Eric Boggs
The Wisconsin Badgers enter the 2024 season with high hopes under head coach Luke Fickell, now in his second year with the program. After a 7-5 record in his inaugural season, expectations are growing among Badger fans as they look to see if Fickell can elevate the team to new heights, similar to how Clemson emerged as a national powerhouse in recent years.
Year One Recap and Expectations
Fickell’s first year wasn’t without its challenges, including disappointing losses to teams like Indiana and Northwestern. However, Fickell has made significant strides in changing the culture and recruiting strategy at Wisconsin. He aims to build a program that not only competes for Big Ten titles but also has a shot at the national stage. With Fickell at the helm, there’s hope that Wisconsin can move beyond being a solid, consistent team to one that contends for championships regularly.
Recruiting and NIL Impact
Fickell has emphasized recruiting within a 300-mile radius while also extending the program’s reach nationally. His focus on athleticism and versatility has brought in a new caliber of players, particularly in the secondary and at key positions like linebacker. The NIL landscape has also allowed Wisconsin to compete for top talent, with Fickell and his staff showing strong closing ability in the recruiting process. The addition of transfer players has also bolstered the roster, particularly at quarterback and in the linebacker group.
Key Storylines for 2024
- Elevating the Program: Can Fickell take the Badgers to the next level in year two? After a transitional first season, the pressure is on to see if the changes in culture and recruiting will translate to on-field success.
- Quarterback Play: For the second straight year, Wisconsin will rely on a transfer quarterback. Tyler Van Dyke, who showed flashes of brilliance at Miami, will need to deliver consistently for the Badgers to reach their goals.
- Defensive Improvement: The defense, particularly at linebacker, has been a focus of offseason improvement. Wisconsin has added several talented players through the transfer portal and is looking for a significant upgrade in this area.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Offensive Line: A traditionally strong unit for Wisconsin, the offensive line returns most of its starters and is expected to be a force. Depth could be a concern if injuries occur, but the starting group is solid.
- Linebacker Group: After struggling last year, the linebackers have been bolstered by transfers and returning talent. This group is expected to be much improved and could be a strength for the defense.
- Secondary: With standout players like safety Hunter Wohler and cornerback Ricardo Hallman, the secondary is expected to be one of the best units on the team.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Line: The loss of Keanu Benton to the NFL has left a gap that has yet to be filled. The Badgers need to find players who can control the line of scrimmage and free up the linebackers to make plays.
- Quarterback Consistency: Tyler Van Dyke has potential, but his performance has been inconsistent in recent years. If he can return to his freshman form, Wisconsin could be in for a strong season, but it’s a significant question mark.
Schedule and Outlook
The 2024 schedule features a mix of manageable games and challenging matchups. Early season games against Western Michigan and South Dakota should allow the Badgers to build momentum, but a Week 3 showdown against Alabama will be a major test. Wisconsin’s success this season may hinge on how well they perform in key Big Ten games and whether they can avoid the kind of slip-ups that hurt them last year.
- Floor: 7-5
- Ceiling: 10-2
With a solid foundation and the potential for growth under Luke Fickell, Wisconsin is a team to watch in the Big Ten. If the pieces come together, the Badgers could be a dark horse in the conference race.
Key Games to Watch
- Alabama (Home): This early-season matchup is one of the most anticipated games on the schedule. While Alabama is a perennial powerhouse, the Badgers have the advantage of playing at Camp Randall, where anything can happen. This game will be a true test of how far Wisconsin has come under Fickell.
- USC (Away): The Badgers will travel to Los Angeles to welcome USC to the Big Ten. USC’s explosive offense led by Lincoln Riley is well-known, but their defense has been a question mark. Wisconsin’s physical brand of football might expose USC’s weaknesses, making this game a potential upset opportunity.
- Oregon (Home): Like USC, Oregon brings a high-powered offense to the Big Ten. However, the Ducks are arguably the best-prepared of the new conference members to handle the physicality of Big Ten play. This game will be another tough test for the Badgers.
- Penn State (Home): Historically, Penn State has been a thorn in Wisconsin’s side, but this year’s matchup at Camp Randall could be different. Penn State fans are reportedly feeling disillusioned after years of falling short, and this could be a prime opportunity for the Badgers to pull off a win.
Overall Schedule Outlook
The Badgers face one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten. Besides the marquee matchups against Alabama, USC, Oregon, and Penn State, they’ll also have to navigate tricky road games against Rutgers and Northwestern, as well as a challenging season finale at Minnesota. The schedule is filled with potential pitfalls, but it also offers opportunities for statement wins.
Predicted Record
Optimism is running high in Madison, but even the most hopeful fans recognize the difficulty of the upcoming season. The worst-case scenario, where things don’t click, could see the Badgers finishing 6-6. However, the ceiling is much higher if everything falls into place—up to 11-1 in a dream season.
More realistically, an 8-4 record seems like a solid expectation. This would represent a step forward under Fickell, especially given the caliber of opponents. An 8-4 season would likely include a few key wins, perhaps against USC or Penn State, and would set the stage for continued improvement in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Wisconsin Badgers are a team with potential, but they’ll need to navigate a brutal schedule to realize it. Camp Randall will be a key factor, with several big games taking place at home. If the defense can improve and the offense, led by Tyler Van Dyke, can find its rhythm, this could be a season to remember in Madison.
