Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell was ranked at No. 5 in CBS Sports’ Big Ten head coach rankings for the upcoming 2024 season. The ranking, done by Tom Fornelli, placed Fickell behind only Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, USC’s Lincoln Riley, and Penn State’s James Franklin. This news comes just after the Badgers secured a commitment from four-star interior offensive lineman Hardy Watts, the 22nd pledge of UW’s class of 2025.
Recruiting has been on the rise since Fickell’s arrival, with UW’s 2025 cycle ranking No. 16 in the nation by 247Sports. The class includes six blue-chip players and an average player rating of 88.29. Fickell is heading into his second full season as head coach of the Badgers, hoping to build on the success of the previous season where they finished with a 7-6 record and their 22nd straight bowl appearance.
The 2024 season will be a challenging one for the Badgers, facing tough opponents like Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, USC, Iowa, and Nebraska. Their schedule is ranked as the 24th-toughest in the nation according to ESPN FPI. Fickell will be looking to continue showcasing the progress of the program this fall.
Fornelli had positive things to say about Fickell, acknowledging that changing a program’s identity takes time. With Fickell’s successful track record, including guiding Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff, there is confidence in his ability to lead the Badgers to success in the future. In a competitive Big Ten conference, Fickell will strive to bring his winning ways to Wisconsin and make a mark on the program.