There is one clear sign that Wisconsin football is returning to the days of old

After a couple of consecutive seasons of Wisconsin football being down in the dumps, things have begun to look promising again, as through spring camp, the Badgers have looked like the teams of old. Many things can be said, and many fingers can be pointed as to why Wisconsin has not been able to replicate the success of the Paul Chryst era under Luke Fickell, but one thing is certain: the run game was lost.

For years, the Badgers were nationally renowned for dominance in running the ball, seemingly churning out a new All-American running back every other season. However, since the Fickell regime has entered, a heavier emphasis has been put on passing the ball, and as a result, Wisconsin’s run success hasn't been where it needs to be.

However, after an offseason filled with movement and new acquisitions, it's clear that the Badgers have a goal in mind of at least replicating a bit of what they once had on the ground. They likely will never be able to sniff the success they once had, in part due to the talent pool just not being what it once was, but that's not to say the Wisconsin backs haven't been turning heads.

Depth for Days

A lot of people think of the Badger football glory days as a dominant offense led by one star running back. Although that sentiment isn't inherently false, as oftentimes Wisconsin was led by an All-American caliber back, it was what's behind said back that made them so potent.

For as good as Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, Monte Ball, Corey Clement, and so many others were, they were always made even more potent because of what was behind them. Wisconsin seemingly always had a backup, or even two, that would have been starters anywhere else in the country, oftentimes with those players reaching the NFL.

In the 2026 season, it seems as if the Badgers are trying to replicate that, given the roster they have brought in. It always starts at the head of the snake, though, with this year's guy being Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound back built quite a resume over his three seasons with the Cyclones, playing a pivotal role despite not being a starter. Sama racked up 1,933 yards and 13 touchdowns over his Iowa State tenure and is now looking to level up in a larger role.

Behind him, things don't fall off much, as junior Darrion Dupree is returning to Wisconsin and ready to make a larger impact. Dupree has had a rocky start to his Badger tenure, dealing with a plethora of injuries and inconsistent opportunities. However, when on the field, he has proven himself to be one of the more talented backs on the team, showcasing the ability to flip a game on its head with one explosive play.

It isn't just a two-horse race either, as even beyond the top two guys, Wisconsin still has running backs who project to return high-end value. USC transfer Bryan Jackson is a name that has turned some heads in Badger spring camp, particularly as a short-down power back. And TCU transfer Nate Palmer has also shown some flashes of greatness.

As for how Luke Fickell and the rest of the Badgers will use this stacked group remains to be seen, but at worst, they have plenty of options and depth to fall back on. Wisconsin may never reach the same heights of the Chryst era, but if there was ever a year to reestablish itself as a running powerhouse, it would be this season.

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