Brubacher grew up in Listowel, Ontario, but his high school did not have a football team.[1][2] He instead spent time competing as an amateur boxer and had an 8–0 record.[2]
University career
Brubacher attended Wilfrid Laurier University for a year and a half as a kinesiology student before emailing head football coach Michael Faulds to ask for a tryout, despite never having played organized football before.[2][3] Brubacher joined the team in 2020 but the U Sports football season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][2] He played in seven games in 2021, recording 10 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, and 4.5 sacks.[4] He appeared in 10 games during the 2022 season, totaling 15 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. Brubacher played in 10 games in 2023, accumulating 12 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, six sacks, and two pass breakups, earning OUA second-team All-Star honors.[4]