In the lead-up to the 2025 college football season, the Wisconsin Badgers received a major morale boost from one of their most legendary alumni—JJ Watt. The former Wisconsin standout and NFL superstar returned to Madison to deliver an impassioned speech to the current team, hoping to inspire a resurgence under third-year head coach Luke Fickell. Watt’s presence and words carried extra weight given his legacy, both in college and professional football, and his connection to the Wisconsin program remains as strong as ever.
JJ Watt, a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, made his mark on the college football world during his time with the Badgers. His breakout season came in 2010 when he was named a First-Team All-American and earned the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award given to the most impactful defensive player in college football. That year, the Badgers claimed a share of the Big Ten title and secured a spot in the Rose Bowl—commonly referred to as “The Granddaddy of Them All.” It was the first of three straight Rose Bowl appearances for the program, a golden era in recent Wisconsin football history.
Those years of dominance, however, feel like a distant memory. The program has since struggled to maintain that same level of national relevance, and while Fickell was brought in to revitalize things after a successful run at Cincinnati, his tenure has yet to yield the breakthrough fans had hoped for. Through his first two seasons in Madison, Fickell has been unable to recapture the magic that brought him acclaim with the Bearcats. Now heading into his third year, the 2025 season feels like a pivotal turning point for both the coach and the program.
Recognizing the stakes, Wisconsin wisely leaned into its tradition by bringing JJ Watt in to speak to the current roster. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year didn’t hold back. In a passionate address, Watt reminded the players of the immense pride that comes with donning the red and white jersey. He emphasized the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of Wisconsin football—a message that resonated deeply with the team and coaching staff alike.
Watt’s speech wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture. It was a rallying cry, urging the players to rise to the occasion, work relentlessly, and embrace the challenge of restoring the program to its former glory. In his address, Watt made it clear that success wouldn’t come easy, especially with the kind of schedule the Badgers are staring down.
The 2025 slate is among the most challenging in the nation. While Wisconsin opens with two relatively manageable nonconference games, things quickly ramp up with a road trip to face perennial powerhouse Alabama. That early-season clash in Tuscaloosa will serve as a litmus test for just how far the Badgers have come. But it won’t get any easier from there. The Big Ten portion of the schedule is equally daunting, featuring road games against Michigan, Oregon, and Indiana, along with home dates against elite teams like Ohio State and Illinois. Nearly every one of those opponents could be nationally ranked, and several are likely to be in College Football Playoff contention.
For Wisconsin to emerge from this gauntlet with a successful season, a lot will need to go right—starting at the quarterback position. That’s where former Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. comes in. Edwards Jr. is expected to be the starter for the 2025 campaign, and if he can stabilize what’s been an inconsistent position in recent years, the Badgers could be poised to exceed expectations. The importance of solid quarterback play can’t be overstated, especially with a schedule that leaves little margin for error.
While national expectations remain cautious, there’s a growing belief within the program that progress is not only possible but necessary. The pressure on Luke Fickell is intensifying as he enters his third season at the helm. He was hired to turn Wisconsin back into a contender, and by year three, fan patience starts to wear thin if results aren’t evident. Yet with that pressure also comes opportunity. A strong showing in 2025—even without a conference title—could signal that the program is heading in the right direction.
In that context, having a figure like JJ Watt engage with the team can have a transformative effect. Watt isn’t just a famous alumnus—he’s a living embodiment of what the program can produce when everything clicks. His success in both college and the NFL serves as a roadmap for what’s possible with the right mix of talent, discipline, and leadership. For the current roster, hearing from someone who’s walked the same halls, trained on the same fields, and bled for the same program adds a level of authenticity that can’t be replicated.
Moreover, Watt’s presence underscores the broader theme of continuity and tradition within college football. Programs like Wisconsin thrive when they embrace their identity and build on the foundation laid by past greats. By bringing in someone like Watt to speak with the team, Wisconsin is reinforcing that sense of pride and shared mission. It’s about more than just winning games—it’s about honoring a legacy, meeting high standards, and making the state of Wisconsin proud.
As the 2025 season approaches, the road ahead remains uncertain. With a grueling schedule and a roster still in the midst of development, the Badgers face a tall task. But they also have reasons for optimism. The coaching staff is experienced, the team is motivated, and they have the backing of legends like JJ Watt. That kind of support can ignite something special.
Ultimately, Watt’s message to the team serves as both a challenge and a beacon of hope. He reminded them that greatness is within reach—but only if they’re willing to put in the work, fight through adversity, and believe in themselves and the program. As Wisconsin gears up for a season that could redefine its trajectory, Watt’s speech might just prove to be the spark that sets everything in motion.
