Luke Fickell’s start at Wisconsin has been rocky, but one former Badgers standout says the answer isn’t to walk away from the project.
Brad Nortman, the former Wisconsin punter and current local radio host, pointed to a break from the program’s familiar formula as the place where things started to slip after Fickell arrived from Cincinnati. Speaking with The Athletic’s Justin Williams, Nortman said Fickell tried to remake too much too quickly.
"I think coach Fickell thought he could do it his own way," he said. "Erase the Badger blueprint and a lot of the traditions... in-state recruiting, connecting with high school coaches, connecting with former players. There was a level of disconnect.”
Nortman also took aim at former athletic director Chris McIntosh, saying his exit came at the wrong time.
"It was like he was leaving right before accountability sets in."
Even with Wisconsin’s rough-looking record under Fickell, Nortman made clear he still believes the coach deserves time to keep working through the issues. The Badgers finished a difficult 2025 season with two ranked wins, and in 2026 they’re set up with a bigger roster investment and a more manageable schedule.
"If you’re in a marriage and realize it’s not working but you go to counseling and try to change, I give you a lot of credit. That’s what Fickell’s doing now. He’s taking steps to fix it.”
Nortman played at Wisconsin from 2008-2011 before being selected No. 207 overall in the 2012 draft by the Carolina Panthers. He spent four of his six NFL seasons with Carolina, then signed a four-year, $8.8 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars after his rookie contract. He played only two of those years before being released prior to the 2018 season.
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