BREAKING NEWS: Excitements Hit Camp Randall Stadium as former Wisconsin Badgers legend Ron Dayne, has Returned to his former team as a senior coaching…see more

In a moment that will go down in Wisconsin football history, legendary running back Ron Dayne is returning to the University of Wisconsin–Madison—not as a player this time, but as a Senior Offensive Advisor to the Badgers coaching staff. The announcement was made this morning in front of an ecstatic crowd at Camp Randall Stadium, igniting waves of nostalgia and renewed energy across the state.

Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner and all-time NCAA rushing leader (with bowl stats included), is one of the most beloved figures in Badgers athletics. Known as “The Great Dayne,” his punishing running style and record-breaking performances helped redefine Wisconsin football in the late 1990s and laid the groundwork for the program’s national reputation as a powerhouse for elite running backs.

A Homecoming Like No Other

“This is home,” Dayne said at a press conference, standing alongside Head Coach Luke Fickell and Athletic Director Chris McIntosh. “I’ve always believed in what this program stands for—discipline, toughness, and pride. Now I get to give back and help build up the next generation of Badgers.”

In his new role, Dayne will work closely with running backs and offensive coordinators, mentoring players, helping with recruiting efforts, and offering strategic input during game prep and film sessions.

A Boost for a Program on the Rise

The Badgers have already shown signs of resurgence under Coach Fickell, and Dayne’s return is being viewed as a culture-setting move—one that reconnects the team to its storied past while pushing forward with bold ambitions for the future.

“Ron’s not just a Hall of Famer—he’s a Badger through and through,” Fickell said. “His experience, his mentality, and his love for this place are going to have a massive impact on our locker room and our identity.”

Fans and Alumni React

Across social media and local sports radio, the reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded comment sections with #DayneTrain hashtags, and footage of his legendary runs was quickly shared and celebrated.

“Ron Dayne coming back to Madison? That’s like Vince Lombardi walking into Lambeau again,” said UW alum and longtime fan Lisa Jorgensen. “This isn’t just exciting—it’s inspiring.”

Dayne’s return comes at a time when college football is changing fast—between NIL, transfer portals, and expanded playoffs—but his presence may be the steadying force that keeps Wisconsin grounded in its winning traditions.

With fall camp underway and the season opener just weeks away, the timing couldn’t be better.