The Wisconsin Badgers are facing a moment of reckoning. A program that once prided itself on consistent bowl appearances is now staring at something it hasn’t seen in over two decades: back-to-back seasons without postseason football.
The last time that happened? 2001 and 2002.
And now, under Luke Fickell, it’s happened again.
But there’s a glimmer of hope-and it’s coming from within state lines.
Will Mikonowicz, a versatile athlete out of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, has committed to the Badgers as part of their 2026 class. At 6-foot-1, Mikonowicz played both running back and defensive back for Reedsburg Area High School, earning All-State honors at both positions. That kind of two-way production doesn’t just happen-it speaks to his athleticism, football IQ, and work ethic.
“Grateful to announce my commitment to UW! Blessed for the opportunity and to be able to represent my home state!
Go Badgers!” Mikonowicz posted on X, showing the kind of enthusiasm and pride that programs love to see from homegrown talent.
While Mikonowicz didn’t receive any Power Four scholarship offers, his commitment as a preferred walk-on is still significant. Walk-ons have a long and proud history in college football, especially in Wisconsin, where gritty, under-the-radar players have often worked their way into meaningful roles. And with only two scholarship players from Wisconsin currently in the 2026 class-linebackers Ben Wenzel and Taylor Schaefer-Mikonowicz adds to a small but important group of in-state recruits looking to make their mark.
As for Wisconsin’s running back room heading into 2026, there’s a lot in flux.
The biggest change? Cade Yacamelli, a key piece of the backfield, has entered the transfer portal.
That leaves a young and largely unproven group to carry the load next season. Here’s how the depth chart is shaping up:
- Darrion Dupree (Junior in 2026): Likely to be the leader of the group. He’s shown flashes and will be expected to take on a heavier workload.
- Dilin Jones (Sophomore): A talented runner who could push for serious touches.
- Gideon Ituka (Sophomore): Another player with upside, still developing.
- Mason Lane (Sophomore): Depth piece who may see more opportunities with Yacamelli gone.
- Harrison Bortolotti (Redshirt Freshman): Young, but intriguing.
- Will Mikonowicz (True Freshman): He may not be in the mix right away, but don’t count him out. His versatility and toughness could make him a valuable piece on special teams or as a situational back early on.
This is a group that’s going to need to grow up fast. There’s talent, but not a lot of experience. That opens the door for competition, and Mikonowicz-who’s already shown he can excel on both sides of the ball-has a chance to carve out a role if he brings the same edge he showed in high school.
For Wisconsin, the path back to relevance isn’t just about five-star signings or flashy transfers. It’s about building a culture, one that values toughness, development, and pride in the program.
Mikonowicz fits that mold. He’s not coming in with hype, but he’s coming in with heart-and sometimes, that’s exactly what a program needs to turn the corner.
The Badgers are still in the early stages of reshaping their identity under Fickell. And while the road ahead won’t be easy, commitments like this one are a reminder that the foundation is still being laid-with players who want to wear the “W” for all the right reasons.