Wisconsin football has not provided its devoted and enormous alumni network with much to cheer about in recent years.
Each of head coach Luke Fickell’s first three seasons has been more disappointing than the previous. The 2025 season was the Badgers’ worst since 1990, marked by embarrassing defeat after humiliating defeat, compelling numerous football veterans to express their displeasure loudly.
Many of Fickell’s failures can arguably be ascribed to his disregard for Wisconsin’s history, what it is (blue-collar, line-of-scrimmage, and run-game-oriented) and what it is not (spread/Air Raid-oriented, consistently able to attract NFL-level skill position talent).
Fickell’s background as an outsider to the state of Wisconsin and its football program does not help his popularity among die-hard supporters and football graduates who are outraged by what their formerly proud program has become.
Fickell and his administration, on the other hand, have taken measures to return to the fundamentals of what has made the Badgers a strong opponent for more than three decades. It all started in 2024, when he sacked struggling offensive coordinator Phil Longo mid-season and replaced him with run-game-minded Jeff Grimes.
As Fickell strives to modernize the program while maintaining regard for what has made it successful in the past, he has recruited a program veteran to help improve ties with alumni.
According to a press release, Wisconsin has appointed Bradie Ewing as the Director of Alumni Relations.
Why Bradie Ewing exemplifies Wisconsin football.
Ewing, a former walk-on who became captain, played fullback for the Badgers from 2007 to 2011.
In a statement, he said he was delighted to return to Wisconsin. I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet with past players and alumni who helped build the foundation for Badger football. The culture here is founded in the pride of being a Badger, and I am thrilled to build on those bonds and keep our alumni connected to the program as we go forward.
Ewing won back-to-back Big Ten championships in Madison in 2010 and 2011, and he worked as an assistant strength coach on staff in 2015.
Bradie is a great fit for our alumni relations position, according to Fickell. He understands what distinguishes the University of Wisconsin and Badger football. He will do a great job nurturing relationships with our alumni and preserving the customs and principles that distinguish our program.
It is never a good look when several esteemed graduates publicly condemn the program and its leadership on social media. And, of course, Ewing’s appointment has no impact on the Badgers’ on-field performance; if Wisconsin struggles again in 2025, he will be unable to salvage Fickell from alumni criticism.
Still, this is a good move by the Badgers, and one that demonstrates Fickell’s ongoing – and somewhat new – commitment to respecting and utilizing the rich and storied history of Wisconsin’s football program.
