What does Wisconsin need to overcome its obstacles this season?
The Wisconsin Badgers have quite a few obstacles in their way ahead of the 2025 season. Of course, their schedule comes to mind, as well as the amount of turnover they’ve dealt with in every phase of their program this offseason.
Still, there is a blueprint for success in 2025, although that word is highly subjective when considering where Wisconsin currently stands as a team.
So, let’s break down three keys to success for the Badgers in order to exceed expectations.
Can Jeff Grimes’ Offense Take Hold?
After the “Air Raid experiment” under Phil Longo stalled out, head coach Luke Fickell handed the offense over to veteran play-caller Jeff Grimes, known for his physical, multiple-run scheme that powered Baylor to a Big 12 title in 2021. The question now is: Can this unit gel quickly enough to survive the schedule?
The early tests are brutal—at Alabama in Week 1, then home against Washington and Ohio State in two of the next four games.
If Grimes can get the line playing downhill and establish rhythm in the ground game, his system can give Wisconsin much-needed identity. If the offense looks disjointed early? It could be another year of middling results in Madison.
How Far Can Billy Edwards Jr. Take Them?
It’s no secret: quarterback play has been the missing piece since Russell Wilson’s 2011 magic. Billy Edwards Jr., the Maryland transfer, won the starting job and brings dual-threat ability and leadership. But what we don’t know is how he’ll respond under real pressure.
With a young wide receiver corps and unproven backs, Edwards will need to elevate the pieces around him. He doesn’t need to be a Heisman candidate—but he does need to manage games, protect the ball, and occasionally take over when the moment demands it.
His play will likely make the difference between a four or five-win season and an eight or nine-win surprise run.
Surviving the Midseason Gauntlet
The stretch from Week 6 to Week 9 is pure punishment: Michigan (away), Iowa (home), Ohio State (home), and at Oregon. It’s the kind of slate that tests depth, culture, and coaching. If Wisconsin can survive that stretch at or near .500, they’ll set themselves up for a strong November and potential bowl momentum. But a freefall could be tough to recover from, especially with younger players in key roles.
This is where Fickell’s leadership will be tested most—keeping the locker room locked in, even when the odds stack up.