The Badgers are going with a younger backfield this season.
Wisconsin’s Spring Ball Kicks Off with a Youthful Running Back Room
Spring ball is officially underway for the Wisconsin Badgers, with practices set to resume on Tuesday following spring break.
While several positions experienced significant turnover this offseason, the running back room remained largely intact. Wisconsin didn’t lose any key players to the transfer portal, nor did they bring in any new additions via transfer or high school recruiting.
The only changes were Tawee Walker transferring out—a move that was expected—and Jackson Acker switching positions to tight end.
Projected Depth Chart
Starter: Darrion Dupree
Backup: Dilin Jones
Third String: Cade Yacamelli
Darrion Dupree heads into spring as the clear lead back after serving as the No. 2 option as a true freshman last season. The Badgers are prepared to make him their primary ball carrier, giving him the chance to shine in their revamped offense.
However, Wisconsin plans to utilize multiple backs in 2025, meaning both Dilin Jones and Cade Yacamelli should see plenty of action.
Jones, a former four-star freshman, is expected to take on a larger role, complementing Dupree with his explosiveness. But with limited experience, he’ll need to prove himself in areas like pass protection and ball security.
Yacamelli, the most experienced of the group, has earned praise from the coaching staff for his adaptability. His speed and strong pass-blocking skills could make him an ideal fit for a third-down role.
Depth Concerns
With only four scholarship running backs, including redshirt freshman Gideon Ituka, Wisconsin’s backfield lacks depth. Any injuries could significantly impact the position group.
Still, the Badgers are showing faith in their young talent, leaning on the promising 2024 recruiting class to carry the load in the backfield.
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