showed flashes of potential last season, will need to step up and assume a leadership role in the defensive backfield. Additionally, the coaching staff will want to develop depth in the secondary, as injuries or suspensions can quickly derail a defense’s effectiveness if the backups aren’t prepared to step in.

Spring practices will give Fickell and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard the opportunity to evaluate the defensive backs, assess their ability to cover in man-to-man and zone schemes, and see who can thrive under pressure. Given how crucial the secondary is to the Badgers’ defensive identity, this issue will certainly be a key focus during spring practice.

5. Special Teams: Ensuring Reliability and Consistency

Finally, one area that should not be overlooked is the special teams unit. While often not in the spotlight, special teams are crucial for creating positive field position and making game-changing plays. Wisconsin will need to address a few important issues on special teams, including finding a reliable kicker and returner.

The departure of former kicker Nate Van Zelst means that the Badgers need to solidify their kicking game heading into 2025. Vito Doria, who has shown potential, could be the frontrunner to take over the job, but spring practices will be critical in giving him and any other candidates the opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Additionally, return game has been a point of focus in recent seasons, and Wisconsin will need to find someone capable of providing explosive plays in the return game. Whether it’s a wide receiver or a running back, having a dynamic returner can tilt the momentum of a game, and Fickell will need to evaluate his options here as well.