Notre Dame football and Wisconsin have faced off just once since 1964. While the two programs don't have a long history against each other, Fighting Irish fans should still be celebrating the announcement the Badgers made on Thursday evening. Head coach Luke Fickell is coming back for 2026.
Because of Fickell's return, the Fighting Irish are essentially given a Week 1 bye next year. That's especially big considering that Marcus Freeman's squad has opened against Texas A&M and Miami the last two years. Next season, they'll open up against one of the biggest messes of a program at the Power 4 level.
Notre Dame football will have Luke Fickell to kick around next year
It's not just that Luke Fickell is in over his head and has already shown that as a previous head coach of Ohio State. It's that Wisconsin fans are extremely unhappy with his return. Notre Dame fans should take advantage of that lack of excitement about the future of the Badgers when they open the season next fall.
Fickell's squad, which is 2-6 so far this year and finishes the season against Washington, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota, could very easily finish 2-10. And yet, he's already been guaranteed a return.
Notre Dame's schedule was already looking quite a bit easier than the last two years. There's no SEC power house, Miami is likely the best team on the slate (so far) but they won't be a season opener so the Fighting Irish will get to prepare for them better.
There are two openings on the slate now, so powerful squads could be added, but right now, 2026, opening against Wisconsin looks like a much easier ride to an undefeated season.
Wisconsin keeping Luke Fickell as head coach is a gift to the Notre Dame football program, well before Christmas arrives.