The Badgers have two young running backs vying for a big role in 2025.
The Wisconsin Badgers had quite a bit of movement in the transfer portal this offseason. But, one position they purposefully elected not to touch was the running back position, despite Tawee Walker transferring and Jackson Acker moving to tight end.
Why? The Badgers plan to hand the reins over to their 2024 recruiting class, as former four-stars Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones are both ready for bigger roles, with Cade Yacamelli and 2024 three-star Gideon Ituka in the fold as well.
Dupree and Jones have been projected to be the top backs for Wisconsin in 2025, and both got their fair share of first-team reps with the offense during spring ball. So, the natural question of who RB1 will be has come up, as both players have different skill sets and have flashed well at moments.
Dupree was the guy in 2024, rising to be the backup for Tawee Walker after Chez Mellusi stepped away from the team. But, Jones has had a very strong spring and took over more after Dupree suffered a lower-body injury that held him out for the second part of spring ball.
If there’s a breakout candidate to consider on offense, the running back position would be a great place to start. So, who is in a better position to be that guy in 2025?
In our weekly reacts poll, 44 percent of fans believe that Jones is the player best poised for a breakout season in 2025.
22 percent of the group pegged Trech Kekahuna as that guy, while 17 percent saw Dupree as the breakout running back.
Jones and Dupree should both play a good amount, but I especially liked what I saw from the former in the spring. Jones is an explosive, decisive runner who has good burst and agility in between the tackles. He’s powerful, but also has solid speed, making him an ideal early-down back.
Dupree is the better receiver of the two, but Jones also has underrated hands and could see some reps as a three-down back. Dupree was always pegged to be the guy in space, and Wisconsin will likely look to get him touches in that role. But, Jones seems like a great fit for Jeff Grimes’s offense, and a breakout season could very well be on the horizon.
If Wisconsin is to have better offensive success in 2025, it’ll need its running game to lead the way. So, it’s up to Jones and Dupree to handle that role, with fall camp likely determining the leader in the clubhouse.