Brady Collins of Wisconsin football is trying to restore the program to “what it should be.”

In recent years, the Wisconsin Badgers football program has faced a number of challenges that have left many fans wondering about its future. Wisconsin has long been recognized as a powerhouse in college football, known for its strong defenses, punishing running game, and efficient, clock-control offense. But over the past few seasons, the program has experienced a decline in both performance and overall program strength, prompting a major re-evaluation of what Wisconsin football stands for.

One key figure in this process is Brady Collins, a man tasked with restoring the program to its former greatness. As the Director of Football Performance for the Wisconsin Badgers, Collins holds a critical role in shaping the culture, mindset, and physical preparation of the team. His job is more than just ensuring players are fit; it’s about rebuilding a foundation that has been chipped away by inconsistent coaching, changing player demographics, and increasing competition in the Big Ten.

In this article, we will explore how Brady Collins is approaching the task of revitalizing Wisconsin football, what challenges he faces, and how he plans to restore the program to what it “should be.”

Background: The State of Wisconsin Football

The Wisconsin Badgers have a storied history in college football, with consistent success dating back several decades. Under legendary coaches like Barry Alvarez and Bret Bielema, Wisconsin became known for its tough, physical play and strong leadership on the field. However, in recent years, the program has experienced challenges that have left many questioning where the team is headed.

The Badgers were long known for their hard-nosed, power-running game, led by running backs like Ron Dayne, Melvin Gordon, and Jonathan Taylor. The offensive line, often regarded as one of the best in the country, was built to dominate the line of scrimmage and create space for these talented backs. On defense, Wisconsin prided itself on controlling the game with a stout front seven and forcing turnovers. But despite consistent success in the Big Ten and multiple trips to major bowl games, Wisconsin’s football program has experienced stagnation in recent years, especially as the competition within the Big Ten has intensified.

When Paul Chryst, the longtime Wisconsin head coach, was dismissed after the 2022 season, the program entered a phase of uncertainty. This came at a time when other Big Ten programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State were making significant strides, while new powers were emerging around the conference. At that point, Collins was given a massive responsibility—to restore the Badgers to their winning ways and revitalize their culture.

Brady Collins: A Man of Leadership

Brady Collins is a name that may not be as familiar to casual college football fans as coaches or players, but he plays a pivotal role behind the scenes. A Wisconsin native, Collins brings an immense level of passion for the Badger program and a wealth of experience to the table. His background is deeply rooted in strength and conditioning, having previously worked at the University of Cincinnati before making his way to Wisconsin.

Before taking on the director role at Wisconsin, Collins worked under Cincinnati’s strength coach, who has since become the head coach of the Bearcats. He worked tirelessly with the players to improve their strength, conditioning, and overall performance, developing a keen eye for what it takes to succeed in a highly competitive environment. This experience in the trenches helped him cultivate a leadership style that is both tough and demanding, yet also supportive of individual players’ growth and well-being.

When Collins arrived at Wisconsin, his job wasn’t just about working on physical conditioning. He needed to understand the deeper aspects of the team—the mentality, the culture, and the identity of Wisconsin football. Collins has often spoken about the need for players to embrace a mentality of toughness, resilience, and accountability. His role was to ensure that this mindset permeated every aspect of the program, from the weight room to the practice field to the locker room.

Restoring the Identity: The Power of Toughness

One of the key elements Collins emphasizes in his approach to rebuilding Wisconsin football is toughness. The Badgers have long been known for their blue-collar, physical style of play. Under Barry Alvarez, the team was built on a rock-solid defense and a powerful, bruising running game. Wisconsin’s identity was synonymous with toughness, and it was this mentality that helped the team achieve success in the face of strong competition.

Collins is working hard to restore this aspect of the team’s identity. He believes that a football program’s success starts in the weight room and that building strength and endurance translates to greater success on the field. But beyond the physical aspect, Collins also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness. He wants players to be able to withstand adversity, push through difficult situations, and maintain their composure when the game is on the line.

Collins has focused heavily on changing the team’s offseason program to reflect these principles. His workouts are known for their intensity and focus on developing players’ strength, speed, and conditioning. But it’s not just about physical preparation; Collins also works with players to help them mentally prepare for the demands of the season. Whether it’s preparing for the physical grind of a Big Ten season or handling the pressure of a national spotlight, Collins ensures that the players are equipped to deal with it all.

Embracing Change: Adapting to the Modern College Football Landscape

While Collins is deeply committed to restoring Wisconsin’s traditional strengths, he also recognizes the importance of adapting to the modern landscape of college football. The game has changed significantly over the years, with teams placing more emphasis on speed, explosive playmaking, and dynamic offensive systems. In this environment, Collins and the Wisconsin coaching staff understand that they need to adapt their approach while still remaining true to their roots.

Collins’ approach to conditioning reflects this shift. While the Badgers have long been known for their power running game and smash-mouth football, the rise of the spread offense and pass-heavy systems has forced teams to evolve. As a result, Collins has integrated more speed and agility training into the program, emphasizing quickness, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to fast-paced, high-tempo offenses.

This balance between toughness and speed is a crucial aspect of Collins’ strategy. Wisconsin’s traditional strength lies in dominating the line of scrimmage, but as the game becomes more fast-paced and dynamic, the Badgers also need to be able to keep up with the competition in terms of speed and versatility.

Building the Right Culture

One of the most critical elements of restoring Wisconsin football to “what it should be” is culture. Collins believes that a team’s culture is its foundation, and without the right culture, all the physical preparation and talent in the world won’t matter. Wisconsin’s culture, as Collins sees it, needs to be built around discipline, accountability, and a commitment to team-first principles.

Collins works tirelessly to create an environment in which every player is held accountable to not only their coaches but also their teammates. The Badgers’ locker room needs to be a place where players support each other and push one another to be their best. This culture is also about instilling leadership skills in players, empowering them to take ownership of their own development and the success of the team.

An essential part of building this culture is recruiting players who fit within the framework that Collins and the coaching staff have established. Wisconsin is not going to compete with the likes of Ohio State or Michigan when it comes to high-profile recruiting, but the Badgers can focus on finding players who fit their system and are willing to buy into the program’s culture. This requires recruiting players who have not only the physical tools but also the mental toughness and character to thrive in Wisconsin’s demanding football environment.

The Road Ahead

Brady Collins faces an enormous task in restoring Wisconsin football to its former glory. While there is no magic formula for success, his emphasis on toughness, culture, and adaptability gives the program a solid foundation to build on. Success will not come overnight, but with Collins leading the charge, Wisconsin football is on the path to regaining its strength, competitiveness, and identity.

The road ahead will be challenging, but with Collins at the helm of strength and conditioning, and with the support of the coaching staff, the future of Wisconsin football is bright. The program’s rich history of success is not far from reach, and with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, Wisconsin will once again be what it “should be”—a powerhouse in college football.