Chris McIntosh and Luke Fickell aren’t mincing words this offseason - the mission in Madison is clear: elevate Wisconsin football to championship caliber. And for the Badgers to make that leap, the roster needs a serious talent injection, particularly through the transfer portal. Fickell’s first year showed flashes of potential, but if Wisconsin wants to compete at the highest level, it’s time to get aggressive - and strategic - with upgrades across the board.
Here’s a position-by-position look at where Wisconsin needs to reload, reinforce, and raise the bar.
1. Quarterback: The Top Priority, No Debate
Let’s not sugarcoat it - quarterback play was a major issue for Wisconsin this season. Luke Fickell cycled through every scholarship QB on the roster, and none could consistently move the offense. Injuries didn’t help - Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil both went down - but even when healthy, the room lacked the kind of high-level execution needed to compete in the Big Ten.
Hunter Simmons struggled to command the offense, and while Carter Smith shows some promise, he’s not there yet as a passer. This is where the portal has to come into play in a big way.
Wisconsin needs to find the guy - a proven quarterback who can step in and lead from day one. And ideally, they land two: a starter and a strong backup or developmental piece to push the competition.
At the same time, development can’t stop. Carter Smith still has upside, and this staff needs to cultivate that. But the Badgers can’t afford to roll into 2026 without a clear upgrade at the most important position on the field.
2. Offensive Line: A Wisconsin Staple That Needs Reinforcement
When a program known for its dominant run game can’t get a back over 100 yards in all but one game, that’s a red flag. The offensive line was a problem early and often this season - struggling to establish the run and protect the quarterback. And while there are some solid building blocks in place, the unit lacked the cohesion and physicality we’ve come to expect from a Wisconsin front.
Fixing that starts in the portal. The Badgers need at least two or three plug-and-play offensive linemen who can step in and raise the floor - and the ceiling - of this group.
Whether it’s interior help or tackles who can anchor the edge, Wisconsin has to rebuild the identity of its offensive line. Because without it, the rest of the offense can’t function.
3. Cornerback: Experience Needed in a Young Room
Losing Ricardo Hallman to graduation leaves a void in the secondary, and while some younger corners flashed potential, this group needs more experience - and fast. The Big Ten doesn’t give you time to grow up slowly, especially with high-powered offenses becoming more common across the conference.
Adding two veteran cornerbacks from the portal would go a long way toward stabilizing the back end. And with the right additions, this defense could take a big step forward in 2026.
4. Defensive Line & Edge Rushers: Keep Stacking the Trenches
You can never have too many big bodies up front - and Fickell knows that. Wisconsin already landed a top transfer on the defensive line last week, but the work isn’t done. The Badgers still need more depth and disruption in the trenches.
Adding two to three more defensive linemen, plus a couple of edge rushers, would give this defense the kind of physical presence needed to win in the Big Ten. It’s not just about stopping the run - it’s about collapsing the pocket and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That’s the next evolution for this front seven.
5. Wide Receivers: Give the QB Some Firepower
If you’re bringing in a new quarterback, you better give him some weapons. Wisconsin’s receiving corps had moments, but overall, it lacked consistent playmakers who could stretch the field or create separation in tight coverage. And with the portal opening, there’s a good chance the Badgers will see some turnover in this room.
That makes it even more important to add talent - whether it’s a go-to outside threat, a slot specialist, or a big-bodied red zone target. The offense needs more juice, and it starts with giving the quarterback reliable targets who can make plays.
The Bottom Line
This offseason is about more than just plugging holes - it’s about raising the standard. Fickell and McIntosh are setting their sights high, and that means every position should be up for competition.
Development matters, but so does upgrading the roster with proven talent. If Wisconsin wants to chase championships, it starts with building a roster that can compete with the best.
The portal is open. The opportunity is there. Now it’s time to go get it.