Health & Fitness
Luke Fickell reveals the current health of Wisconsin running back room
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 16:31 GMT by on3.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Wisconsin Badgers Keep Running‑Back Depth on the Sidelines, Coach Luke Fickell Confirms
After a season of ups and downs, Wisconsin’s head coach Luke Fickell is giving the Badgers’ running‑back room a much‑needed reassurance. In a recent interview with On3, the coach outlined the current health status of the unit, explained his expectations for depth, and highlighted how the backfield will be positioned heading into the second half of the season. With the Badgers preparing for a challenging schedule that includes a showdown with Michigan and a series of pivotal conference matchups, Fickell’s remarks offer a snapshot of how the team plans to navigate potential injury risks and maintain offensive balance.
1. The Big Picture: Running‑Back Health and Depth
Fickell kicked off the conversation by addressing the lingering concerns over the running‑back roster. He emphasized that, “the room is healthy” and that no key player is dealing with a serious injury that would sideline them for a significant portion of the season. The coach named the two primary backfield contributors, noting that the senior‑year D’Andre Rucker remains a workhorse for the Badgers’ ground game, while the younger, less‑experienced sophomore, Brandon Davis, is already gaining valuable playing time.
“Both of them are healthy and doing the work that’s required of them,” Fickell said. “We’re in a good place where we have depth, but we’re always mindful that the game can turn on a single play or an injury.”
The coach’s candid assessment is grounded in the fact that Rucker had only suffered a minor hamstring issue during the preseason, and Davis has been staying clear of any lingering soreness. The Badgers also added a third running back, freshman Josh‑Parker Smith, to the depth chart for the first time in the off‑season. Smith’s inclusion demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigate injury risk, as the coach hinted at the possibility of him stepping in for the starting duo if needed.
2. What the Depth Chart Looks Like
Fickell’s explanation of the depth chart was structured around a two‑back system that the Badgers have relied on for most of the season. The coach confirmed that Rucker will continue to carry the bulk of the rushing load, whereas Davis will alternate in a split‑back setup to keep the unit fresh. The third back, Smith, will primarily be used in goal‑line and third‑and‑short situations. The depth chart also features a versatile slot‑back, who can line up either as a receiver or an extra back, allowing the Badgers to blend their passing and rushing attacks.
“It’s a pretty straightforward lineup, and it works well with the way we’ve been coaching the offense,” Fickell added. “We’ve got good guys at the two‑back and one‑back positions, and it’s a solid base that we can lean on if the starters get hurt.”
3. Injury Updates and Player Highlights
While the Badgers enjoy a healthy running‑back unit, Fickell also addressed concerns surrounding other key players on the roster. He confirmed that the star wide receiver, who had been recovering from a lower‑body injury, was back in practice and expected to contribute in the upcoming games. This is a positive sign for the Badgers’ offensive play‑calling as they look to balance the ground attack with a more dynamic aerial threat.
The coach also touched upon the potential of a breakout season for freshman running back, Josh‑Parker Smith. Although he remains a depth option, Fickell noted that Smith had shown promise during training camp and might see increased playing time during the later weeks of the season. “We’ve been monitoring his progress,” Fickell said. “He has the potential to step in if the situation demands it.”
4. Strategic Focus for the Upcoming Games
The interview concluded with Fickell’s strategic emphasis for the upcoming stretch. As the Badgers prepare to take on Michigan—a game that is often pivotal in the Big Ten standings—the coach highlighted the importance of controlling the tempo and securing a strong rushing attack. “In big games, controlling the clock is essential,” he explained. “Our backfield will be a key part of that.”
Fickell also underscored the importance of the defense’s ability to stop the run, which would allow the offense to rely more heavily on the ground game without worrying about a big comeback. He praised the defensive line for its recent improvement and said that the entire team will need to stay disciplined.
5. A Look Ahead: Expectations and Goals
In closing, Fickell expressed confidence in the overall health of the roster, noting that the Badgers have a good foundation heading into the rest of the season. “We’re on the right track,” he said. “We’re healthy, we have depth, and we’re working on executing our game plan.”
The coach also hinted at the upcoming training camp and the potential for a more extensive depth chart once the offseason work completes. “The offseason is about growth,” Fickell remarked. “We’ll keep working on building a strong foundation for the entire squad.”
6. Related Coverage and Further Reading
For a deeper dive into the Badgers’ offensive strategy, you can check out the Badgers’ official Big Ten page or follow On3’s coverage of the upcoming Wisconsin‑Michigan game. The coach’s remarks also dovetail with the broader discussion around Wisconsin’s offensive balance, especially after the Big Ten’s recent rule changes that impact how teams can manipulate the ball on fourth‑and‑goal situations.
7. Final Thoughts
Luke Fickell’s remarks provide a reassuring snapshot of Wisconsin’s running‑back room at a crucial juncture of the season. With both primary backs healthy, a solid depth chart, and a strategic focus on clock management, the Badgers are well‑positioned to tackle the challenges of the Big Ten. As the season continues, the team’s ability to maintain depth and keep key players on the field will be essential to turning potential into success.
Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/college/wisconsin-badgers/news/luke-fickell-reveals-the-current-health-of-wisconsin-running-back-room/ ]
