Wisconsin Badgers Recruiting Hit as Top Staffer Joins Oklahoma State

The Wisconsin Badgers football program has lost a key front-office figure. Director of Player Personnel Ethan Russo is leaving after just one season. He is joining the Oklahoma State Cowboys under new head coach Eric Morris. The move was confirmed in December 2025.

This marks the second consecutive offseason Wisconsin must replace its top personnel executive. Russo’s departure creates a significant challenge for head coach Luke Fickell’s recruiting and roster management efforts.

Russo Reunites With Former North Texas Colleagues

Ethan Russo is heading to Stillwater for a reunion. He will work again with Eric Morris, the new Oklahoma State head coach. Russo previously served under Morris at North Texas in 2023 and 2024.

His new title will be Executive Director of Player Personnel. According to reports from 247Sports, Morris is also bringing other North Texas staff to Oklahoma State. This includes General Manager Raj Murti and Chief of Staff Rolando Surita.

The move leaves a clear void in Madison. Russo was responsible for overseeing Wisconsin’s recruiting strategy and roster construction. His exit forces a quick and critical search for his replacement.

Search for Successor Begins Amidst Staffing Instability

Wisconsin now faces a familiar problem. They must find a new director of player personnel for the second year running. Russo himself was hired in March 2025 to replace Max Steinecker, who left for USC.

Potential internal candidates are being considered. Brandon Rose, a current Assistant Director of Player Personnel, is one option. Rose joined Wisconsin in 2024 after a three-year stint as a recruiting specialist at Alabama.

Another possibility is Director of Recruiting Pat Lambert. Lambert has been with Fickell since their time together at Cincinnati. The coming weeks are crucial for stabilizing the Badgers’ recruiting operation before the next cycle intensifies.

Finding the right successor is now the immediate priority for Wisconsin Badgers recruiting. The program cannot afford another transitional year in its talent acquisition efforts.

Info at your fingertips

Who is replacing Ethan Russo at Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has not yet named a permanent replacement. Internal candidates like Assistant Director of Player Personnel Brandon Rose and Director of Recruiting Pat Lambert are considered potential successors for the role.

Why did Ethan Russo leave Wisconsin?

Russo left to reunite with Eric Morris, the new head coach at Oklahoma State. He previously worked under Morris at North Texas and is following him to Stillwater for a promoted executive role.

How does this affect Wisconsin’s recruiting?

The loss creates instability in the player personnel department during a key time. Wisconsin must quickly install new leadership to maintain its recruiting momentum and strategy for the 2026 class and transfer portal.

Has this happened to Wisconsin before?

Yes. The previous director, Max Steinecker, left for USC in 2024. Russo was hired to replace him, making this the second consecutive offseason Wisconsin has lost its top personnel executive.