Wisconsin is still not pulling the plug on Luke Fickell despite the Badgers’ rough 2-6 start. But for how long? Athletic director Chris McIntosh publicly backed Fickell, the coach he hired and whose fate is tied to his own. Their recent loss against Oregon is another addition to their already sinking season. The Badgers fought hard on defense, holding Oregon’s high-powered offense to just seven points in the first half. But Wisconsin was missing key players on both sides and entered as a heavy underdog, yet the effort was visible.

This loss keeps Wisconsin 0-5 in Big Ten play, deepening the hole and raising more questions about the team’s leadership. But the Wisconsin administration already made up its mind on Fickell and where it would want to invest its finances. “An in-season change appears unlikely at this point following last week’s vote of confidence from athletic director Chris McIntosh,” On3’s Pete Nakos reported. “As sources continue to indicate to On3 and McIntosh outlined, the expectation is for the program to go all-in on roster construction this offseason.” The financial situation doesn’t look that good, to be honest.

If the Badgers decided to fire Fickell after the 2025 season, they’d owe him roughly $25.4 million. But Wisconsin has opted for the option of monthly installments of about $334,736 each until March 31, 2032. Fickell’s contract guarantees him 80% of his remaining salary. He’ll earn $7.7 million in 2025, with a $100,000 raise each year, reaching $8.3 million in his final season. Plus, the buyout decreases from $25.4 million after 2025, dropping gradually until it hits zero at the end of the 2031 season. But the answer to all buyout questions is the Badgers don’t have that kind of money right now. And if they’ve got it, they’ll invest it all in the transfer portal.

“In this new era of collegiate athletics, the clear reality is that high expectations must be matched with an equal level of support,” McIntosh wrote. “The results of this elevated support may not be immediate, but we are confident the direction will be positive and long-term.” Wisconsin’s transfer portal track record has been a mixed bag at best. They have brought in 39 transfers, but the number of misses seems to outweigh the hits. Guys like Mason Reiger became one of the Big Ten’s top pass rushers. But a leg injury removed his entire 2024 season. Then, FCS transfer Elijah Hills, who’s made a solid impact at nose tackle, shows the upside.

But plenty haven’t lived up to the hype. For example, players like Braedyn Locke were once in the QB mix but faded out fast. Sure, throwing all their money into the portal for attracting more talent won’t really solve all the Badgers’ problems, but it’s definitely a start. It’s because the Badgers are failing to produce results. They averaged just 6.8 points against Power 4 teams and a pitiful 5 points against Big Ten defenses. Plus, the Badgers scored their second touchdown against the Ducks since October 4th.

Who gets to walk at Madison if $25m gets cashed out?

Everyone has patience, and so do Wisconsin fans. The Fire Fickell chant after the Badgers’ 34-0 blowout against Ohio State is just the start of patience getting low. Sure, the $25 million buyout is too much for Wisconsin, and they are looking to rebuild their roster. But what if results still don’t pan out? That’s why few college football coaches look like potential candidates to sit at the Madison helm.

First up is Manny Diaz, the Duke Blue Devils’ head coach. He is known for his aggressive and smart defensive schemes. Plus, his experience as the defensive coordinator at Penn State means he knows the Big Ten grind inside and out. Back in 2023, his Penn State defense finished first nationally in total defense. Now that is exactly the kind of tenacity Wisconsin needs to bring back. Then there’s Alex Golesh, the offensive magician from South Florida.

Golesh sincerely turned USF around from a 1-11 team to a bowl-eligible squad in just a season. He’s bringing flair and excitement, running some of the nation’s top offenses in terms of scoring and yards. His offensive chops come from his time at Tennessee, where his units dominated. Last but not least is Lance Leipold. He is the grizzled Wisconsin native with a coaching legend status at Wisconsin-Whitewater. Thus, Leipold’s got that “homecoming” story everyone loves.

He rewrote history in Division III with six national championships. He even turned around Kansas into a bowl team and posted their best season in recent memory with a 9-4 finish in 2023.