MADISON, Wis. — On an official visit that included touring Wisconsin’s facilities and meeting with coaches, Billy Edwards’ schedule allowed for three hours of free time before a nice dinner where the Badgers’ brain trust could deliver the big pitch.
Rather than explore State Street or relax back in his room to catch his breath during an already whirlwind recruiting process, the Maryland transfer quarterback opted to watch film with newly hired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The two became so engrossed in the tape that the hours flew by, and both showed up late to dinner.
Ahead of a critical Year 3, head coach Luke Fickell is banking on that shared kinship between his new quarterback and offensive coordinator to help Wisconsin get back on track after a disappointing 2024 season that ended with the Badgers missing a bowl game for the first time since 2001. The offense ranked No. 101 nationally in points per game, No. 99 in yards per game and No. 114 in third-down conversions.
No one expected those struggles when Wisconsin hired Fickell away from Cincinnati in 2022. He built a Group of Five powerhouse at Cincinnati, winning 11 or more games in three seasons and leading the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff in 2021. He was considered one of the hottest coaching candidates in the country, but waited for the right job before accepting the Wisconsin offer.
The hire was widely praised. CBS Sports gave it its only “A+” grade of the cycle, which also included Arizona State hiring Kenny Dillingham and Nebraska hiring Matt Rhule. As CBS Sports wrote at the time, it was “a home-run hire for a Badgers program that needed a spark.”
And yet after two seasons, Fickell is 13-13 and already rebooting the program. He fired offensive coordinator…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/facing-a-pivotal-year-3-luke-fickell-hopes-grimey-offensive-makeover-can-finally-jumpstart-badgers-tenure/
Author : John Talty
Publish date : 2025-07-07 23:25:00
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