Luke Fickell: Wisconsin needs to ‘continue to play the game’ through spring practices.

In the world of college football, spring practices are a crucial time for programs to evaluate talent, develop team chemistry, and fine-tune their schemes ahead of the upcoming season. For the Wisconsin Badgers, this period is especially important as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new coaching staff under head coach Luke Fickell. With the transition to Fickell’s leadership, the Badgers are looking to evolve, sharpen their skills, and ultimately build a team that can compete at the highest level in the Big Ten Conference.

One of the key themes that Fickell has emphasized throughout his time as head coach is the need for the team to “continue to play the game” during spring practices. This statement, while simple in its phrasing, encapsulates a larger philosophy that Fickell is trying to instill within his players as they prepare for the 2025 season. As Wisconsin embraces this new chapter under Fickell’s leadership, the emphasis on “playing the game” during these spring practices is crucial in fostering a mentality of resilience, development, and growth.

In this article, we will delve into what Fickell means by “continuing to play the game,” how this philosophy influences Wisconsin’s approach to spring practices, and why it’s vital for the program’s success in the near future.

The Importance of Spring Practices for Wisconsin’s 2025 Season

Before exploring Fickell’s philosophy on spring practices, it’s essential to understand why spring practices are so important for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2025. Spring practices offer a valuable opportunity for coaches to evaluate players and their skills in a more controlled, non-competitive setting. While the fall season brings games and immediate outcomes, spring allows coaches to experiment, build relationships with players, and implement the foundations of their systems without the pressure of wins and losses hanging over them.

For Wisconsin, this year’s spring practices come with added significance as they mark the first full offseason under Fickell’s leadership. After taking over as head coach in 2024, Fickell is still working to establish his system, culture, and expectations with his players. Wisconsin has long been known for its hard-nosed, defensive-minded approach, but under Fickell, there is an emphasis on bringing in modern elements and refining the overall game plan.

Spring practices allow the coaching staff to begin this integration process. New offensive and defensive strategies are being taught, players are getting familiar with new terminology and schemes, and freshmen and transfers are getting their first taste of what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger. However, the transition process is never seamless, and that’s why Fickell’s directive to “continue to play the game” is an essential part of the program’s mentality moving forward.

Fickell’s Emphasis on “Continuing to Play the Game”

At its core, Fickell’s statement that Wisconsin needs to “continue to play the game” reflects his focus on maintaining a steady, purposeful approach to development, even when the stakes are not as high as they are during the regular season. The message is clear: don’t get caught up in the immediate results or the distractions that can come with change, but stay committed to the process and the journey of improvement.

For Fickell, “playing the game” means more than just showing up for practices and drills. It is about maintaining a competitive mindset, constantly striving to improve, and pushing forward even in the face of setbacks. It’s about not letting the inevitable bumps in the road slow down the momentum that the team is trying to build.

Building Mental Toughness and Consistency

One of the primary aspects of “continuing to play the game” during spring practices is developing mental toughness. Spring football is notoriously a time of uncertainty and, for some, frustration. Players are adjusting to new roles, new schemes, and sometimes new coaching styles. The grind of practice can be tedious, and the results, though important for future success, don’t always come immediately. There are no wins or losses in spring football—just evaluations and improvements.

Fickell’s call to “play the game” is a reminder to his players that success does not come overnight. It’s a process that requires persistence, focus, and the willingness to push through challenges. By maintaining a mindset focused on continual improvement, the Badgers are building the mental resilience needed to succeed in the face of adversity during the regular season.

This mental toughness extends beyond individual players. Wisconsin’s coaching staff is equally committed to maintaining a steady hand throughout the offseason. They know that a program’s long-term success is determined by the culture they build—one where players buy into the process, stay focused on their individual development, and trust in the system being implemented.

Learning Through Competition

Spring practices are also an opportunity for players to compete against one another in a low-stakes environment. Fickell knows that competition breeds improvement, and his emphasis on “continuing to play the game” encourages players to approach every rep, every drill, and every practice with the goal of getting better. Players are not only competing for starting spots, but they are also competing to define the identity of the team for the upcoming season.

In this context, “playing the game” means understanding that each practice is an opportunity to outwork and outplay your teammates. For Wisconsin, the focus is on improving as a unit—offensively, defensively, and on special teams. Coaches are looking for players who consistently put in the effort and embrace competition as a vehicle for personal growth and collective success. Fickell’s focus on competition within the team also allows the players to understand the importance of working together while simultaneously pushing one another to raise the level of performance.

Tuning the System and Scheme

One of the more practical aspects of Fickell’s emphasis on “playing the game” is tied to fine-tuning Wisconsin’s offensive and defensive systems. The Badgers have long been known for their “smash-mouth” football style, with a commitment to a powerful running game and a stout defense. While these elements remain important, Fickell is also introducing more modern concepts to help the Badgers compete at the highest level in a fast-evolving college football landscape.

For example, Fickell’s offensive approach leans toward a more balanced attack, which includes elements of spread and passing schemes that complement the traditional running game. Meanwhile, the defense is being reworked to be more versatile and capable of handling the wide variety of offensive styles that are becoming more prevalent in college football.

By continuing to “play the game” during spring practices, Wisconsin’s players have an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in these new schemes. Fickell’s approach is rooted in the belief that players need to constantly practice and refine their understanding of the system. The objective is not just to get through the drills, but to fully absorb and internalize the strategies so that they are second nature when the team hits the field in the fall.

This process of scheme implementation is gradual. It takes time for players to learn the nuances of new plays, alignments, and responsibilities. For Fickell, it’s important that players keep moving forward and remain engaged during spring practices, as it sets the foundation for success when the games actually matter. By continuously “playing the game,” the Badgers are building the knowledge and muscle memory needed to execute their game plan flawlessly.

Developing Leadership and Chemistry

Another critical component of Fickell’s philosophy is the development of leadership and team chemistry. Spring football provides an environment where players can step up, take on leadership roles, and build the relationships necessary for cohesive team play. While individual talent is important, it is the collective mindset and unity of the team that often determines success.

Fickell encourages his players to “continue to play the game” because it’s during these low-pressure practices that the foundation for strong team dynamics is built. It’s here that players begin to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles. It’s here that leaders are born, and it’s here that players develop the trust and camaraderie needed to weather the highs and lows of the season.

Whether it’s a senior leader showing the younger players the ropes or a rising star setting an example with their work ethic, the “game” being played during these spring practices is about developing that chemistry and leadership that will carry over into the fall.

What Does This Mean for Wisconsin’s 2025 Season?

Fickell’s focus on “continuing to play the game” during spring practices is a reminder of what it takes to succeed in college football. For the Badgers, the 2025 season holds a lot of promise, but it will require a continued commitment to growth, development, and consistency. Spring practices are not about immediate results; they are about laying the groundwork for the future.

If the Badgers embrace this philosophy, they will set themselves up for a strong season in 2025. The team will have the mental toughness to handle adversity, the competition to push one another to new heights, and the system in place to execute at a high level. Fickell’s steady leadership will continue to steer the ship, but it is the players’ willingness to “continue to play the game” that will determine their success.