Some seasons feel over before they even start. And if you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, 2025 might already be testing your patience. Expectations were cautiously optimistic after two rocky seasons under Luke Fickell. He’s one of the smartest minds in college football, and no one’s doubting his ability to build a program. But this upcoming season? It feels like he’s about to take the toughest exam of his career, and the margin of error is razor-thin.

The buzz? It’s not about a bounce-back. It’s about whether he survives the storm that’s brewing. We’re talking about a schedule that feels less like a rebuild year and more like a career trapdoor. Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State. Who scheduled this? Thanos? Add in that embarrassing 5-7 record last season, and the heat is rising. The pressure cooker is real, and even the fans can feel it. And then FOX analyst Joel Klatt just added gasoline to the fire by calling it what it is: sabotage by scheduling.

“I think Wisconsin could be a better team roster‑wise this year than they were even last year. But here’s the problem…They could be underdogs in nine of their 12 games this year.” Joel Klatt said on his podcast show. Think about that, nine underdog matchups, including trips to Alabama and Ann Arbor, plus crucial home games that define a coach’s legacy. The schedule isn’t forgiving, and there’s no doubt about it.

Klatt also singled out QB transfer Billy Edwards and new OC Jeff Grimes as positive signs. “They brought in Billy Edwards, a transfer quarterback. Fine. Jeff Grimes is the offensive coordinator. Maybe they’re going to be more physical and go back to what Wisconsin has been in the past on the offensive side.” Klatt said. His point? Sure, the team may look stronger on paper, but attitude and circumstances matter more. Fickell’s record at Wisconsin is 13-13 through two seasons, and in the college football world, it won’t even be called an average record. So the upcoming season is going to be make-or-break for Fickell.

However, the pressure isn’t just on Fickell; it’s now squarely on his new QB and an offense that’s already taken a big hit.

Billy Edwards adds talent, but injuries threaten offensive progress.

If Luke Fickell is hoping for any stability this year, it starts with the team’s star QB Billy Edwards Jr. The former Maryland quarterback is stepping into Madison with experience, size, and just enough edge to energize a fanbase starving for a spark. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 228 pounds, Edwards threw for 2,881 yards with 15 touchdowns last year and rushed for five more. And he’s not just another transfer; he’s the frontrunner to start under center in 2025.

The Badgers do have other quarterbacks on the roster, Danny O’Neil from San Diego State and two freshmen, Carter Smith and Milos Spasojevic. But let’s be real, none of them have the resume or the arm that Edwards brings. This is his job to lose, and Fickell knows it. But even with a new leader under center, the problems start at the line of scrimmage. Left tackle Kevin Heywood tore his ACL during spring practice, and his return timeline is still unclear. That’s a brutal blow. Protecting Edwards was already going to be tough, and now they’re down their best blindside protector before Week 1.

So yes, Edwards is a solid upgrade. Yes, he’s got the tools to manage this offense. But with a banged-up line and a monster schedule, even the best quarterbacks can only do so much. It’s not just on Edwards; it’s on everyone in that locker room to overachieve. Otherwise, Fickell’s hot seat will only get hotter.