The Wisconsin Badgers finished the 2025 campaign with a 4‑8 record, a result that left the program searching for a turnaround. Head coach Luke Fickell, who entered Madison with a 17‑21 record after three seasons, is now tasked with reshaping a team that struggled to find an identity on both sides of the ball.
A Revamped Roster
A key part of that transformation is the schedule they will face. The Badgers’ 2025 slate featured the nation’s toughest strength of schedule, pitting them against traditional powerhouses such as Alabama, Ohio State and Indiana. The demanding slate has only intensified the urgency to prove that the program can compete at the top of the Big Ten.
Offensively, Wisconsin has added a dynamic playmaker at quarterback. Colton Joseph, who transferred from Old Dominion, brings a blend of passing and rushing ability that was on display when he amassed 2,624 yards through the air and 21 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 1,007 yards and 13 scores, and his familiarity with Big Ten defenses was highlighted by a 179‑yard, two‑touchdown performance against Indiana.
The backfield will also see a boost from Abu Sama III, a transfer from Iowa State who has compiled 1,933 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his collegiate career. His experience and physical style are expected to complement Joseph’s dual‑threat skill set and add depth to a ground attack that averaged just 12.8 points per game a year ago.
Defensively, the team welcomes back linebacker Sebastian Cheeks, who logged 17 solo tackles and three sacks in 2025, and safety Matthew Jung, who has drawn comparisons to the legendary 1998‑99 Wisconsin squad that captured a Rose Bowl victory. Jung believes the current group shares the same gritty mindset that helped that historic team succeed.
With a renewed sense of urgency and a roster that blends proven talent with fresh faces, the Badgers are aiming to reestablish themselves as contenders in the Big Ten. The combination of a tough schedule, high‑impact transfers and a disciplined coaching staff sets the stage for a potentially dramatic turnaround in the upcoming season.