Wisconsin Badgers Rank Position Coaches by Confidence Level

Wisconsin Badgers have just released a confidence ranking of every position coach, putting the staff’s most trusted leaders in the spotlight as the team eyes its next game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish on 2026-09-06.

Which coaches earned the top marks?

Offensive line guru Joe Rudolph topped the list, earning a 9.2 confidence rating from players and fellow coaches. Rudolph’s emphasis on zone blocking has already shown results in the first two games, where the Badgers posted a combined 45 rushing yards per game. Right behind him, Dave Aranda’s defensive coordinator received an 8.9, reflecting his aggressive blitz packages that forced three turnovers in the season opener.

How did the rankings affect the coaching staff?

The survey, conducted anonymously, forced each coach to rank peers on a scale of 1‑10. Mike Tice, the tight ends coach, slipped to a 6.4 after a shaky performance against Purdue, prompting rumors of a possible reassignment. Meanwhile, Matt Lubick, the wide receivers coach, climbed to a 7.8, buoyed by a 12‑catch, 145‑yard effort from J.J. McCarthy in the latest win.

What does this mean for player development?

Players now have a clearer picture of who the staff believes can accelerate their growth. Freshman linebacker Khalil Davis cited Chris Wilson, the linebackers coach, as his “go‑to mentor” after Wilson’s 8.5 rating. The confidence metric also gives the Badgers a tool to address weak spots before the Big Ten schedule ramps up.

What’s next for the Badgers?

With the confidence rankings published, the coaching staff will meet next week to align strategies ahead of the Notre Dame matchup. Head coach Luke Fickell indicated that the rankings will guide practice focus, especially on improving third‑down conversions where the Badgers currently sit at 31 percent. The team hopes the internal clarity will translate into a strong showing on the field.

How will fans react?

Fans took to social media, praising Rudolph’s high rating while questioning the low score for Tice. The Badgers’ official site posted a statement saying the rankings are “a snapshot of internal trust and will not dictate personnel decisions.” Still, the buzz suggests supporters will be watching the coaching adjustments closely as the season unfolds.