Joe Brunner Tackles a New Challenge

Joe Brunner looks the part. When the term “offensive lineman from the Midwest” is mentioned, the images that are conjured in the mind probably look a whole lot like the reality of the 6’7” senior from Whitefish Bay. Brunner is a mountain of a man with a dark and bushy beard and he’d look right at home if he were cast in a role as a lumberjack.

The former Wisconsin Badger does more than just look the part, though. Brunner started 24 times for Wisconsin before transferring to Indiana and he did not allow a single sack during his junior season (2025) in Madison. Each of those starts came at left guard but offensive line coach Bob Bostad has a different role in mind for the fifth-year player: right tackle.

That equates to a lot of change before his final season of college football. Not only is Brunner handling a new offense and a new program, he’s now learning a new position. The veteran seems unfazed by the challenge.

“I think going from left to right, especially interior, it’s not really challenging,” Brunner told the media after practice on Tuesday. “You kind of bounce around as a younger player, playing both sides. So I’m used to that. Going out to tackle, it’s new.”

Switching from guard to tackle presents a whole new set of responsibilities but Brunner has the frame to be successful on the outside of the line. He’s 6’7” and has good length and he has experience playing tackle in high school. Going against Big Ten defensive ends is a completely different beast but position coach Bob Bostad is helping Joe Brunner adjust.

“You’re facing a different type of player – speed, not as much strength, not as big. But it’s also fun,” Brunner said. “It’s part of the experience of learning a new position and just learning how good of a football player you are. I have the confidence in myself to play tackle, been learning from Coach Bostad every day. I’m here to do what’s best for the team.”

The switch was made primarily to get Indiana’s five best offensive linemen on the field at one time and the coaches believe Brunner at right tackle allows Adedamola Ajani to play his best position, right guard. He joins an offensive line that should be one of the best in the country with All-American left tackle Carter Smith and stalwart veterans Drew Evans and Bray Lynch taking up the left side and center of the unit.