Spring football is right around the corner, so its time to talk more about Wisconsin Badgers football led by Head Coach Luke Fickell!
Spring Football Is Right Around the Corner: A Closer Look at Wisconsin Badgers Football Under Head Coach Luke Fickell
With the arrival of spring, college football fans are gearing up for the return of their favorite teams, and for the Wisconsin Badgers, this year marks a new era. As spring football practices loom on the horizon, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the Badgers’ program. This optimism stems from the arrival of Luke Fickell, who took over as head coach after a highly successful tenure at Cincinnati. With a fresh approach and a new coaching staff, Fickell has the Wisconsin football community buzzing with excitement about what’s to come in the 2023 season and beyond.
This article takes a deep dive into the spring football season for the Wisconsin Badgers, examining the impact of Fickell’s arrival, the team’s key position battles, and the overall expectations for the upcoming season. As Fickell begins to implement his vision for the program, spring football will be crucial in setting the tone for what is expected to be an exciting and transformative period for Wisconsin football.
The Arrival of Luke Fickell: A New Era in Wisconsin Football
When Wisconsin made the bold move to hire Luke Fickell in November 2022, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. Fickell, known for his success at Cincinnati, had built a program from the ground up, turning the Bearcats into a national contender. Under Fickell, Cincinnati made the College Football Playoff in 2021, a remarkable achievement for a Group of Five school. His ability to develop talent, manage a program, and elevate his team in the most competitive conference in college football was evident.
For Wisconsin, Fickell’s hire was seen as a significant shift in direction. The Badgers, historically known for their dominant rushing attack and physicality on defense, were seeking a new identity, one that balanced the team’s traditional strengths with modern offensive schemes that could compete at the highest level. Fickell was tasked with revitalizing the Badgers’ program, and the spring football season provides him with the perfect opportunity to start laying the foundation for success.
The first major change fans can expect under Fickell is a more up-tempo, pass-heavy offense, which contrasts with the historically run-heavy identity of Wisconsin football. Fickell has emphasized his desire to build a balanced offensive attack that can beat opponents in a variety of ways. This includes integrating more spread concepts, utilizing the quarterback’s ability to throw the ball downfield, and creating mismatches in the passing game while still respecting the program’s power-running roots.
But Fickell’s influence won’t just be seen on offense. His defensive pedigree, cultivated at Cincinnati where he ran a tough, aggressive defense, will also play a crucial role in the team’s success. His defensive philosophy, combined with the strong recruiting base that Wisconsin already possesses, gives the Badgers an opportunity to become a more well-rounded team, capable of challenging the top teams in the Big Ten.
Key Position Battles to Watch in Spring Football
As spring football practices approach, several key position battles will determine the makeup of the team moving forward. With a new head coach and staff, Fickell has the luxury of assessing his players without the pressure of having to make immediate decisions about starters. For players, it’s an opportunity to show the coaching staff what they can bring to the table and secure their roles for the upcoming season. Here are some of the most important position battles to keep an eye on:
Quarterback
The quarterback position is always one of the most highly scrutinized and hotly contested positions in football, and this year for Wisconsin, it’s no different. The Badgers are entering the spring with a bit of uncertainty at the quarterback spot, as Fickell’s new system requires a quarterback who can both manage the offense efficiently and make plays with their arm.
Graham Mertz, who started for Wisconsin in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, transferred to Florida, leaving a void at the most important position. While Mertz showed flashes of potential, his inconsistency left the door open for competition.
The main contenders for the starting job are Tanner Mordecai and Braedyn Locke. Mordecai, a graduate transfer from SMU, is the most experienced of the two and brings a wealth of starting experience with him to Wisconsin. Mordecai threw for over 7,500 yards and 72 touchdowns in his two seasons as the starting quarterback at SMU, leading one of the nation’s top passing offenses. His ability to push the ball down the field and operate in a high-tempo, spread system is a perfect fit for Fickell’s offensive vision.
On the other hand, Braedyn Locke is a true freshman with high upside. The young quarterback, who was highly rated coming out of high school, has impressed the coaching staff during early practices. While Locke may not have the same experience as Mordecai, he possesses a strong arm and a quick release that could make him a viable option in the long term.
Spring football will allow both quarterbacks to showcase their skills, and Fickell will likely want to get a good look at both options before making any decisions. The QB competition will set the tone for the offense, and whoever wins the job will be expected to lead a more dynamic passing attack that complements the team’s established running game.
Running Back
While the quarterback position grabs the headlines, the running back position is equally important for the Wisconsin Badgers. Traditionally known for its dominant rushing attack, Wisconsin has produced a long list of NFL-caliber running backs, including Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, and James White. Under Fickell, while there will be a shift toward a more balanced offense, the running back will still be a focal point.
The battle at running back will likely come down to Ches Malusi and Braelon Allen. Malusi, a transfer from Clemson, was expected to be a key contributor last year but had a rollercoaster season. However, his experience and versatility make him a valuable asset to the offense. Allen, on the other hand, was one of the best freshmen in the country last season, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. His power and ability to break tackles make him a difficult player to stop in the open field.
Both players are capable of being feature backs, and spring football will offer the opportunity to see how they adapt to the new offensive system. Fickell will likely look for a running back who can handle a heavy workload and be effective in both the running and passing games. Allen’s explosiveness and potential to be a game-changer make him a likely candidate to take on a leading role, but Malusi’s experience and all-around skills shouldn’t be overlooked.
Wide Receiver
With the shift toward a more pass-heavy offense under Fickell, the wide receiver position will become more critical than ever before. The Badgers have traditionally been a run-first team, so the passing game hasn’t always been the primary focus. However, that is likely to change under Fickell, and the wide receivers will need to step up and provide consistent playmaking ability on the outside.
The receiver battle will center around Skyler Bell, Chimere Dike, and Jack Dunn. Bell, a former top recruit, has been showing signs of breaking out in his sophomore season. Dike, a senior, is a reliable target with good size and hands, while Dunn is another dependable senior who has been a solid contributor in the past. Fickell will likely want to find a top receiver to rely on in the passing game, and spring football will be critical for each of these players to show they can be trusted as key playmakers.
The Defensive Front: A Key for Success
As much as Fickell’s offense will be a focal point of the team’s transformation, Wisconsin’s defense will also undergo a shift in philosophy under the new coaching staff. Fickell has a reputation for running a tough, physical defense, and he will look to continue that tradition while implementing a more aggressive, modern approach to stopping opposing offenses.
The defensive line will be a position of strength for Wisconsin this season, with veterans like Keeanu Benton leading the charge. Benton, one of the top defensive tackles in the country, has the ability to wreak havoc in the backfield and clog running lanes. Alongside him, Isaiah Mullens and Nick Herbig will provide depth and leadership to the front seven.
The linebackers will also be crucial to Fickell’s defensive scheme, and the development of players like Maema Njongmeta and Jake Chaney will be key to the team’s success. With Fickell’s background in developing solid defensive units, Wisconsin’s defense should remain a tough, disciplined unit that can compete with the best in the Big Ten.
What to Expect from the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023
Spring football for the Wisconsin Badgers under Luke Fickell is not just a time for player development, but a time to establish the foundation for a program that aims to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten. The Badgers are not just looking to get back to their roots of smash-mouth football; they are looking to evolve into a more dynamic team that can compete on both sides of the ball.
For Fickell, the spring practices will be crucial in determining the team’s strengths and weaknesses and building the culture necessary to succeed. While it may take a season or two for the full impact of Fickell’s system to take hold, expect significant progress in 2023. With a balanced offense, a revamped defense, and an overall more aggressive mentality, Wisconsin could be poised to challenge the top teams in the Big Ten.
As the Badgers enter the spring football season, all eyes will be on Fickell’s team as they look to make strides toward becoming a more complete, competitive program. The future is bright in Madison, and the spring practices will be an important step toward building that future.
