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The Wisconsin football team is at a crossroads with head coach Luke Fickell. Barring a massive turnaround, the program is in the midst of a second straight losing season.
Fickell’s job security has come into question. Will he be leading the Badgers next season?
It’s a question that’s arisen amid five-game losing skid in which the team has been largely uncompetitive. Wisconsin has lost each of those contests by 14 points or more.
The offense has been an issue.
Wisconsin football can’t score.
The team has totaled 34 points across its last five weeks of football. That’s good for an average of 6.8 points per game. They’ve yet to eclipse the 10-point threshold in Big Ten play and have been shut out in back-to-back contests.
The offense hasn’t scored a touchdown in 11 quarters. It doesn’t expect to get much better with a matchup vs. Oregon upcoming. That will likely impact fans’ bank accounts.
The athletic department is running a promotion with grocery store and drugstore company Hy-Vee. As part of the Fuel Perks plan, members save based on how much Wisconsin scores.
Discounts have been minimal to this point.
Thank you @CoachFick for yet another week of full priced gasoline! pic.twitter.com/ooQJXEdnOk
— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) October 20, 2025
Based on this particular promo, Wisconsin needs to hit the 28-point mark to kickstart the savings. They’ve done so once this season.
The Badgers rank 132nd in the nation in scoring. They are 130th in total offense. It’s forced the defense into tough spots.
Despite the lack of success, the school has chosen not to make a change.
The Badgers won’t fire Luke Fickell – yet.
Frustrations are mounting. Calls for the coach’s removal have been loud. Athletic director Chris McIntosh sent a message to the fanbase this week.
#Badgers AD Chris McIntosh with a message to fans. Talks about supporting Luke Fickell and additional financial investment in the program. pic.twitter.com/zA1gz6O3MN
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 20, 2025
Wisconsin will continue to support its football coach. Luke Fickell will not be fired midseason. A financial investment is supposedly being made to bring about future success.
There are a number of factors playing a role in the decision.
Fickell has yet to complete a season without suffering a major injury at quarterback. He’s been given the benefit of the doubt in regard to the offensive ineptitude.
The buyout, too, is a concern. Fickell will be paid $25 million if fired by the Badgers this year. Wisconsin brass has decided that cost is too high.
Luke Fickell will continue to lead the football team. Fans will be paying full price at the pump in the meantime!