Former Wisconsin Football DE Finds New Home in FCS

After exiting the Wisconsin football program at the beginning of January, former Badgers DE Tommy Brunner has found a new program to call home. 

Brunner took to social media to announce he would continue his playing career at Western Illinois. 

blessed https://t.co/VcO98KLLmK

— Tommy Brunner (@brunnerthomas_) January 24, 2024

The former Badger will have one year of eligibility remaining with the Leathernecks. 

Former Wisconsin Football DE Tommy Brunner Finds a New Home in FCS

Coming out of high school, Brunner was a two-star prospect rated as the No. 288 OLB in the nation and the No. 30 player in Wisconsin.

Brunner began his collegiate career at Northern Illinois but did not see the field. He transferred to Wisconsin in 2021 to join his brother Joe but continued to see limited run. Brunner did not make an appearance in 2021 before appearing in two games in 2022. When Luke Fickell and company took over in 2023, Brunner was buried in the depth chart and did not see the field. 

Brunner was one of several defensive linemen to move on from the program after a 7-6 first season under Luke Fickell, joining Rodas Johnson (now at Texas A&M) and Darian Varner (Cincinnati). 

The Wisconsin football program will have James Thompson Jr, Curt Neal, Ben Barten, Cade McDonald, and Jamel Howard returning next season at defensive line, as well as incoming freshmen Ernest Willor Jr, Hank Weber, and Dillan Johnson.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, follow Jake Maier on Twitter @JakeJMaier for more Wisconsin football, basketball, and recruiting coverage.