During spring practice, Wisconsin Badgers coach Luke Fickell is assigning a lot of work to the team’s best units.

As spring practice rolls on for the Wisconsin Badgers football team, head coach Luke Fickell’s approach is evident—he is assigning a substantial amount of work to the team’s best units, pushing them to their limits in preparation for what promises to be a crucial season. The Badgers, traditionally known for their stout defense and powerful running game, are entering a new era under Fickell, who took over as head coach after a successful stint at Cincinnati. With Fickell at the helm, there is an air of anticipation surrounding the program as they work through spring drills, with all eyes on the way the team is shaping up for the fall.

Fickell’s coaching style is rooted in discipline, competition, and development. He understands that in order to build a championship-caliber program, every unit must improve, but it’s the strongest groups that need to be challenged most to reach their potential. For Wisconsin, this means pushing their most talented players and units even harder—especially given that the Badgers will face stiff competition in the Big Ten, which is home to some of the top teams in the nation.

The 2025 season marks a critical point in the program’s trajectory, and Fickell is using the spring as a foundation to lay the groundwork for future success. Let’s take a deeper look at why Fickell is focusing so much effort on his best units during spring practice and what that means for the Wisconsin Badgers moving forward.

1. The Offensive Line: Wisconsin’s Tradition of Dominance

The offensive line has always been a cornerstone of Wisconsin football. Known for producing NFL talent and driving the team’s powerful running game, the Badgers’ offensive line is often considered one of the best in the country. Under Fickell, the expectation is that this unit will not only continue its tradition of excellence but also evolve to meet the demands of a modern, up-tempo, and more versatile offense.

The Challenge of Maintaining Dominance

Fickell, alongside offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., is pushing the offensive line to maintain their dominance in the trenches, which has long been a hallmark of Wisconsin football. However, there is a challenge in ensuring that this group remains a force, even as the nature of college football evolves with faster defenses and more pass-heavy offenses. The team’s offensive line is expected to open holes for the running game, but Fickell also wants this unit to improve in pass protection to accommodate a potential shift in offensive philosophy.

In the early stages of spring practice, the focus has been on conditioning, strength, and technical precision. For example, the Badgers’ offensive line is working on improving their footwork, hand placement, and ability to pick up stunts and blitzes. These drills are designed to push the offensive line’s best players to not only execute at the highest level but also develop the mental toughness to withstand adversity in critical moments. In an offense that prides itself on controlling the line of scrimmage, every inch of improvement can make the difference in games.

Position Battles and Depth Development

Another key factor Fickell is addressing is the depth of the offensive line. Wisconsin has a few experienced veterans, but Fickell is also looking for younger players to step up and compete for starting positions. The emphasis on depth will allow the Badgers to rotate players throughout the season without losing effectiveness, which will be particularly important when dealing with the rigors of a grueling Big Ten schedule.

For the Wisconsin offense to be successful, the offensive line must be the backbone, and Fickell’s challenge is to ensure that the group doesn’t just maintain their traditional success but also adapts to the changing dynamics of college football.

2. Quarterback Play: Adjusting to a New Offensive System

The quarterback position is another area where Fickell is assigning a lot of work, as the Badgers look to adjust to a new offensive system. With the transition to Fickell’s style, which could potentially incorporate more passing and a more dynamic, spread-based offense, the quarterback position is under the microscope. Fickell is pushing his quarterbacks hard during spring practice to ensure they are ready to execute the new scheme and make key decisions under pressure.

The Battle for Starting Quarterback

This spring, one of the key storylines for the Badgers has been the competition for the starting quarterback job. Tanner Mordecai, a transfer from SMU, is the likely frontrunner for the job, but Fickell isn’t leaving anything to chance. Mordecai brings with him a wealth of experience, including impressive numbers from his time in Dallas. However, Fickell has made it clear that the position is not guaranteed, and everyone on the roster will be given a chance to compete.

During spring drills, Mordecai and the other quarterbacks have been tasked with learning the intricacies of the offensive playbook, which has seen some changes under Fickell. This includes improving their timing with wide receivers, becoming more comfortable with reading defenses, and mastering the quick release required in Fickell’s offense.

Fickell has been particularly focused on ensuring that the quarterbacks develop the mental acuity necessary to operate the offense smoothly. This involves understanding the nuances of each play, the responsibilities of each player on the field, and how to read the defense’s movements. The mental aspect of quarterback play has been a consistent focus in spring practice, with quarterbacks regularly going through film breakdowns and mental reps.

Development of Supporting Cast

While the quarterback play is key, Fickell is also emphasizing the development of the supporting cast. The Badgers’ offense is expected to rely heavily on a solid passing game to complement their traditionally strong running game, so Fickell is assigning a significant amount of work to the wide receivers and tight ends. Getting the most out of this group will allow the quarterbacks to feel more comfortable in the pocket and make more efficient decisions.

The connection between the quarterbacks and their receivers is crucial, and Fickell is making sure that they are on the same page in terms of timing and route running. Wide receivers are being asked to get sharper in their routes, and tight ends are being encouraged to get more involved in the passing game, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

3. Defensive Line and Linebackers: The Pillars of Wisconsin’s Defense

Wisconsin has always prided itself on its defense, particularly the defensive line and linebacker positions. Historically, the Badgers have fielded some of the toughest defenses in the country, and Fickell’s goal is to maintain that identity while also bringing the defense into a new era. Under defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, Fickell is emphasizing aggressive, disciplined defense that can stop both the run and the pass.

Rebuilding the Defensive Line

The defensive line is another unit that has been a primary focus for Fickell this spring. The Badgers’ defensive line has often been a disruptive force, but with several key players from previous years now in the NFL, Fickell has challenged the defensive front to step up. The team’s defensive line has a mix of experienced veterans and younger players, and the competition for starting spots is fierce. Fickell is pushing both groups hard, encouraging them to refine their technique and become more dynamic in their approach.

In particular, the defensive line has been tasked with improving its pass rush. While Wisconsin has traditionally been a strong run-stopping team, Fickell wants to make sure the defensive line can also pressure the quarterback more effectively, using speed and technique to collapse the pocket. This will be essential in the Big Ten, where teams like Ohio State and Michigan can exploit any weakness in a defense.

Linebacker Play: The Heart of Wisconsin’s Defense

Linebackers have long been the heart of Wisconsin’s defense, and under Fickell, that tradition continues. The Badgers return several key players at linebacker, including veteran Nick Herbig, who will be crucial to the team’s success in 2025. Fickell is ensuring that the linebackers remain fast, physical, and disciplined in their assignments.

The focus this spring has been on refining the linebackers’ ability to read plays quickly and react. Whether it’s tracking the ball carrier or covering passing routes, Fickell’s linebackers must be able to do it all. The Badgers’ defense will need to rely on their linebacker corps to be versatile in both coverage and against the run, and this spring, the focus has been on improving their ability to cover ground quickly and make key tackles in crucial moments.

4. The Importance of Depth and Competition

Fickell understands that in order to be successful in the brutal Big Ten, depth is just as important as top-end talent. Throughout the spring, he has been rotating players into key positions and ensuring that no one gets complacent. While the Badgers have some star players who are likely to be starters come fall, Fickell is making sure that there is healthy competition at every position, pushing players to continuously improve.

The more players Fickell can develop and trust throughout the season, the more successful the Badgers will be in navigating the ups and downs of a demanding schedule. This depth will also be crucial when dealing with injuries, as every player needs to be prepared to step up when called upon.