Countdown to 2026 Indiana Football- 56 Days Joe Brunner

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Football Kickoff continues, and along with it, new faces will compete in the crimson and cream for the 2026-27 season. Some will be first-years, but many will be veteran players entering through the transfer portal.

A National Championship trophy is naturally a cause for attention, and offensive lineman Joe Brunner took notice. Brunner traded his Wisconsin Badgers jersey in for an Indiana Hoosiers one in January of 2026. Brunner will use his final year of eligibility to compete for the Hoosiers and Coach Cignetti, making a strong addition to the offensive line room.

Height: 6-7

Weight: 313 pounds

Hometown: Whitefish Bay, Wisc.

Class/Position: Redshirt Senior/Offensive Linemen

Joe Brunner has had his fair share of accomplishments throughout his four seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers. Brunner signed with Wisconsin on December 15, 2021, and competed in his freshman season in the fall of 2022. In his freshman season, he competed in four games on the offensive line and special teams. Brunner seemed to spend the offseason perfecting his game, as he played in 11 games in 2023 and found success on special teams. 

The 2024 season held more promise, as Brunner started all 12 games at left guard. He tallied a 77.8 PFF pass block grade, which became the third highest among Big Ten guards. He accumulated a PFF pass block grade of 80.0+ in four games. In the same year, the Badgers’ offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the Big Ten with 13.0, and Brunner was a key contributor to that outcome.

In 2025, Brunner again started in all 12 games at left guard. In one year, Brunner increased his PFF blocking grade to above 80 in four consecutive games. In 316 pressure opportunities, the 6-foot-7 guard stood strong and did not allow a single sack. Brunner also played smart and only committed one penalty throughout his 12 games. He was instrumental to Wisconsin’s productivity on the ground, especially in games against MTSU, Washington, and Illinois. 

Well-rounded is just one word to describe Brunner. During his time at Whitefish Bay High School, Brunner excelled on the track and on the basketball court. He recorded a 52-10.6 shot put and a 153-9 discus as a junior and qualified for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state track and field championships. 

While in Madison, Brunner found success in the classroom and placed academics and athletics on an equal playing field. Brunner earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2025, Brunner also received the CSC Academic All-District award. Brunner’s dedication to academics offers a direct glimpse into the athlete the Hoosiers have acquired: one who is committed, resilient, and determined to succeed in all facets of life. 

Out of high school, Brunner was ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, and he continued to keep that rating when he entered the transfer portal. As a transfer, Brunner ranked 3rd among interior offensive linemen. At 6-foot-7 and 313 pounds, Brunner is quick on his feet and easily overpowers opponents. He gets downfield and finishes blocks. During his time at Wisconsin, he proved to be an elite run blocker, with exceptional pass protection skills. Indiana targeted Brunner for a reason, and his skill set makes it clear why. His physicality and power will likely earn him a starting position as a Hoosier. 

The countdown continues each day on Hoosier Huddle until the Hoosiers kick off the 2026 season against the North Texas Mean Green!