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Luke Fickell buyout: How much would it cost Wisconsin football to fire coach?

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. 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.

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Scoop News Deskobtained by USA TODAY Sports, Wisconsin · Published Monday, September 7, 2026 at 12:10 PM UTCUpdated Monday, September 7, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC

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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: 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.

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Monday, September 7, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC
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