When Dad Is Coach: Fickell’s Twin Sons Walk On
The Badgers announced that head coach Luke Fickell will soon coach not just his team but also his twin sons, Ashton and Aydon, who committed as priority walk-ons in the 2026 recruiting class. Both brothers starred at Edgewood High School in Madison: Ashton as a disruptive edge rusher turning into an outside linebacker, Aydon as a promising tight end hampered by injuries. Despite Division I offers, they chose to earn their spots through walk-on status. Wisconsin’s sidelines will soon feature not only the Fickell brothers but also other familial duos and siblings joining via the transfer portal and recruiting, from athletic director Chris McIntosh’s son to the Adams brothers from Louisville, plus coach Greg Gard’s son playing basketball.
Finally, nepotism with a playbook! Who needs scholarships when you can walk on the field alongside Dad and lunchroom politics? The Fickell twins clearly mastered the art of smiling politely through high school meetings with college recruiters – then ditched them for free labor at Dad’s workplace. At this rate, Wisconsin might field an entire team of head coaches’ offspring by 2027. Grab your popcorn: it’s not every day a sideline morphs into a family reunion.
Men’s Hockey Plunges Down the Rankings
Once touted as a top-two powerhouse, Wisconsin men’s hockey now finds itself sliding after losing seven of its last nine outings, including a six-game skid. The recent sweep by Minnesota hammered their national standing, dropping the Badgers to their lowest USCHO poll spot (13th) since October and 11th in the USA Hockey poll. Wisconsin now braces for a home series against struggling Notre Dame, aiming to halt the descent and recapture December’s dominance over the Irish.
Turns out, the only thing “Badgering” worse than Minnesota is your own team’s confidence. After smashing Gophers early, Wisconsin suddenly believes their sticks double as Swiss cheese, perforated with holes of self-doubt. Fans can’t wait for the “miracle cure” weekend — a sweep over basement-dwelling Notre Dame — to remind everyone that losing streaks are just ice-cold jokes waiting to thaw into glorious victories.
Ex-Badgers Ballers Shine (and Falter) at New Hoops Homes
The transfer portal exodus has seen dozens of former Wisconsin men’s basketball players relocating for more opportunity and NIL deals. From Xavier Amos boosting Loyola’s bench scoring to A.J. Storr’s multi-school odyssey peaking at Ole Miss, each ex-Badger delivers mixed success. Roles range from reliable scorers like Daniel Freitag lighting up Buffalo, to role players like Ross Candelino thriving at Lipscomb, and Connor Essegian helping Nebraska’s turnaround. Others—Luke Haertle, Chris Hodges, Gus Yalden, and Matthew Mors—find varied roles, from reserve minutes to leading their new squads.
Ah, college basketball transfers: proof that midseason wanderlust beats loyalty every time. Wisconsin’s alumni are like spring breakers searching for the perfect party school—only with layups instead of tequila shots. Some hit the highlight reels, others miss so often they could star in a “Where Are They Now?” special. Cheers to every portal surfer: you may have left Madison, but your highlight reels haunt us like unwanted group texts at 2 a.m.
Frozen Crown Slips: Women’s Hockey Loses #1 Squeeze
Wisconsin women’s hockey saw its undefeated 400-day streak shattered when Olympic-bound stars sat out, dropping the Badgers in polls after splitting with Minnesota’s Border Battle series. Despite rebounding with a 6-1 win, voters stripped Wisconsin of unanimous No. 1 status, handing Ohio State’s Buckeyes some votes. This weekend, UW hosts Ohio State in Madison for yet another top-ranked clash between the nation’s elite performers, though several Buckeyes are Olympic-bound as well.
Behold the thrilling saga of #1 being dethroned by missing personnel—hockey’s version of “Who wore it better?” Except here, worn skates are absent. When five Olympians bow out, even Cinderella’s unlucky to finish top of the poll. Now Ohio State’s creeping in like a nosy roommate—suddenly the rivals seem as vulnerable as a two-goal lead in the third period. Expect a blockbuster rematch complete with puck drops and protest votes.
New RB Coach Unveils Rushing Revival
Wisconsin’s new running backs coach, Jayden Everett, began sculpting a revamped backfield immediately after hiring, leveraging his existing rapport with lead rusher Darrion Dupree. With Dupree returning strong and other key backs departing via injuries or portal transfers, Everett strategically added Abu Sama (Iowa State), Bryan Jackson (USC), and Nate Palmer (TCU) to complement Dupree’s power style. The diversified backfield, rooted in selflessness and Wisconsin tradition, promises a committee attack aimed at reigniting Camp Randall’s ground game in 2026.
Nothing says “running attack” like assembling a motley crew of portal refugees and hoping they morph into a symphony of running backs. Everett’s manifesto reads like a dating app profile: “Seeking three backs who complement me, appreciate tradition, and don’t mind sharing carries.” Watch for this modern backfield to pioneer a “musical chairs” offense where no one leads, but everyone chews grass in solidarity. Touchdowns guaranteed? Maybe. Entertainment? Absolutely.
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