From Ohio State Assistant to Auburn Head Coach: The Rise of Alex Golesh
Alex Golesh’s formative years as a student assistant at Ohio State in 2004‑2005 forged the leadership qualities that now guide his role as Auburn’s head coach.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Luke Fickell across Football.
Alex Golesh’s formative years as a student assistant at Ohio State in 2004‑2005 forged the leadership qualities that now guide his role as Auburn’s head coach.

Wisconsin’s 41-13 defeat to Notre Dame highlighted defensive breakdowns, questionable fourth-down decisions and the need for greater physicality, as coach Luke Fickell reflected on the team’s character.

The Badgers' opening game revealed persistent coaching missteps and a defensive collapse that hindered their ability to capitalize on opportunities.

Coach Luke Fickell mixed bold fourth‑down calls with strategic punts, showing a nuanced game plan as Wisconsin fell to Notre Dame.

Michigan’s opening loss to Western Michigan was salvaged by a disputed replay decision, but quarterback Bryce Underwood’s sub‑60% completion rate and a 12‑to‑10 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio expose deeper offensive woes that could jeopardize the season.

The Badgers’ loss exposed a talent gap, yet moments of resilience and a second‑half surge hint at a possible evolution in Wisconsin’s identity.

Wisconsin lost 41‑24 to Notre Dame in their season opener, revealing both the potential of new transfers and the challenges of integrating them into a defense that faltered after halftime.

Wisconsin’s 2026 season opener ended in a 41-13 loss to Notre Dame, leaving coach Luke Fickell with a 17-22 record and a contract that could cost the university over $21 million if he is dismissed without cause.

Notre Dame’s 41-13 victory over Wisconsin highlighted strong second-half performances by transfers Aneyas Williams and DJ McKinney, while the team prepares for a home opener against Rice on September 12.

The Wisconsin Badgers face a pivotal moment after back‑to‑back losing seasons, with coach Luke Fickell’s contract, a hefty buyout and potential replacements on the table as the program seeks a turnaround by 2026.

Staff analysts expect Notre Dame to dominate Wisconsin in Week 1, with scores projected between 31‑13 and 38‑17, casting a shadow over coach Luke Fickell's turnaround hopes.

In 2025, Wisconsin's football program generated $113.6 million, a 57% share of the university's athletic revenue, but posted its worst two seasons this century, while the women's hockey squad captured its ninth NCAA title and sent six athletes to the 2026 Olympics, operating at a $3.15 million annual loss.

Indiana University’s football program achieved a flawless 16‑0 season in 2025, winning its first national title and sparking a nationwide shift toward veteran‑focused roster construction.

The Badgers will open the 2026 season at Lambeau Field against a top‑ranked Notre Dame squad, with predictions pointing to a low‑scoring affair and a heavy favorite for the Irish.

Kevin Heywood is slated to start at right tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers in their Week 1 showdown with Notre Dame, while Emerson Mandell sits out with a foot injury and transfer options Stylz Blackmon and Blake Cherry vie for right guard.

The Wisconsin Badgers will host No. 4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field on September 6, 2026, in a pivotal season opener that pits a heavy underdog against a roster widely regarded as the nation’s best, with NBC and Peacock providing coverage and FanDuel setting the odds.

Notre Dame and Wisconsin will open the 2026 season on September 6 at Lambeau Field, a historic venue that adds extra intrigue as the teams battle for early momentum and playoff positioning.

The Badgers open the season at Lambeau Field against a top‑ten Notre Dame team, with oddsmakers giving the Badgers a spread advantage despite analysts projecting a 31‑13 victory for the Irish.

Veteran analyst Kirk Herbstreit warned that the 2026 season could mark a turning point for Mike Norvell at Florida State and Luke Fickell at Wisconsin, as both confront looming employment questions tied to performance, buyouts and conference realignment.
Pat Fitzgerald returns to East Lansing with a mission to restore Michigan State’s bowl eligibility, confronting a slate of rivals and rebuilding both offense and defense.

Analysts forecast a potential Duke's Mayo Bowl clash with Virginia, driven by strong preseason projections and coaching changes.

Wisconsin Badgers are reshaping their offense, leaning on a revitalized rushing attack while seeking reliable downfield threats through tight ends and new receiver acquisitions.
Wisconsin’s football program faces a make-or-break 2026 season after two consecutive losing years, with coach Luke Fickell’s future hanging in the balance, a strengthened defense, a deeper roster, and a favorable schedule offering hope for a turnaround.

A look at the coaches under fire across major conferences, the buyouts that loom over their futures, and how NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping job security in college football.