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Wisconsin changed elements of its training load, spring work, fall-camp practices and in-season practice intensity after reviewing the critical injuries that affected recent teams.

Luke Fickell said Wisconsin had fallen short of its physicality, toughness and discipline standards over the previous two seasons and had made substantial internal program changes over the ensuing nine months.

Wisconsin expects returning starting outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks to take a larger role as a disruptive, havoc-producing defender after contributing to the defense's late-season improvement in 2025.

Fickell credited a blend of emerging young leaders and veterans who stayed through adversity with making Wisconsin more player-led and internally stable entering 2026.

Wisconsin treated its Week 1 game against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field as a reason to accelerate camp preparation because the Badgers would need to play at a high level immediately rather than build gradually into the season.