There is no doubt that Wisconsin Badgers' Luke Fickell was walking a tightrope heading into this season.

Before the 2026 campaign, Fickell had compiled a 17-21 record, which included three full seasons and one Guaranteed Rate Bowl win in 2022. 

However, Fickell has firmly removed himself from any pressure so far this season, as his squad is holding a stellar 5-2 record with statement wins against Penn State and USC.

While things haven’t been perfect, the Badgers have been able to keep up one of the country’s best defenses, which has been just enough to make up for an up-and-down offense. 

In an ESPN article, Adam Rittenberg details Wisconsin’s “improvement.”

“Fickell had already shown improvement in Year 4, especially with a defense that allowed 20 or fewer points in six straight games since the season-opening loss to Notre Dame. But after last week's loss at UCLA, Wisconsin needed a strong home performance to elevate excitement around the program.”

Fickell’s record over his first three seasons goes 7-6, 5-7, and 4-8. His five wins so far this season already put him in a great spot to make the 2026 season the best of his tenure as Wisconsin head coach. 

“First-year athletic director Shawn Eichorst has focused on uniting Wisconsin fans and putting the program on stronger financial footing. He's not eager to change coaches and shouldn't need do, as Wisconsin is positioned to win eight or more games.”

That will be put to the test here on Saturday, Oct. 31, with the Badgers in Iowa City for a crucial Big Ten showdown against the Hawkeyes.