Badgers Football 2025-2026

[Firethorn1001]

That's not what is happening.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

That's not what is happening.

No it isn't, you are correct. However, I think, at least for me, the over exaggeration is just the venting of frustration with the Badgers, as well as the current state of the Transfer Portal and NIL.

The Badgers are still viewed as a top 50 program, so yes, they will land some players that will get fans excited. However, I haven't seen a player announced yet, that I would be getting equally excited about if I was a Michigan or USC fan. Add to that the disappointment of the players already lost from the Badger Football program through the portal or decommitments and many of us are still seeing a ball rolling downhill faster than we would like to see it.

 

[Firethorn1001]

The Badgers are still viewed as a top 50 program, so yes, they will land some players that will get fans excited. However, I haven't seen a player announced yet, that I would be getting equally excited about if I was a Michigan or USC fan.

Understood. I just don't think even in their prime the Badgers landed many players that would excite the elites. From a personnel standpoint seems like they have blunted the ball rolling downhill and are at least net neutral. Is it going to translate to more success on the field? I'm not sure. I'm massively anti-pessimistic on the entire Luke Fickell experiment, but at least in my eyes from a roster perspective seems like they've managed.

Trying (desperately? foolishly?) to find some slight positivity towards the garbage fest the last few years.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Understood. I just don't think even in their prime the Badgers landed many players that would excite the elites. From a personnel standpoint seems like they have blunted the ball rolling downhill and are at least net neutral. Is it going to translate to more success on the field? I'm not sure. I'm massively anti-pessimistic on the entire Luke Fickell experiment, but at least in my eyes from a roster perspective seems like they've managed.

Trying (desperately? foolishly?) to find some slight positivity towards the garbage fest the last few years.

I get it and I respect you for that. I still love all the Badger Teams and hope they all have successful programs in the future. I disagreed with McIntosh hanging on to Fickell, but understand the money issue, as well as there really isn't a quick fix to what is going on with the Badger Football Program. My issue and frustrations are more with the current state of the NCAA in regards to the transfer portal, as well as NIL.

 

[Voyageur]

Understood. I just don't think even in their prime the Badgers landed many players that would excite the elites. From a personnel standpoint seems like they have blunted the ball rolling downhill and are at least net neutral. Is it going to translate to more success on the field? I'm not sure. I'm massively anti-pessimistic on the entire Luke Fickell experiment, but at least in my eyes from a roster perspective seems like they've managed.

Trying (desperately? foolishly?) to find some slight positivity towards the garbage fest the last few years.

You're right. They didn't land those 4+ & 5 star players prior to Fickell, but what they did do well was get a bunch of farm kids who were big, strong, and could play in the offensive line, and usually without leaving the state of Wisconsin. They also were able to get a lot of 'tweeners who were 3-star rated because they came from small schools and the walk-ons Wisconsin has had has turned into a who's who in the NFL after excelling as Badgers.

What happened is that Fickell turned his back on these kids as if there weren't any good players unless they came from out East, and the central area of talent was in Ohio. Fickell ended up losing the high school pipelines that have existed for the Badgers since Alvarez got those doors opened during his time as head coach.

As far as the players being brought in, nobody said they aren't good. I just said they aren't in the top group at each position because those guys are getting NIL deals that compare to what a guy gets going into the NFL as an early pick.

Even if the "collective money" appears to be even between Ohio State and Wisconsin, that's not even scratching the surface as to what else is paid in NIL money. You want to see how it works? Meet some of the people I know down here in Texas who are associated with the Longhorns program. For guys who are contributing, but not even necessarily first-string players, there will be upwards of $500k in money beyond the collective headed in their direction for meet and greets, and often more. Money is no object.

Something very interesting here. Easily verified. The following top 25 teams from this past season based on the rankings. Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas, Houston, and North Texas. All six are being super funded beyond the collective from wealthy oil magnates. That's a lot of top teams for the entire nation from a small area. The top 3 in the rankings. Indiana, Ohio State, and Georgia. Check out their NIL funding beyond their collectives. It's enough to choke a horse and you'll never wade through all of it because it's considered private enterprise therefore not necessary to be divulged.

I'm a realist. When you're bringing in guys who didn't start for a 2nd or 3rd tier NCAA team and thinking he's the best thing since sliced white bread I become skeptical. I don't fall for hype. I want to see that so called "potential" play out on the field.

To me, if the Badgers win as many as they lose this coming season it's going to be like Indiana going unbeaten all the way through to win a Natty this year.

 

[Firethorn1001]

I'm a realist. When you're bringing in guys who didn't start for a 2nd or 3rd tier NCAA team and thinking he's the best thing since sliced white bread I become skeptical. I don't fall for hype. I want to see that so called "potential" play out on the field.

Snipped out a bunch of stuff I generally agree with and don't dispute.

However... please don't put words in my mouth or convey my position differently than my intent. I didn't say or imply that these guys are best thing since sliced bread, I'm not saying they are in line for a playoff spot, hell.. I'm not even suggesting they will have a winning record. Merely stated that they seem to be doing a decent job of at least looking like they are net neutral at a minimum on rebuilding the roster (rankings out there suggest this) and it isn't bottom of the barrel guys that they are bringing in.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

You're right. They didn't land those 4+ & 5 star players prior to Fickell, but what they did do well was get a bunch of farm kids who were big, strong, and could play in the offensive line, and usually without leaving the state of Wisconsin. They also were able to get a lot of 'tweeners who were 3-star rated because they came from small schools and the walk-ons Wisconsin has had has turned into a who's who in the NFL after excelling as Badgers.

What happened is that Fickell turned his back on these kids as if there weren't any good players unless they came from out East, and the central area of talent was in Ohio. Fickell ended up losing the high school pipelines that have existed for the Badgers since Alvarez got those doors opened during his time as head coach.

As far as the players being brought in, nobody said they aren't good. I just said they aren't in the top group at each position because those guys are getting NIL deals that compare to what a guy gets going into the NFL as an early pick.

Even if the "collective money" appears to be even between Ohio State and Wisconsin, that's not even scratching the surface as to what else is paid in NIL money. You want to see how it works? Meet some of the people I know down here in Texas who are associated with the Longhorns program. For guys who are contributing, but not even necessarily first-string players, there will be upwards of $500k in money beyond the collective headed in their direction for meet and greets, and often more. Money is no object.

Something very interesting here. Easily verified. The following top 25 teams from this past season based on the rankings. Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas, Houston, and North Texas. All six are being super funded beyond the collective from wealthy oil magnates. That's a lot of top teams for the entire nation from a small area. The top 3 in the rankings. Indiana, Ohio State, and Georgia. Check out their NIL funding beyond their collectives. It's enough to choke a horse and you'll never wade through all of it because it's considered private enterprise therefore not necessary to be divulged.

I'm a realist. When you're bringing in guys who didn't start for a 2nd or 3rd tier NCAA team and thinking he's the best thing since sliced white bread I become skeptical. I don't fall for hype. I want to see that so called "potential" play out on the field.

To me, if the Badgers win as many as they lose this coming season it's going to be like Indiana going unbeaten all the way through to win a Natty this year.

Good breakdown and opinion, thank you.

My heart wants to pull for Indiana to win tonight, as well as win the whole thing. What a story for a perennial doormat in Football! However, I know enough about Mark Cuban and how his unspecified amount of money (he simply said "it is a "big number"") given directly to the Football program staring in 2024, has changed everything for the Hoosiers. Knowing that has me wanting to see IU fall on their rich assess. Then again, how much money does Oregon have pumping into the Football program?

Bottom line, the transfer portal needs to be tamped way down and a limit needs to be set on how many players a team can get from the portal. After that, go tackle the NIL money issues. Otherwise college sports is just another professional league, with no contracts or salary cap.

 

[Voyageur]

Snipped out a bunch of stuff I generally agree with and don't dispute.

However... please don't put words in my mouth or convey my position differently than my intent. I didn't say or imply that these guys are best thing since sliced bread, I'm not saying they are in line for a playoff spot, hell.. I'm not even suggesting they will have a winning record. Merely stated that they seem to be doing a decent job of at least looking like they are net neutral at a minimum on rebuilding the roster (rankings out there suggest this) and it isn't bottom of the barrel guys that they are bringing in.

I went back over what I said, and I never implied anything about what you said. Why would I? You voiced your opinion, I voiced mine. Expect that when you post something. Like I said, I don't buy into the hype on any of it. I'm very pragmatic. What you see is what you get. Words of praise don't mean squat to me. Results do.

I learned, in Vietnam, that there were talkers and there were doers. After being there several months, we'd get replacements. Some came in quiet and meek, and would listen. Others came in talking about how they were going to kill them some of them g**ks. They could hardly wait. The first time we were under fire, mortar rounds coming onto our base, and sappers trying to get through the wire and we were trying to stop them, the big mouths were the ones who lay behind sandbags wetting their pants and crying for their mommy because they were all talk and no action. So, excuse me if I'm pragmatic. I'm saying it again. We're buying beer not top shelf liquor or wine because of NIL.

 

[Firethorn1001]

I went back over what I said, and I never implied anything about what you said. Why would I? You voiced your opinion, I voiced mine.

My fault. When you had stated greatest thing since sliced bread then I incorrectly thought you were stating I thought that, but yours was a more general comment.


In other news, the Indiana Mark Cubans have soundly defeat the Oregon Phil Knights. Seeing Cuban on the field ya.. I'll root for Miami.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So Sad......RIP Jack.

Jack Pugh Quit Football To Battle Depression Years Ago. And Now His Sudden Death Has Left The Community Stunned

Jack Pugh lost his battle.

www.operationsports.com

 

[Voyageur]

My fault. When you had stated greatest thing since sliced bread then I incorrectly thought you were stating I thought that, but yours was a more general comment.


In other news, the Indiana Mark Cubans have soundly defeat the Oregon Phil Knights. Seeing Cuban on the field ya.. I'll root for Miami.

Money talks, bull$hit walks. It's how the NCAA sports game is played today. Just heard where Michigan dumped $2 mill into this year's group of roundball players, which was added to the existing NIL money they were getting. Once again, one of the best money can buy. It's going to turn college sports pro. Actually, it already has.

Now we're also seeing "academy players" coming out of Europe who have a half dozen years' experience at the equivalent of the G-League in the NBA being eligible to play college ball and you can see them everywhere on teams. Some are turning into exceptional players. Interestingly, some are 24 or so years old starting college.

 

[Voyageur]

So Sad......RIP Jack.

Jack Pugh Quit Football To Battle Depression Years Ago. And Now His Sudden Death Has Left The Community Stunned

Jack Pugh lost his battle.

www.operationsports.com

Mental health issues can be a real hidden problem. Some people don't recover even with help. It's difficult at best.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Mental health issues can be a real hidden problem. Some people don't recover even with help. It's difficult at best.

I went through this when I was 19. It started with a panic attack and is still the most frightening thing I've ever experienced. Panic attacks, chronic depression, OCD all seem to travel together. This happened in 1972, when little was know about how brain anatomy can affect mood and behavior. I attribute my survival during the following 20 years to long-distance running, specifically marathons. It's true that exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain and eases depression. I was finally prescribed something for this in 2002 and have been taking it ever since.

No cause of death for Jack Pugh was cited. It's amazing that he had the presence to quit football and, I assume, focus on his mental health. At that age, depression is very hard to understand. I feel for him, and I'm sorry he didn't find an answer for his condition.

RIP Jack. And may his memory be a blessing to us all, and a lesson. If you're suffering from depression, there is help if you ask. And if you know someone experiencing this, please encourage them to get help. It doesn't have to end badly.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I went through this when I was 19. It started with a panic attack and is still the most frightening thing I've ever experienced. Panic attacks, chronic depression, OCD all seem to travel together. This happened in 1972, when little was know about how brain anatomy can affect mood and behavior. I attribute my survival during the following 20 years to long-distance running, specifically marathons. It's true that exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain and eases depression. I was finally prescribed something for this in 2002 and have been taking it ever since.

I'm glad that you were able to survive and live with this @Heyjoe4

As @Voyageur correctly point out, so many don't and it either kills them or debilitates them for life. I grew up with a bipolar mother and it was always so sad to see her friends and even some family members treat her like she had the plague whenever she would have a bad mood swing. Where they afraid of her? Because she wasn't dangerous. Where they embarrassed to be around her? I wasn't. Or where they just so programmed to think not being "normal" was broken or wrong? While modern medicine has come a ways with treating brain disorders, society in general really hasn't. So may people are intolerant of anyone that doesn't fit inside their box of what is "normal". Their "norms" being applied, of course.

Walk around on crutches due to a broken leg and people will open doors for you, ask if they can give you a hand. Walk around with a brain that is foggy or not quite clear at the time, watch people run and try to pretend that you don't exist.

 

[milani]

I'm glad that you were able to survive and live with this @Heyjoe4

As @Voyageur correctly point out, so many don't and it either kills them or debilitates them for life. I grew up with a bipolar mother and it was always so sad to see her friends and even some family members treat her like she had the plague whenever she would have a bad mood swing. Where they afraid of her? Because she wasn't dangerous. Where they embarrassed to be around her? I wasn't. Or where they just so programmed to think not being "normal" was broken or wrong? While modern medicine has come a ways with treating brain disorders, society in general really hasn't. So may people are intolerant of anyone that doesn't fit inside their box of what is "normal". Their "norms" being applied, of course.

Walk around on crutches due to a broken leg and people will open doors for you, ask if they can give you a hand. Walk around with a brain that is foggy or not quite clear at the time, watch people run and try to pretend that you don't exist.

My first wife was diagnosed with Depression when she was a teenager before I had even met her way back in the day. But the treatments were all over the board. One of the obstacles that can inhibit the best care is if the patient refuses to acknowledge his or her illness, much like an alcoholic or drug addict that denies the reality. It can be challenging, yet deceiving for family and friends. One can not only appear to be returned to health but can display a completely opposite personna, one of elation and exuberance. The paradox is that once one is introduced to anti-depressants one cannot simply stop taking them unmonitored without repercussions. Such was the case with my first wife who eventually took her own life after 24 years of marriage.

 

[Voyageur]

I went through this when I was 19. It started with a panic attack and is still the most frightening thing I've ever experienced. Panic attacks, chronic depression, OCD all seem to travel together. This happened in 1972, when little was know about how brain anatomy can affect mood and behavior. I attribute my survival during the following 20 years to long-distance running, specifically marathons. It's true that exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain and eases depression. I was finally prescribed something for this in 2002 and have been taking it ever since.

No cause of death for Jack Pugh was cited. It's amazing that he had the presence to quit football and, I assume, focus on his mental health. At that age, depression is very hard to understand. I feel for him, and I'm sorry he didn't find an answer for his condition.

RIP Jack. And may his memory be a blessing to us all, and a lesson. If you're suffering from depression, there is help if you ask. And if you know someone experiencing this, please encourage them to get help. It doesn't have to end badly.

I've dealt with it myself. Right now, it's one of the biggest roadblocks my wife has been having in her health recovery. It's an ongoing issue and very difficult for people to understand, unless they've experienced it.

You've done the primary thing necessary to handle it. You admitted to its existing, and when we do, we can find mechanisms to control it. Sometimes it takes medications, and sometimes we can get past that need. But it's an ongoing battle and we can never let our guard down when we have experienced it.

 

[Voyageur]

My first wife was diagnosed with Depression when she was a teenager before I had even met her way back in the day. But the treatments were all over the board. One of the obstacles that can inhibit the best care is if the patient refuses to acknowledge his or her illness, much like an alcoholic or drug addict that denies the reality. It can be challenging, yet deceiving for family and friends. One can not only appear to be returned to health but can display a completely opposite personna, one of elation and exuberance. The paradox is that once one is introduced to anti-depressants one cannot simply stop taking them unmonitored without repercussions. Such was the case with my first wife who eventually took her own life after 24 years of marriage.

I'm so sorry to hear what happened to her. I understand how you feel about it and how she must have as well. The medications can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. I know from my own experiences. I was able to wean myself from them, fortunately. Yet, there are times when I feel stress to a point that I have to take a step back and recalculate what I'm going to do next, and beyond that. Right now, I'm being tested with my wife's ongoing illness, and the ups and downs in her recovery due mainly to anxiety and depression. It's a daily battle, but we believe she's finding her way to healing.

For myself, I've found that my faith has contributed to my being able to control it in myself and not panic under the stress caused by her continuing problems. We all have to find our own ways of control and it's not easy, no matter what anyone thinks.

 

[milani]

I'm so sorry to hear what happened to her. I understand how you feel about it and how she must have as well. The medications can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. I know from my own experiences. I was able to wean myself from them, fortunately. Yet, there are times when I feel stress to a point that I have to take a step back and recalculate what I'm going to do next, and beyond that. Right now, I'm being tested with my wife's ongoing illness, and the ups and downs in her recovery due mainly to anxiety and depression. It's a daily battle, but we believe she's finding her way to healing.

For myself, I've found that my faith has contributed to my being able to control it in myself and not panic under the stress caused by her continuing problems. We all have to find our own ways of control and it's not easy, no matter what anyone thinks.

Despite medication and strong counseling with biofeedback, single events can push those individuals to and past the breaking point unlike others who go through life rolling with the punches. Because of my career I had to relocate a lot and, as you would know, it can throw much out of kilter. Some spouses relish that. Others do not. The change in environment, the loss of friends, and the distance from traditional family members can hit one like a bolt of lightning. For much of that time our picture frame of life was Ward and June and Wally and the Beaver. Hopeful, but not realistic.

 

[El Guapo]

My buddy's nephew just committed to the Badgers. Great kid:

Three reasons why Kingston Allen's commitment is a big deal for Wisconsin football

Wisconsin football landed its eighth in-state commitment of the 2027 recruiting cycle with Green Bay tailback Kingston Allen.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Heyjoe4]

My first wife was diagnosed with Depression when she was a teenager before I had even met her way back in the day. But the treatments were all over the board. One of the obstacles that can inhibit the best care is if the patient refuses to acknowledge his or her illness, much like an alcoholic or drug addict that denies the reality. It can be challenging, yet deceiving for family and friends. One can not only appear to be returned to health but can display a completely opposite personna, one of elation and exuberance. The paradox is that once one is introduced to anti-depressants one cannot simply stop taking them unmonitored without repercussions. Such was the case with my first wife who eventually took her own life after 24 years of marriage.

I'm so sorry about your wife milani. Depression is very, very real to all involved. May your wife RIP. Joe

 

[Heyjoe4]

I've dealt with it myself. Right now, it's one of the biggest roadblocks my wife has been having in her health recovery. It's an ongoing issue and very difficult for people to understand, unless they've experienced it.

You've done the primary thing necessary to handle it. You admitted to its existing, and when we do, we can find mechanisms to control it. Sometimes it takes medications, and sometimes we can get past that need. But it's an ongoing battle and we can never let our guard down when we have experienced it.

Thanks for the kind words V. I wasn't afraid to admit or talk about my panic attack and ensuing depression. My problem was 1) my parents' lack of understanding for what I was going through and 2) same parents and Dr whose best message to me at age 19 and suffering from panic attacks/depression was "It's time for you to grow up and paddle your own canoe."

This is actually what our "family Dr" told me, word for word. It made me that much more depressed. In retrospect, it was 1972 and very little was known about the mechanism(s) behind depression. I felt much better later in life when I realized this and was able to, posthumously, forgive my parents and our Dr. They didn't understand my condition any better than I did.....

But depression or other problems with mental health should be talked about. I imagine it takes great courage to ask for such help, in part because panic attacks and depression are so hard to explain to another person. But if anyone reading this is suffering these symptoms - please, please, please talk to your Dr and family about it. There is no rooom for shame here, only healing.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Money talks, bull$hit walks. It's how the NCAA sports game is played today. Just heard where Michigan dumped $2 mill into this year's group of roundball players, which was added to the existing NIL money they were getting. Once again, one of the best money can buy. It's going to turn college sports pro. Actually, it already has.

Now we're also seeing "academy players" coming out of Europe who have a half dozen years' experience at the equivalent of the G-League in the NBA being eligible to play college ball and you can see them everywhere on teams. Some are turning into exceptional players. Interestingly, some are 24 or so years old starting college.

NCAA football and basketball resembles minor league baseball in some ways. The richer teams like Michigan are like AAA teams. Those rosters have guys making big money who are close to going to the major league and then there are the "journeymen" players who fill out the roster getting by on much less who have a very small shot at making it to the majors.

The difference is that in AAA, some of the players have already been drafted and are under contract to the big league team.

Under a minor league model, it just seems that the affiliation with a college becomes moot. Players are there as a stepping stone to the major league and it really doesn't matter much any more if they're students.

 

[Voyageur]

Thanks for the kind words V. I wasn't afraid to admit or talk about my panic attack and ensuing depression. My problem was 1) my parents' lack of understanding for what I was going through and 2) same parents and Dr whose best message to me at age 19 and suffering from panic attacks/depression was "It's time for you to grow up and paddle your own canoe."

This is actually what our "family Dr" told me, word for word. It made me that much more depressed. In retrospect, it was 1972 and very little was known about the mechanism(s) behind depression. I felt much better later in life when I realized this and was able to, posthumously, forgive my parents and our Dr. They didn't understand my condition any better than I did.....

But depression or other problems with mental health should be talked about. I imagine it takes great courage to ask for such help, in part because panic attacks and depression are so hard to explain to another person. But if anyone reading this is suffering these symptoms - please, please, please talk to your Dr and family about it. There is no rooom for shame here, only healing.

A lot of people don't understand it and never will. This includes most doctors to be honest. They think you just take a deep breath and think good thoughts and it's gone. If that don't work, here's a pill, maybe two, or three.... they'll do the trick. "You'll grow out of it!" Another of the gems from people who don't understand. The worst part is that they don't understand and end up being callous about it because they are clueless. To be honest, it's not entirely their fault. Medical science hasn't done enough over the years to educate people on the issue. In the end, we need to find the keys to controlling it. In the end, I found mine in my faith. I wasn't strongly religious but as I moved forward, I found it worked for me. It doesn't mean that's what's needed for everyone, but I do know it worked for me. Even now, when I'm being tested by life, I call on my faith to help guide me through and it works. We all have our own keys.

 

[milani]

I'm so sorry about your wife milani. Depression is very, very real to all involved. May your wife RIP. Joe

Thanks. It was a long time ago. I since remarried and tried to move on with life. We all deal with the downside of life. And it can be worse for many. The night that I was home after it happened I lay in bed and suddenly my memory made me think of Bart Starr, particularly how he had to fly to Florida and find his youngest son the victim of suicide. If Bart, the most wonderful human being you could meet, had to deal with this, then I must certainly do the same.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Under a minor league model, it just seems that the affiliation with a college becomes moot. Players are there as a stepping stone to the major league and it really doesn't matter much any more if they're students.

Yup and wait until the NCAA declares that players don't have to be meet any academic standards to be there or stay there. An even bigger move would be to declare that athletes can "stay in school" for as long as they want to and compete in athletics for as many years as they are enrolled/employed at the school.

Do all of that and one might ponder the future and have to ask themselves the question. Someday, will it be difficult for the NFL to compete against NIL money AND network money?