A former Badgers running back could be heading to the SEC.
The Wisconsin Badgers lost one key member of their running back room to the transfer portal, as senior Tawee Walker announced his intentions to spend his final year of eligibility elsewhere.
Walker wasn’t expected back with the Badgers, as he was initially out of eligibility and instead was expected to pursue professional opportunities. However, the recent NCAA ruling regarding Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Diego Pavia allowed players who spent part of their eligibility at a junior college to be eligible for the 2025-26 season.
As a result, Walker earned an extra year of eligibility, and it made sense for him to enter the transfer portal with Wisconsin expected to move forward with Darrion Dupree, Dilin Jones, Cade Yacamelli, and Gideon Ituka as the team’s top running backs.
Well, there are a couple of programs interested in the transfer running back, as Walker is reportedly scheduling official visits with the Georgia Bulldogs and Cincinnati Bearcats.
Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker is working on scheduling visits to Georgia and Cincinnati in the near future, Lionheart Sports Agency tells @On3sports.
Former Oklahoma transfer had 864 yards this season and 10 touchdowns.
Intel: https://t.co/JmUtNCGtNa pic.twitter.com/LYE4LqP2AR
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 1, 2025
Walker had 864 yards and 10 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry this past season for the Badgers, working through a knee injury sustained early in the year. He emerged as the clear leader in Wisconsin’s backfield around midseason, taking on the lead role from that point onwards after transferring in from the Oklahoma Sooners.
In 2023, Walker had his breakout season, rushing for 513 yards and seven touchdowns, while operating in a rotation with Oklahoma running back Gavin Sawchuk. In search of a bigger opportunity, he transferred to Wisconsin.
Now, he’ll head to his third team for the final year of his collegiate career, and that could end up in the SEC.
The Bulldogs were led by Florida transfer Trevor Etienne, who rushed for 571 yards and nine touchdowns this season. But, they also had talented freshman Nate Frazier earn a big role due to injuries, and the first-year back rewarded Georgia with 634 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
With Etienne potentially heading to the NFL after this season, there could be an opening in Georgia’s backfield for a veteran running back, which is where Walker fits in.
Additionally, Walker could be a prime fit at Cincinnati, as the Bearcats will lose star running back Corey Kiner after this season. Kiner had 1,157 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2024 as the clear lead back.
His departure would leave a void in the position for the Bearcats, which Walker could very well fit with his experience.