
Fickell Faces Crucial 2026 Season Amid Athletic Director Exit
The departure of Chris Macintosh has intensified scrutiny on coach Luke Fickell, whose job security now hinges on the outcome of a carefully ranked 2026 schedule.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Luke Fickell across Football, Basketball.

The departure of Chris Macintosh has intensified scrutiny on coach Luke Fickell, whose job security now hinges on the outcome of a carefully ranked 2026 schedule.

An in‑depth look at Penn State's upcoming season reveals a mix of marquee matchups and manageable games, shaping the team's quest for a College Football Playoff berth.

With the Badgers' football season looming, the university is conducting a wide‑open search for a new athletic director, led by interim chancellor Eric Wilcots, while emphasizing the need for substantial investment and community support.

The Badgers open their non‑conference slate at Camp Randall, with kickoff times and TV details confirmed for games against Western Illinois on Sept. 12 and Eastern Michigan on Sept. 19.

Rich Rodriguez’s first season back at West Virginia ended 4‑8, yet his career includes multiple double‑digit win seasons, a Fiesta Bowl victory and a history of lifting programs to new heights. A recent CBS Sports ranking has sparked debate over the criteria used to evaluate coaches.

The Badgers will welcome Nathan Jones, a 2027 linebacker prospect, to Madison from May 28 through May 31 for an official visit, where coaching staff will highlight the program’s development path amid a conference shift toward size.

Nathan Jones, a 6‑foot‑3, 230‑pound linebacker prospect, will be on campus from May 28‑31, giving Wisconsin a chance to highlight its program and compete with top programs for his commitment.

The Bruins will host seven games next season, each offering a distinct challenge, from the storied rivalry with USC to the unpredictable test of first‑year coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Michigan State.

The latest Big Ten power rankings spotlight Ohio State’s dominance, Oregon’s resurgence, and a host of other contenders as the 2026 season approaches.

A panel of voters ranks college football coaches across the Power Four conferences, highlighting the subjectivity of the list and profiling the lowest‑ranked and rising leaders.

From a decisive opener against Toledo to a high‑stakes showdown with Michigan, the Spartans' slate blends new coaching energy with strategic opportunities.

The Badgers secured a high‑profile commitment from Korz Loken, a four‑star tight end from Iola‑Scandinavia, as they aim to complete a 13‑player 2027 class heavy with in‑state prospects.

The 2026 college football slate features eight marquee non‑conference matchups that promise drama, surprise and national implications, highlighted by high‑profile quarterback returns and coaching debuts.

Less than three months remain before the 2026 college football season, and Luke Fickell faces mounting pressure to deliver wins amid administrative upheaval.

Wisconsin sits at No.15 in CBS Sports’ post‑spring Big Ten power rankings, bolstered by a vote of confidence for coach Luke Fickell, a influx of transfers, and quarterback Colton Joseph’s arrival, positioning the Badgers for a stronger 2026 campaign.

The Badgers are targeting a return to the AP Top 25 in 2026, beginning with a marquee victory over Notre Dame. Coach Luke Fickell’s win‑now approach and a manageable schedule could finally break the program’s three‑year ranking drought.

After missing the AP Top 25 for three straight seasons, the Wisconsin Badgers are banking on a marquee win over Notre Dame and a demanding schedule to relaunch their national relevance.

The Badgers' 2026 football outlook hinges on a fortified linebacking corps, a deep quarterback pool, and a revamped secondary, while questions linger over pass rush depth and the ability to translate talent into wins.

USC Trojans enter their fifth season under head coach Lincoln Riley with a top recruiting class, but a challenging schedule and key losses could keep them out of the playoff despite a projected 9‑3 finish.

Nebraska sits eighth in the Big Ten per ESPN and tenth per CBS Sports, facing a challenging schedule as it seeks to turn back‑to‑back 7‑6 seasons into a breakthrough year.

The NCAA's latest punting rule changes require a 2x2 formation on either side of the snapper unless five players numbered 50-79 line up on the line, a shift coaches say is unnecessary and disruptive.

The Trojans aim for their first College Football Playoff appearance, navigating a challenging slate that tests coach Lincoln Riley’s vision and the team’s championship aspirations.

Penn State’s post‑spring ranking, a challenging yet promising schedule, and the impact of transfers and coaching changes set the tone for a season that could see the Nittany Lions reach double‑digit wins.
The 2021 University of Cincinnati football team was named the top Group of Five program of the College Football Playoff era, finishing 13‑1 after a Cotton Bowl loss to Alabama and earning a school‑record nine NFL draft picks.