The tone coming out of the Wisconsin coaching staff this year seems to be the correct one. All agree that the last few years haven't been great, and Badger fans should be frustrated. Jeff Grimes is one of the latest to find empathy for what Wisconsin fans have had to deal with in the football program. He's assuring that things are going to change, and this will be the year it really shows.
After practice on Tuesday, March 24, Grimes told the media, "I want the people of Wisconsin to feel proud of their football team." He said he has been impressed with Wisconsin fans at other sporting events, and seeing their passion and energy toward that sport. He's probably referencing volleyball, hockey, and basketball. Grimes wants the same thing to be true for the football program.
#Badgers OC Jeff Grimes on a disappointing 2025 season and moving forward to 2026: pic.twitter.com/tlizDeeKu5
— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) March 24, 2026
Jeff Grimes says the football program has moved forward this year
Related: Luke Fickell is reportedly replacing another recruiting staffer ahead of 2026 season
Grimes closes his message to the Wisconsin fans by saying they aren't even dwelling on the past anymore. It's time to move forward, and excitement for the season is building. This team is going to be better, and it's going to be a good year. He's ready for Wisconsin fans to be proud of the team again.
It's this sort of awareness that Wisconsin fans needed from the staff, not excuses or trivialities, but actual ownership of "it's been bad, but it's going to be better."
Now the proof will be in the pudding, as they say. The football team will actually need to go out and win games to show that the program has moved forward. But it's encouraging to have coaches admit, own, and create an improvement plan with a better team. A team that is capable of competing for the Big Ten and fighting for a quality bowl.
Wisconsin fans don't need a National Championship this season, but they definitely need a winning program. A product that's headed in the right direction and a football team capable of beating any opponent on the field. That's step one, and we can worry about step two next year.