Who has been an early leader in the Badgers locker room?
The Badgers have had a lot of change this offseason. Who has been an early leader?
Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chris Brooks Jr. (1) is tackled by Maryland Terrapins linebacker Trey Reddick (3) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Wisconsin Badgers were one of the most active teams in the transfer portal this offseason, landing 33 transfers as their roster went through a full revamp.
That was the eighth-most in the country and the second-most of any team that didn’t go through a coaching change behind the Colorado Buffaloes. After three disappointing seasons under head coach Luke Fickell, the Badgers turned out to be big players in the portal this offseason with an increase in resources. They added players at every single position group on the roster, with a huge emphasis coming on an offense that ranked 134th in the country in 2025.
The Badgers brought in a brand new quarterback room, adding three running backs in the portal, went after a bevy of receivers, got a pair of tight ends, and brought in four new offensive linemento the mix. With all of that change, leadership can sometimes be a question, especially early in the offseason, like at the start of spring ball. So, early on, who has stood out as a leader in the locker room on offense?
“I would say the guys that have shown up to this point, I do think it is too early to tell, but I would say Chris Brooks,” offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes said. “He’s a guy that I think took on a leadership role for us last year, became more vocal. He’s always been one of the hardest-working guys, but now he’s willing to talk a little bit more.