gg2
Wisconsin Badgers football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Wisconsin Badgers open 2026 unranked after two losing seasons, facing Notre Dame at Lambeau Field.
Fickell's fourth season hinges on rebound; fans show skepticism with low attendance.
Background
Wisconsin Badgers football is under pressure after back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 and 2025, a first since the early 1990s. The team is unranked in the preseason AP Poll and faces a tough opener against Notre Dame. Athletic director Shawn Eichorst expressed optimism, while fans have shown skepticism with low attendance and 'Fire Fickell' chants.
How it unfolded
- 2024 -2025Badgers suffer back-to-back losing seasons, first since early 1990s.
- Aug 12, 2026Wisconsin football social media posts highlight running back and receiver progress during fall camp.
- Aug 15, 2026Coach Luke Fickell discusses fall camp developments, including offensive line injuries creating depth opportunities.
- Aug 16, 2026Projected starting lineup updated midway through fall camp; no changes to offensive line but injuries to Mandell and Heywood noted.
- Aug 17, 2026Preseason AP Poll released; Wisconsin begins unranked. Schedule released with opener vs Notre Dame.
- Aug 18, 2026Athletic director Shawn Eichorst shares optimism for Fickell's fourth season, acknowledging fan skepticism.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- AD Shawn Eichorst says the team works hard daily and needs support, viewing it as a new season.
- Public
- Fans show apathy with low attendance and 'Fire Fickell' chants, reflecting skepticism.
Still unverified
Injury statuses of offensive linemen Mandell and Heywood are unclear; coach Fickell was mum on their return timetables.