Luke Fickell's Contract and Buyout Details at Wisconsin
When the Wisconsin Badgers hired Luke Fickell in November 2022, he was considered one of the top coaching prospects in college football. Fickell had achieved significant success leading the Cincinnati Bearcats. His contract with Wisconsin includes a substantial buyout clause, which has become a point of discussion.
Contract Overview
Fickell's initial contract with the Badgers was a seven-year deal worth $7.8 million annually, totaling approximately $55 million. In January 2024, he received a one-year extension, extending his contract through March 31, 2031, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Buyout Clause
As of December 1, 2024, Luke Fickell's buyout stands at $40,186,667, according to USA Today data. This figure ranked as the 13th-largest buyout among Division I football coaches at that time. This buyout amount will decrease over the duration of his contract. Should Wisconsin decide to terminate Fickell's contract without cause before December 1, they would be obligated to pay him a significant eight-figure sum.
For comparison, when Wisconsin parted ways with former coach Paul Chryst in October 2022, the negotiated buyout was $11 million, reduced from the original $20 million stipulated in his contract.
Potential Bonuses
Luke Fickell's contract includes performance-based bonuses, offering him opportunities to earn additional compensation. According to WKOW, these bonuses include:
- Big Ten Championship Game win: $350,000
- CFP qualification: $200,000
- CFP Semifinal appearance: $400,000
- National title: $500,000
The Badgers will need to improve their performance to achieve these milestones under Fickell's leadership.
Alabama vs. Wisconsin: Week 3 Matchup Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide are set to host the Wisconsin Badgers in a Week 3 non-conference game. This marks the first time Wisconsin will play at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama previously defeated the Badgers 42-10 in their 2024 matchup. The game is highly anticipated as it offers Alabama a chance to test their mettle against a Big Ten opponent.
Game Details
The Alabama vs. Wisconsin game will be broadcast nationally on ABC. The commentary team includes Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and sideline reporter Katie George. The game will also be available for streaming via services like Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
When and Where
The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th, with kickoff at 11 a.m. CT. The venue is Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Fans can expect a packed stadium for this Week 3 showdown.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM as of Friday, September 12th, the betting odds are as follows:
- Spread: Alabama -21
- Over/Under: 45 points
- Moneyline: Alabama -1620
Alabama is heavily favored to win the game, reflecting their strong home-field advantage and historical performance.
