Potential top 2026 Badgers’ IOL clears air following senior day activities

Brunner finished last season with a pass blocking grade of 77.8, which ranked third among Big Ten Conference guards. Wisconsin allowed just 13 sacks last season which was the lowest in the Big Ten while Brunner did not allow a sack. The guard has continued to play at an elevated level this season and despite the line allowing 26 total sacks already, Brunner still has not allowed one.

Given the 4-7 record, how Wisconsin has played along the line, and the potential options that would stack up for Brunner, playing out his final collegiate season elsewhere has become a potential reality. The late addition to the senior day activities has led many to believe that Brunner indeed play elsewhere next season. However, many within the program have not viewed the situation the same.

Wisconsin Badgers IOL Joe Brunner Not Expected to Depart Madison Despite Senior Day Inclusion

While many fans and media members alike may feel the decision means Brunner is surely leaving Madison, Coach Luke Fickell was not so quick to say the same.

Fickell was asked about what Brunner participating in the activities meant for his future, and the coach assured the media that the decision was made due to the current graduating class. Brunner was a member of the 2022 Wisconsin recruiting class.

The coach added that the decision to participate in the activities was “nothing more” than a decision to join his friends. Should that prove to be true in the near future, then Wisconsin will likely have another season of Brunner ahead of themselves. Brunner is close friends with teammates Ricardo Hallman and Darryl Peterson, both of whom had opportunities outside of Wisconsin but opted to stay.

Brunner returning next season would be massive for Wisconsin after injuries and players simply not being ready to play yet derailed what could have been a solid offensive line. Heading into the season, the Badgers were not expected to have one of the best lines in the conference but the ups and downs of the year exposed multiple holes.

Rebuilding the line will take a combination of excellent additions via the transfer portal and the development of key underclassmen on the roster. However, the return of Brunner would also serve as a key addition due to his experience in Madison. The guard has a pass block rating of 68.9 this season, the second-highest along the line behind Riley Mahlman (74.2).

The Badgers can utilize all the help that the team can get, and bringing back one of the best offensive linemen on the roster could go a long way.