In an unexpected development that has taken the college football world by surprise, two running backs from the Wisconsin Badgers football team have officially announced their departure from the program, citing struggles with performance and a lack of consistent opportunities as key factors in their decision to move on. The announcement, made on March 21, 2025, has left fans in Madison reeling and questioning the future of the team’s running game under head coach Luke Fickell.
The two players, both of whom had significant expectations placed on them coming into the 2024 season, shared their decisions through individual social media posts, explaining their reasons for leaving the Badgers’ backfield. The first running back, a highly regarded recruit who had shown flashes of brilliance during his early time at Wisconsin, wrote a heartfelt message thanking the coaching staff, his teammates, and the fans for their support. However, despite his potential, he revealed that his inability to consistently earn a starting role and contribute at a high level had led him to consider other opportunities.
“Thank you all for everything, but it’s time to move on,” the running back shared in his post. “I’ve always given my best, but after a lot of reflection, I’ve come to realize that I need a fresh start. I truly appreciate the love and support from Wisconsin and the Badger Nation, but it’s time for me to move in a new direction to get back to being the player I know I can be.”
The second running back followed suit with a similar message, acknowledging that while he had valued his time at Wisconsin, his struggles to make a lasting impact had ultimately led him to the decision to leave. Citing his limited opportunities in the 2024 season, he expressed his desire for a fresh start to reignite his career and find a system that would better suit his talents.
“Being part of the Badgers family has been an honor, but the reality is that I haven’t been able to showcase my skills the way I had hoped,” the second player wrote. “I want to thank the fans, my teammates, and the coaches for their support. Sometimes, change is necessary, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
For Wisconsin, the departure of these two running backs leaves the team with significant questions at a position that has long been a hallmark of their identity. The Badgers have historically boasted a powerful rushing attack, with standout running backs like Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor paving the way for success. However, the 2024 season saw a decline in their rushing efficiency, with the team’s running backs struggling to maintain consistency. Neither of the departing players had been able to carve out a starting role, and their departures further underline the challenges Wisconsin has faced in finding a reliable and explosive rushing threat.
With these departures, Wisconsin now faces the prospect of rebuilding their backfield for the 2025 season. The team’s offense, which has traditionally relied on a strong ground game, will need to rely on their remaining running backs and perhaps new recruits to fill the void. The 2025 recruiting class is expected to bring in several talented running backs, and the Badgers coaching staff will likely focus on adding a dynamic playmaker to help revive their rushing attack.
As Wisconsin adjusts to these departures, the future of the team’s running game remains uncertain. However, the Badgers’ tradition of strong rushing attacks, combined with the leadership of head coach Luke Fickell, leaves the door open for a potential rebound. Fans in Madison will be watching closely as the team works to rebuild their backfield and prepare for a successful 2025 campaign.
