Who will emerge as the starting RB for the Badgers?

Training camp is just around the corner for the Wisconsin Badgers, who are looking to turn things around in 2026 after a major revamp of the roster this offseason.

Wisconsin overhauled both sides of the ball, bringing in over 30 transfers after a 4-8 season in 2025. That included a revamp of the running back room, with Wisconsin bringing in Abu Sama III (Iowa State), Bryan Jackson (USC), Nate Palmer (TCU), and Julius Pope (JUCO) to join Darrion Dupree in the backfield.

What’s the outlook of the room heading into fall camp?

Abu Sama III

Wisconsin’s most notable running back transfer this offseason was Iowa State’s Abu Sama III, who was touted as a freshman and has enjoyed three quality seasons since.

Sama has explosive play ability and good vision between the tackles, which is why he’s regularly averaged over 5.0 yards per carry through three seasons at Iowa State.

But he never grew into the lead back there and seems best in a timeshare to maximize his output, which is the expectation in Madison.

Unfortunately, we didn’t see a full workload from Sama this spring as he dealt with injury, but the running back should be a good complement to Darrion Dupree in the backfield and a top option for Wisconsin this season.

Wisconsin needs many more explosives from the run game this season, and Sama has to be a big part of that.

Darrion Dupree

Darrion Dupree returns as the lone rotational back this season after seeing his role grow as the year went on. Initially brought in as a good fit in the Phil Longo offense, Dupree was eclipsed by Dilin Jones last year, but saw his touches rise after Jones suffered a season-ending injury.

Dupree is a lighter back who also works best with his athleticism, and he’ll look to be more efficient in a better run game this season. He should be a featured back once again, and is poised for a big role, potentially even as the starter.

Once again, the question will be how well the offensive line can run block. That part really came along to end the year after a lineup change, and will need to be better in 2026.

Bryan Jackson

Bryan Jackson is the most unique running back in the room at 6’0, 235 pounds, making him ideal for early down work, short distance situations, and red zone touches. He’s a physical runner who does have some burst to him, but is best served as a complement to Wisconsin’s change-of-pace backs.

Jackson dealt with injury last year after a very quality freshman season at USC, and should be a good addition to Wisconsin’s running back room.

The big goal throughout the room is raising the efficiency and physicality of the ground game. All three players are suited for that.

Nate Palmer/Julius Pope

Slated for more rotational/reserve roles are TCU transfer Nate Palmer and JUCO transfer Julius Pope, who provide quality depth to the room and get the Badgers to five playable running backs.

Palmer has quality speed, while Pope is new as a late-offseason addition. Wisconsin needs healthy bodies after dealing with a couple of injuries last year. They’ve got that with a deeper room.

The running back room is slated to improve in 2026, but their success usually comes in conjunction with the pass game and offensive line play. The Badgers do have several players that should be a part of the rotation and make an impact in 2026.

The question is: how much of an impact can the room make to one of the worst offenses in the FBS last year?