Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell explained his message to the Badgers’ fan base after Friday’s 24-7 loss to Minnesota completed the program’s first losing season since 2001.
“Just like I told the players, those that stay will be a champion,” Fickell said postgame when speaking with the assembled media. “You’ve got to have people that believe in you. I know it’s hard. Having faith in things you can’t see. Right now, I’m sure they can’t see it either, and that’s the tough part.”
Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin’s loss to Minnesota, disastrous finish to 2024 season
His comments follow the Badgers’ largely noncompetitive loss to the rival Golden Gophers. Wisconsin closed the 2024 season on a five-game losing streak, highlighted by blowout losses to rivals Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota. The program is 12-13 in Fickell’s two-year tenure.
Fickell’s sentiment will be tested as program changes inevitably follow this offseason. Wisconsin fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo with weeks remaining in the season. It needs an important hire this offseason, as well as a personnel group that fits the new scheme. Overall, the 2025 Badgers are assured of looking different than the team that closed the 2024 season, both on the sideline and on the field.
Fickell on his message to fans: "Just like I told the players, those that stay will be a champion. You’ve got to have people that believe in you. I know it’s hard. Having faith in things you can’t see. And right now I’m sure they can’t see it either. And that’s the tough part."
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) November 29, 2024
With no bowl game, attention turns to the winter transfer window which opens on Dec. 9. Fickell and his staff need to reshape the roster entering a critical 2025 season.
Talent retention will be an important measure of program health. Fickell’s thought that “those who stay will be a champion” can only apply if the team’s top contributors do, in fact, stick around. This is one of the many main storylines to watch as the offseason begins.
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