How Luke Fickell is regaining Wisconsin football fans' trust in 2026
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The Wisconsin Badgers football program hasn't been perfect under Luke Fickell, but things are starting to turn around.
After a pair of dreadful seasons, Fickell is on the hot seat, and he knows it.
The former head coach who took Cincinnati to the College Football Playoffs has embraced his new role, and it's one that took a turn for the better late last year.
In an interview with The Athletic's Justin Williams, Fickell said he was asked the big question: "What do you want to do? Either you're all in, or find an escape route."
Fickell took a day to think about his conversation with former athletic director Chris McIntosh, and he came back the next morning and responded, "There's nothing I would rather do than pull ourselves out of where we are."
Wisconsin would have to pay a hefty $20+ million buyout in order to move on from Fickell, but this interview and his time at Big Ten media days began to win this fanbase over, arguably for the first time in his tenure.
Camp Randall has shown a rapid decline in attendance, but Wisconsin's week one showdown at Lambeau Field against Notre Dame is already sold out.
Student season tickets for 2026 have once again sold out, it's just a matter of getting them at the games, and keeping them there the entire time.
With such an easy schedule ahead, 2026 could undoubtedly be the year everyone buys into what Fickell is selling as Wisconsin gets back on track.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: How Luke Fickell is regaining Wisconsin football fans' trust in 2026
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