As the college football world gears up for the 2025 season, Ohio State’s schedule could see an unusual twist with a Friday night game. Meanwhile, former Buckeye player and coach Luke Fickell is struggling to turn things around at Wisconsin, a challenge that has been weighing heavily on him. On the lighter side of sports, Netflix’s popular documentary series Full Swing is set to feature Ohio State golf star Neal Shipley, further highlighting the university’s presence in the sports world.
A Friday Night Lights Game for Ohio State?
Tradition is a major part of college football, and for a powerhouse like Ohio State, the idea of playing on a Friday night instead of the traditional Saturday might raise some eyebrows. However, reports suggest that the Buckeyes could be involved in a Friday night game in 2025 due to the Big Ten’s ongoing media deals and scheduling changes.
The Big Ten has increasingly experimented with non-traditional scheduling in recent years. With its lucrative TV contracts involving networks like FOX, CBS, and NBC, the conference has looked for ways to maximize viewership. Friday night games have been a particular point of emphasis, with several teams already participating in them. However, Ohio State has largely avoided these games due to its stature and the belief that Friday nights should be reserved for high school football.
If the Buckeyes do end up playing on a Friday, it would be a rare occurrence in the program’s history. In the past, Ohio State has been vocal about resisting Friday night games, but with college football constantly evolving, the team may have to adapt. The key question will be whether the game is a home or away contest, as a Friday night matchup at Ohio Stadium could impact Columbus-area high schools significantly. The Big Ten has not confirmed anything yet, but fans should keep an eye out for official schedule announcements.
Luke Fickell’s Struggles at Wisconsin “Eat at Him”
When Luke Fickell took the head coaching job at Wisconsin in late 2022, expectations were sky-high. The former Ohio State defensive lineman and longtime assistant coach had built Cincinnati into a College Football Playoff contender, and many believed he would bring similar success to the Badgers. However, things haven’t gone according to plan, and Fickell’s struggles in Madison have been a major storyline.
Wisconsin finished the 2024 season with a disappointing record, falling short of expectations in Fickell’s second year. The team’s offensive struggles and inconsistency on defense have been major concerns. Fickell’s transition to implementing his preferred schemes has not been smooth, and Wisconsin fans are growing restless. Given the program’s history of strong offensive line play and a dominant running game, the adjustment to a more modern, spread-oriented system has been a work in progress.
According to sources close to the program, these struggles “eat at him.” Fickell is known for his intense competitive nature and dedication to player development, so seeing his team fall short has been frustrating. He has emphasized the need for a strong offseason, hoping to recruit better talent and refine his system.
Despite the setbacks, Fickell remains committed to the long-term vision. He understands that rebuilding Wisconsin into a true Big Ten contender will take time, but in a college football landscape that demands quick results, patience can be a rare commodity. The 2025 season will be a defining one for him as he looks to turn things around and prove that he can lead the Badgers back to prominence.
Neal Shipley Featured in Netflix’s Full Swing
On a brighter note, Ohio State’s sports programs will get some national attention in a different way as golfer Neal Shipley is set to be featured in Full Swing, Netflix’s hit documentary series covering professional and amateur golf.
Shipley, who gained national recognition as the low amateur at the 2024 Masters, has been a standout for Ohio State’s golf program. His story of perseverance and skill made him one of the most talked-about amateur golfers in recent years, and now, his journey will be showcased to an even larger audience.
Netflix’s Full Swing has been praised for its behind-the-scenes look at the lives of golfers, similar to how Drive to Surviverevitalized interest in Formula 1. Shipley’s inclusion in the series will give fans an inside look at the hard work and dedication required to succeed in golf, especially for an amateur player transitioning to the professional ranks.