A sleeping giant or a program in peril? The Big Ten is unforgiving. One year, a program can look robust enough to enter a national title conversation. Another year; it’s a total collapse. That’s what happened to a B1G powerhouse last season. After decades of consistency, they stumbled to a shocking 5-7 record, snapping a 22-year bowl streak. They ended up with a five-loss streak to cap off the season. Their HC, once seen as a perfect hire, is suddenly facing mounting pressure. Yeah, we’re talking about Luke Fickell and Wisconsin. 

Many already view Wisconsin’s plight as a full-scale identity crisis, but one ESPN analyst chose to take a different path. On the March 6th episode of ESPN College Football, Greg McElroy remains high on Luke Fickell’s potential turnaround. “I am more optimistic this year about Wisconsin because I really believe in what they’ve decided to become offensively,” he stated. “It all starts for me when evaluating the Badgers with the hire of Jeff Grimes.” The Badgers’ new OC is a proven commodity, enough to spark hope for a revamped offense. 

Jeff Grimes is a two-time Frank Broyles Award finalist who has built physical, high-scoring offenses everywhere he’s been. His last job was at Kansas, where he turned them into a top-12 rushing unit averaging over 212 yards per game despite winning just five games. “I don’t think about spread power; I think about one cut runners and massive offensive lines,” McElroy said. “Jeff Grimes has used that style in the past… I think Jeff Grimes is a simple system, one that is very easy on the offense but also extremely difficult on the defense to defend.” 

For Wisconsin, that’s exactly what they need. Their offensive identity had gone missing in the years that went by, lost in a scheme that never quite fit. Now Grimes is bringing it back. Big offensive lines, downhill running, and an emphasis on controlling the trenches. The RVO philosophy—that’s Reliable Violent Offense—is his way of breaking down defenses and setting up those big play-action shots. And the addition of a new signal caller comes at the right time.

A new leader under center: Billy Edwards Jr.

Stability at QB has been a glaring issue in recent years. Injuries, transfers, and schematic changes have led to a revolving door under center. That’s why this offseason, landing Billy Edwards Jr. in the transfer portal was a priority. The former Maryland’s 6’4, 220-pounder brings size, mobility, and experience. He’s efficient, completing 65% of his passes last season, and has shown his ability to make plays outside the structure of the offense. “I like the skill set that Billy Edwards brings and the experience that he brings to Madison to run this new style of attack,” the analyst touted. 

Greg McElroy summed up his optimism for Luke Fickell and Wisconsin in 2025, saying, “Reason for optimism for me with the new additions defensively, the new style they’re going to attack people with offensively, and a new quarterback in Billy Edwards, who I’m pretty optimistic.” The Badgers also revamped their defense by bringing in key portal additions—Parker Peterson to pair with veteran Ben Barten.

This season is going to be a pivotal moment for Wisconsin. After last year’s collapse, patience is running thin. Can this new 2025 scheme save Luke Fickell from a potential $40.1M buyout? For now, hope remains, but the clock is ticking.