Madison, WI –The Wisconsin Badgers football program announced a historic return today, welcoming back Ron Dayne, the legendary Heisman Trophy winner, as the new running backs coach. The move, unveiled by head coach Luke Fickell, signals a bold step to rejuvenate a team that struggled to a 5-7 record in 2024, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2001. Dayne, 47, brings his iconic status and unparalleled rushing prowess back to Madison, promising to restore the Badgers’ storied “Running Back U” legacy.

Dayne, who starred for Wisconsin from 1996 to 1999, remains the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher with 7,125 yards, a record that includes bowl game statistics. His college career featured back-to-back Rose Bowl victories, two MVP awards, and the 1999 Heisman Trophy, cementing his place as a Badger icon.

His No. 33 jersey was retired in 2007, a testament to his enduring impact. Now, after a seven-year NFL career and years away from coaching, Dayne returns to mentor the next generation of Badgers running backs.

“I’m excited to come home and give back to the program that shaped me,” Dayne said in a statement. “We’re going to rebuild this rushing attack and bring back the pride of Wisconsin football.” His appointment comes as the team seeks to address a 2024 season where the rushing offense averaged just 135 yards per game, a far cry from the program’s historical dominance. Fickell, entering his third year, emphasized Dayne’s fit. “Ron’s experience and understanding of our culture are unmatched,” Fickell said. “He’ll help us get back to dominating the line of scrimmage.”

The Badgers’ running game has long been a cornerstone, producing stars like Jonathan Taylor and Melvin Gordon. However, recent years have seen inconsistency, with sophomore Chez Mellusi leading the 2024 backfield with 678 yards but hampered by injuries.

Dayne’s role will focus on technique and toughness, drawing from his days powering through defenses under coach Barry Alvarez. His return also boosts recruiting, with four-star prospect Jamal Johnson citing Dayne’s hire as a factor in his recent commitment.

Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with posts on X buzzing about the “Dayne Train” rolling back into Camp Randall. The hire aligns with a broader effort to reconnect with alumni, following a challenging 2024 that saw attendance drop to 65,000 per game.

Dayne’s presence is expected to energize the fan base and attract talent, especially as the Big Ten grows more competitive with the addition of USC and UCLA.

Dayne’s NFL tenure with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans showcased his durability, though he never replicated his college success. Since retiring in 2007, he has stayed active in the Madison community, often speaking at events and mentoring youth. His lack of formal coaching experience is offset by his deep football IQ and connection to the program, making this a unique hire.

As the 2025 season approaches, Dayne will work with a young backfield, including redshirt freshman Cade Yacamelli, who showed promise with 412 yards last year. The Badgers face a tough schedule, including road games against Penn State and Ohio State. With Dayne’s guidance, the team aims to reclaim its rushing identity and push for a Big Ten title. For now, Madison is abuzz with hope that the Great Dayne can lead the Badgers back to glory.