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.
“Tyrell Henry, also from the receiver room, a guy that you feel his energy in the huddle. And I think Colton [Joseph] has done that as well. Every [quarterback] when they come in, you know, we as coaches say, ‘okay, now you’re the leader.’ And they’re going, I don’t even know who these guys are, you know, I don’t even know where I’m going to the next meeting or something. But he has grown in that regard every week that he’s been here.”
Brooks projects as one of Wisconsin’s starting receivers this season and is one of the cooler stories of perseverance on the roster after dealing with multiple major injuries earlier in his career.
Henry, on the other hand, could see a bigger role in the slot this season and has stood out early in spring ball.
Joseph, of course, is the guy that Wisconsin wants to emerge as the leader of this group, as he was their prized acquisition in the transfer portal this offseason.
We’ll see who else emerges as key voices in the locker room, but Wisconsin has a few veterans leading the charge so far.
