The Badgers are going young at running back this season.
Spring ball has officially started for the Wisconsin Badgers, who will resume practices after spring break starting on Tuesday.
While several positions saw shakeups this offseason, one that remained virtually untouched was running back, as Wisconsin didn’t see any players expected to stay hit the transfer portal, while electing not to add either a freshman or a transfer to their current group.
The lone moves were Tawee Walker transferring (wasn’t expected back) and Jackson Acker moving to tight end.
So, with a much younger group heading into 2025, how does the Badgers running back room look entering spring ball?
Projected Depth Chart
Starter: Darrion Dupree
Backup: Dilin Jones
Third string: Cade Yacamelli
Dupree enters the offseason as the lead back for the Badgers after getting eased in as the No. 2 as a true freshman.
The Badgers planned to hand Dupree the keys to the program, and he’ll get an opportunity to be an all-around running back for Wisconsin in their new-look offense. But, the Badgers should deploy multiple backs in 2025, which should give ample opportunity to Dilin Jones and Cade Yacamelli as well.
Jones should step into a bigger role after coming in as a four-star freshman in 2024, serving as a good complement to Dupree. But, having minimal experience, both backs will have to prove themselves this year with the smaller things like pass protection and ball security.
Yacamelli is the most experienced of the trio and has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff for being able to accept whatever role is asked of him. But, he’s got good speed to provide something different, while also being a good pass protector, potentially setting him up for a third-down role.
Wisconsin only has four scholarship backs, with redshirt freshman Gideon Ituka being the final piece of the puzzle. So, injuries would be a killer for Wisconsin at running back this year.
But, the Badgers are starting to put that strong 2024 recruiting class to use in the running back room, letting the younger guys play.