Report: Former Wisconsin RB Jalen Berger on the move to another Big Ten program

Report: Former Wisconsin RB Jalen Berger on the move to another Big Ten program

Former Wisconsin and Michigan State running back Jalen Berger is projected to transfer to UCLA, according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Berger played the last two seasons at Michigan State after beginning his career with the Wisconsin Badgers. He re-entered the transfer portal back in April and is now reportedly close to finding a destination.

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The former four-star recruit has recorded 1,165 rushing yards over his four-year college career. His most productive season came in 2022 at Michigan State when he took 148 carries for 683 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Berger is best known in Wisconsin circles as the former heir apparent to All-American RB Jonathan Taylor when he left for the NFL after the 2019 season. The former four-star recruit flashed that potential in limited action in 2020 with 301 rushing yards on 5.0 yards per carry. He was dismissed from the program early during the 2021 season, however, and ended up landing at Michigan State.

Zenitz projects Berger to join a UCLA program that is in the midst of transition as it moves to the Big Ten. Longtime head coach Chip Kelly took the vacant offensive coordinator position at Ohio State this offseason, leading the Bruins to hire program legend and former running backs coach DeShaun Foster as their next head coach.

The Bruins’ roster is in somewhat of a rebuild after Kelly and ace defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn left after the 2023 season. It would present Berger with an opportunity to play, something that is sure to be atop his list of desires for his final two seasons of eligibility.

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