Greg McElroy reveals how Wisconsin could be similar to 2022 TCU team under Luke Fickell

Greg McElroy can’t get Wisconsin off his mind. On Thursday, the ESPN analyst revealed his thoughts on Badgers ahead of the 2023 season with On3’s Andy Staples.

“I continue to look at Wisconsin this year the same way I looked at TCU last year,” McElroy said. “I really liked TCU last year. I’m not patting myself on the back because I didn’t have them playing for the National Championship, but I did have them playing for the Big 12 title.”

Similar staff overhaul in Wisconsin

McElroy believes Wisconsin can make similar noise this season. The program brought in head coach Luke Fickell, who was a landslide success at Cincinnati. Additionally, Wisconsin will have a fresh face calling plays, adding offensive coordinator Phil Longo this offseason, as well. Sound familiar?

If not, it should. In 2022, TCU folded in head coach Sonny Dykes and OC Garrett Riley. In one season, the pair led the program to the College Football Playoff. With parallel situations, Wisconsin has a chance to mirror the Horned Frogs’ success.

“Now, incomes Luke Fickell, there’s still an established culture of winning,” McElroy said. “There’s still an understanding and an emphasis on the line of scrimmage, but you’re bringing now Phil Longo, and they’re going to infuse some energy into an offense.

“You get some energy. You get some enthusiasm infused into the program, and you still have really good backs. You still have a good, quality offensive line. You still have a very strong and proud defense, and you bring in a bunch of transfer portal wide receivers and you hold over three from the year before. Then, you bring in Tanner Mordecai.”

Cornerstones are key

Obviously, Wisconsin has no shortage of talent. Nonetheless, Mordecai is the key piece in McElroy’s argument. Experienced players smoothen the process of turbulent regime changes. Once again, look to TCU.

Max Duggan was a cornerstone of consistency for the Horned Frogs, even while it felt like the entire program received a makeover. While this is Mordecai’s first season with the Badgers, McElroy believes he can provide similar veteran wisdom.

After all, Wisconsin is the redshirt senior’s third school, most recently playing at SMU. In two seasons as a starter for the Mustangs, Mordecai tallied 7,152 yards and 72 touchdowns. If all goes according to McElroy’s plan, Mordecai’s resumé will be even more impressive at Wisconsin.

“Ten wins is well within reason for Wisconsin, which would have them in the Big Ten title game,” McElroy said. “Who knows? In a one-game season, you’re playing against say, Ohio State — Ohio State’s got couple questions in the secondary… We know Phil Longo and Wisconsin are going to create those. So, it wouldn’t shock me if Wisconsin shocked the world.”