Luke Fickell will return to Madison in 2026.
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Thursday that Fickell will return as the Badgers' head coach next season. McIntosh said the return will come with significant changes, including increased investment in the roster, staff and program infrastructure.
"Chancellor (Jennifer) Mnookin and I are aligned on significantly elevating investment in our program to compete at highest level," McIntosh told ESPN. "We are willing to make an investment in infrastructure and staff. As important, is our ability to retain and recruit players in a revenue share and NIL era."
In three seasons at Wisconsin, Fickell has a 15-19 record. This year, the Badgers are 2-6, with their most recent win coming over Middle Tennessee on Sept. 6. Since that 42-10 victory, Wisconsin has lost to Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State and Oregon by a combined 181-41, scoring just 17 points in October.
Despite the struggles, McIntosh emphasized that success requires competitive support.
"If Wisconsin is going to be as competitive as we expect, the support has to be as competitive," McIntosh said. "There's no getting around it. Our people, our fans are passionate about Wisconsin football. I'd have it no other way. A successful football program is important to university, the state and our lettermen."
Fickell’s contract runs through 2031. Had he been fired this year, the buyout would have exceeded $25 million. The one-year extension Fickell signed this offseason did not affect that amount.
"This season has caused us all to have to look from within," McIntosh said. "Luke has had to do that. I've had to do that. He has a willingness to be better. So do I, and so does Wisconsin from an institutional perspective."
McIntosh expressed confidence that with proper investment, Wisconsin can return to Big Ten contention.
"Our intention is to be, in terms of our investment, on par with those that we intend to compete with," McIntosh said. "Our expectations are to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten and beyond."
