Director of Recruiting Pat Lambert had just sat down to begin his interview for the Badger Connect Podcast when his cell phone buzzed off screen. It was defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow trying to touch base from somewhere on the recruiting trail.

Lambert compared his role during yet another critical recruiting contact period to that of an air traffic controller for the way he helped manage where coaches visited. He also created part of the strategy to ensure they not only saw 2027 prospects but priority 2028 and even 2029 recruits.

Down time is rare for Lambert, who is entering his fourth season in the role at Wisconsin. In the latest Badger Connect Podcast with Mike Heller, Lambert provides an inside look at his approach, how the staff is preparing for upcoming official visits, in-state recruiting efforts in the 2027 class, comparing high school recruiting potential to transfer portal production, the importance of game day visits and more. Check out the full video here: