Happy Holidays to everyone here on the Den! It’s been great having debates and discussions with everyone here, and thanks to Jon and the gang for all the great content. Now let’s get a QB 1 under the tree today!

Mine have. There is so much to discuss and banter, but LF's press conference got me going this week. When the reporter asked, "Will you field a competitive team and what do you plan on getting out of this bowl game...to learn about your roster next year??" Although I paraphrase that and it might be from several of the reporters, LF fired back "We are going to try to win the game. When I walk through those doors, it would be disrespecting our players if we didn't have that as a goal". I kind of laughed as the question just said, we as a fan base and a set of reporters have such low expectations that they aren't even thinking about winning the game. Anyway, it was a very strong message, in that LF is about winning.
REMEMBER, the guy who got this all started was not a Badger, the Chancellor was not a Badger, but the AD was. LF CAN be successful here if he is allowed to do what he needs to do. His pedigree in coaching is that of winning, playing at OSU, he was expected to win, he was I think undefeated as a HS wrestler. These guys don't grow on trees.
The snippits I'm putting together from the stories out of the recruiting department are phenomenally encouraging. The hire of Phil Longo is a HUGE hire and one that addresses the moribund UW offense.
So while he hasn't won a game yet, I'm super encouraged and my expectations of the program have risen substantially. Given they were at a 30 year low, the only place to go is up. I'm bullish on the future of the Football Program, (and not the crappy stock market).

‘Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the den
There were 100 new threads
Since that morning at ten

The boards were looked over
By Jon Mack with care
Just to make sure
That the posters don’t swear

While Coach Fick scooped up
Four stars left and right
The other Badgers waited
By their phones with delight

Now Mama! Now Patrick!
Now Super and Ramby!
On Ducki! On Citrus!
On ChiefPT and CC!

The whole board was brewing
With discussion on topics
Even though it can’t be said
That all posters used logic

While Clint and I debate
Which prospects will fit
One thing we all know
Is Haering ain't it

As the new year approached
Our hopes are set free
For a high-flying offense
In twenty twenty-three

And so Coach Fick yelled
As he drove out of sight
On Wisconsin to all
And to all a good night!

This one is a bit surprising. He's probably the best QB they've ever had.

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...-dj-uiagalelei-expected-transfer-oregon-state

Who knows where I can find a list of the offers that UW has extended? I thought I saw this in another thread but can't seem to find it. Thanks!

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What's up, everybody!

Wisconsin landed a big commitment today from The Woodlands (Texas) four-star 2024 quarterback Mabrey Mettauer. Mettauer discusses his decision here:

Jackson Acker listed at FB
Walk-on Travis Allen listed at OL; thought he would come in as TE
Cade Yacamelli listed as a safety.

Looking at the coaching grades given (Fickell at a B- is near criminal). I'm curious who you feel will succeed in bringing their team to the CFP the fastest?

Fickell
Sanders
Rhule or
Smeagol?

.@RivalsNick hands out his grades for the new Power Five coaching staffs for how well they put together their 2023 recruiting class in limited time:

https://n.rivals.com/news/how-new-power-five-coaching-staffs-fared-with-their-recruiting-classes

How do you think his coaches greeted him on the sideline? But the kid’s got heart I guess…
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I talked with a person that is part of another Big Ten football team program. We talked about a number of things. The interesting topic was upgrading of facilities. He said don’t waste the money on huge upgrades as that won’t attract the kids, it will be the NIL money they want.

i know they are. Talking of replacing the McClain Center but is that going to really impact recruiting? If all things are equal, it won’t hurt. Money is king though. I think he was right…

.@Rivals_Clint spotlights five programs that were the biggest surprises on signing day:

https://n.rivals.com/news/early-signing-period-five-teams-that-were-the-biggest-surprises

Clint Cosgrove is joined by Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell to break down the Badgers' 2023 recruiting class👇

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Jon any news? Pretty quiet

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Have got a lot of questions about it and this is what I've gathered today.

Armstrong is looking at three schools: Wisconsin, N.C. State and Oklahoma State. No decision is in yet. Badgers are working very hard to add him to the spring roster. Not something that will affect Evers if they land him.

Talked to someone who said it was "50/50" he ends up at Wisconsin. Not sure how that plays out with three schools, but I'm not a math major... Regardless, my feeling is that the staff thinks it could go either way. Armstrong is keeping things close to the vest.

Greg Biggins from 247 put a prediction for Lincoln Keinholz to Washington