Wisconsin Badgers Coaching Rumors: Jake Dickert Emerges as Top Replacement Candidate for Luke Fickell

As the Wisconsin Badgers football program faces mounting pressure after a rough start to the 2026 season, speculation is already heating up about who could replace head coach Luke Fickell if the team fails to turn things around. According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Jake Dickert would be high on Wisconsin's radar should the Badgers decide to make a change.

The Badgers invested more than $20 million into the football program this season in a last-ditch effort to make things work with Fickell. However, a disappointing second-half collapse in a nationally televised loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has reignited questions about the coach's future in Madison.

Why Jake Dickert Could Be the Perfect Fit for Wisconsin

Dickert, a 43-year-old Wisconsin native, has deep roots in the state. He played college football at Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 2002 to 2006 before beginning his coaching career there as a graduate assistant. The Oconto native and Kohler High School alum has coached at every level of college football, from North Dakota State to Wyoming, before landing his first head coaching role.

After being elevated to interim head coach at Washington State in 2020, Dickert impressed with a 3-3 record. He earned the full-time job and posted two winning seasons in three years, including an 8-4 mark in his fourth season. Last year, he took over at Wake Forest and immediately turned the program around with a 9-4 record, including a 43-29 victory over Mississippi State in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

“The 43-year-old Wisconsin native has coached at every level of college football and did an excellent job in his first head coaching role after getting elevated as the interim at Washington State. He was a much-needed stabilizing force and got the Cougars to 8-4 in his fourth season at a program left behind by the top of the Pac-12. Last year, he quietly did a superb job, going 9-4 at Wake Forest.”

Fickell's Struggles in Madison

Fickell arrived in Wisconsin with high expectations after posting a combined 57-18 record in six seasons at Cincinnati, including trips to the Peach Bowl and Cotton Bowl. But his tenure in Madison has been rocky. After matching the Badgers' 7-6 record in his first full season, the team took a massive step backward in 2024 with a 5-7 mark, the program's first losing season since 2001.

Things only got worse this past season, as Fickell became the first Wisconsin head coach since Barry Alvarez (1991-92) to post a sub-.500 record in consecutive years. The Badgers showed signs of promise in the first half against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, but the same issues that plagued the team over the past two years resurfaced in the second half, with the Fighting Irish outscoring Wisconsin 28-3 in the final two quarters.

What's at Stake for the Badgers This Season?

Already 0-1, the Badgers face a brutal schedule ahead. Ranked road games against Penn State (Sept. 26) and Iowa (Oct. 31) loom large, along with a home matchup against the USC Trojans on Oct. 24. If Wisconsin loses six or more games this season, it would likely spell the end of Fickell's tenure in Madison.

For Iowa fans, the Oct. 31 matchup against the Badgers in Iowa City could carry extra weight if Wisconsin is in the midst of a coaching transition. The Hawkeyes have historically been a tough opponent for Wisconsin, and a struggling Badgers team could give Iowa a significant advantage in the rivalry game.

Could Dickert Bring Stability Back to Wisconsin?

Dickert's track record suggests he could be the stabilizing force Wisconsin needs. His ability to turn around programs at Washington State and Wake Forest demonstrates a knack for building competitive teams in challenging environments. As a Wisconsin native, he would likely bring a sense of pride and commitment to the program that resonates with fans and players alike.

While nothing is official yet, the rumors surrounding Dickert signal that Wisconsin's leadership is already preparing for a potential coaching search. For now, all eyes will be on Fickell and the Badgers as they look to salvage their season and avoid another disappointing finish.