Luke Fickell and Wisconsin football have once again ended up on the wrong side of a high-profile game, dropping their 2026 season opener vs. No. 5 Notre Dame, 41-13.
The latest defeat drops the fourth-year Wisconsin coach's record to 17-22, with each defeat raising the pressure on his performance in Madison — particularly against ranked opponents. Following the loss to the Fighting Irish, Fickell's Badgers are 1-12 against Top 25 teams.
It remains to be seen whether Fickell can turn his team around and avoid a third consecutive losing season. The schedule doesn't feature another team as high in the polls as Notre Dame, but does have three more ranked opponents in No. 14
Southern California, No. 17 Penn State and No. 22 Iowa.
With those teams on the horizon and Fickell's record looming, here's a look at what it would cost for Wisconsin to fire him this season, as well as his contract details:
Luke Fickell buyout at Wisconsin
According to a copy of Fickell's contract, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Wisconsin would owe Fickell either $6.48 million or 80% of his remaining total compensation under terms of his initial contract and additional compensation agreement — whichever is higher at the time he is fired. That original contract runs through March 31, 2030.
If Wisconsin were to fire him without cause on Dec. 1, 2026, he would be owed the latter, which would total $21.28 million. That figure would increase if Fickell is let go before that date.
Of note: The final two years of his contract, for the 2030 and 2031 seasons, do not count toward that buyout.
Luke Fickell contract at Wisconsin
According to Fickell's initial contract and additional compensation agreement, he is paid $3 million annually by the University of Wisconsin. He also receives additional compensation from the University of Wisconsin Foundation — $4.8 million in 2026. That total increases by $100,000 every year.
Fickell did not receive a customary one-year extension on his contract following the 2025 season, reducing the remaining length of his contract to six years, through 2031.
Here's a look at his annual salary for the remainder of his contract, beginning with 2026:
- 2026: $7.8 million
- 2027: $7.9 million
- 2028: $8 million
- 2029: $8.1 million
- 2030: $8.2 million
- 2031: $8.3 million
Luke Fickell record at Wisconsin
With the loss on Sept. 6, Fickell's record at Wisconsin is now 17-22 and 1-12 against ranked opponents. Fickell also has a 10-17 record in Big Ten play.
Conversely, Fickell's predecessor at Wisconsin, Paul Chryst, had a 67-26 record and 43-18 mark in Big Ten play in seven-plus seasons; he was fired after a 2-3 start in 2022. He had three double digit-win seasons in a row to start his tenure.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How much would it cost Wisconsin to fire Luke Fickell? Buyout, contract details
