It’s National Signing Day, marking the conclusion of the 2025 recruitment cycle as all members of the class have officially signed. Under head coach Luke Fickell, Wisconsin has assembled solid recruiting classes over the years, but these haven’t yet translated to significant success on the field. So, how does the 2025 class compare nationally and historically for Fickell?
Despite limited on-field success, Fickell has secured another strong recruiting class. According to 247Sports, the Badgers’ 2025 class ranks 27th in the nation, featuring 23 commitments, including seven four-star players, with standout New Mexico linebacker Mason Posa leading the group. Overall, it’s a robust class with talent like quarterback Carter Smith and edge rusher Nicholas Clayton, ranking ninth in the Big Ten.
This class marks the second-highest ranking for Fickell since he took over at Wisconsin, just below the 23rd-ranked class of 2024. Notably, Fickell’s class of 2023 has seen over half its recruits transfer out and was ranked 59th, while the 2022 class, which included some of his recruits, was ranked 41st.
Even with a few top-50 classes, the on-field performance hasn’t matched the recruiting efforts. Fickell holds a sub-.500 record in his first two full seasons, including a disappointing 5-7 record this year—the worst for Wisconsin in over two decades—which has dampened enthusiasm around the recruiting successes. The hope is that he can finally maximize his recruits despite a tough 2025 schedule.
For the 2026 class, the Badgers currently have one commitment, offensive lineman Benjamin Novak, and losing GM Max Stienecker is expected to be a significant setback. However, Fickell has proven capable of assembling strong classes, and he’ll need another good one to drive success with the Badgers.
