'Ubuntu': Wisconsin football coach Jordan Reid brings unified mindset to WR room
The Wisconsin football team's new WR coach, Jordan Reid, brings energy, teamwork, and a focus on physicality to the Badgers' wide receiver room.
The University of Wisconsin football program is undergoing significant changes heading into the 2025 season, and one of the key additions to the coaching staff is Jordan Reid, the new wide receivers coach.
Reid, who comes to Madison after a successful stint at Western Michigan, is already bringing energy and a fresh philosophy to his position group.
The former Ohio standout inherits a wide receiver room featuring a mix of returning talent and fresh faces. He spoke with enthusiasm about working with established contributors like Vinny Anthony II and Trech Kekahuna, both of whom made notable impacts for the Badgers last season.
“Man, I’m ecstatic about that room right now,” Reid said. “Obviously, you’ve got returners such as Vinny Anthony and Trech Kekahuna—two guys I’m very excited to be able to work with. Both had production last year, and we are expecting big things from them this year.”
In his first season working exclusively on the outside, Anthony hauled in 39 catches for a team-high 672 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 17.2 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Kekahuna logged 316 total snaps—fifth-most among Badgers receivers—and caught 25 passes for 339 yards (13.6 yards per reception) and two touchdowns as a backup in the slot.
Reid also expressed excitement about new arrivals like Ohio State transfer Jayden Ballard and Idaho's Mark Hamper, as well as players ready to step up and push for larger roles, such as Quincy Burroughs and Tyrell Henry.
Others, such as Kyan Berry-Johnson, Chris Brooks Jr., Joseph Griffin Jr., and incoming freshman Euguene Hilton Jr., will also vie for a spot in the two-deep when spring practice and fall camp rolls around.
“It’s a very diverse room in terms of their availability and the things they’re able to do at a high level,” Reid added.
“It’s going to be competitive, and it’s going to be challenging, but that’s the only way you grow. Really excited about the room.'
Emphasizing team over self
Even though Wisconsin still has a few months before spring practice, Reid’s message to the players is clear: “perspective drives performance.”
He introduced the room to the African proverb “ubuntu,” which translates to “I am because we are.”