It was amazing to see, and it just gives us so much energy.” One of the only people in the building who tempered their excited in the moment was his dad, but that didn't stop head coach Greg Gard from gushing about the progress his son has made since joining the program as a walk-on before the 2022 season.

Setter Charlie Fuerbringer returned from a shoulder injury to help lead Wisconsin to a sweep over Indiana. Middle blocker Carter Booth had a strong performance with 11 kills and five blocks. The Badgers' offense was highly efficient, siding out at an 83% rate for the match.

The former Bishop Verot quarterback replaced an injured Danny O'Neill in the Badgers' game against Washington on Nov. 8.

In fairness, it hasn’t been an easy schedule. Wisconsin’s losing streak (all double-digit defeats) has been compiled by the likes of Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon— in that order.

Freshman Carter Smith took over for Wisconsin in his college debut and went 3 of 12 for 8 yards passing, though he rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown. Wisconsin won on a day when its leading passer was punter Sean West, who threw a 24-yard completion on a fake punt attempt.

If Wisconsin makes a change at the end of the 2026 season, Fickell’s buyout will drop to around $13.6 million. But if it doesn’t turn around, the Badgers could be digging a hole into a crater from which it will take years to recover.

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Nov 8, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Anthony Ward (57) blocks the punt from Wisconsin Badgers kicker Sean West (91) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images