The Wisconsin Badgers begin their 2025 campaign under considerable scrutiny after a deeply disappointing 5–7 record in 2024 that saw them miss a bowl game for the first time since 2001, leaving fans and alumni questioning whether head coach Luke Fickell can engineer a meaningful turnaround in Year 2. Despite entering last season with optimism, the Badgers struggled to establish consistency on either side of the ball, especially on offense, where they ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in scoring and red zone efficiency. Quarterback play was erratic, the run game lacked its usual dominance, and a traditionally stout defense had trouble getting off the field on third downs. With a full offseason to implement his culture and with a number of key returners, Fickell now faces the critical challenge of restoring the program’s physical identity while adapting it to the modern tempo-based, spread-heavy direction he has introduced. The quarterback position remains central to Wisconsin’s hopes, as improved production under center will be essential to opening up the offense and preventing defenses from crowding the box. The offensive line—long the backbone of the Badgers’ success—needs to regain its edge after a shaky 2024 campaign marked by penalties and blown assignments. Fortunately for Wisconsin, the schedule presents a manageable early opportunity in the form of Miami Ohio, a well-coached but physically outmatched opponent from the MAC.

While the RedHawks boast a disciplined defense, Wisconsin’s size and depth in the trenches should give them a definitive advantage, especially if they commit to establishing the run and wear down the smaller front seven across four quarters. On defense, the Badgers will look to be more aggressive under new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, with a renewed emphasis on generating negative plays and pressuring the quarterback—an area where they fell short last year. Special teams could be a hidden asset, as Wisconsin returns an experienced kicker and has placed added emphasis this offseason on improving punt return production and kickoff coverage. Most importantly, the Badgers need a fast start to calm what could be an anxious Camp Randall crowd and reassert confidence in the direction of the program. A strong performance from the defense early, combined with a few explosive plays on offense, could quickly swing momentum and allow Wisconsin to dictate tempo. This game also offers a chance to develop rhythm and chemistry among a receiving corps that was underutilized last season, as well as get valuable reps for new contributors in a game they are expected to control. For Wisconsin, this is not just about winning—it’s about sending a message to fans, recruits, and future Big Ten opponents that the 2024 season was an anomaly, not the new norm. A dominant showing against Miami Ohio won’t silence all doubts, but it would be a critical first step toward reestablishing the Badgers as a credible force in the conference and setting the tone for a bounce-back campaign in 2025.