Sometimes a college football program’s offseason is defined by headline-grabbing transfer additions. For Wisconsin, those names in recent history include QB Tyler Van Dyke (Miami), WR C.J. Williams (USC), WR Bryson Green (Oklahoma State) and QB Tanner Mordecai (SMU).
On the other hand, there are times when under-the-radar additions end up having the biggest impact. For a glaring example, see Michigan State‘s 2021 season led by former Wake Forest running back Kenneth Walker.
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Wisconsin’s 2024 season will certainly be decided by the play of Van Dyke and others in the Badgers’ second year under offensive coordinator Phil Longo. But one transfer addition is trending toward having a larger impact than anybody expected when he committed to the program back in December.
That is former Oklahoma running back Tawee Walker.
Walker rushed for 513 yards and 7 touchdowns on only 102 carries for the Sooners in 2023. He has been on a steady ascension since joining Oklahoma ahead of the 2022 season.
The experienced running back joins a Wisconsin backfield that projects to be led by veteran Chez Mellusi after star Braelon Allen left for the NFL after the 2023 season. Mellusi has played in only 22 games over the past three years, however, including only four in 2023. Injuries have derailed several of his immensely-productive seasons.
So whoever Wisconsin added in the transfer portal at the position, there was an opportunity available to have a legitimate impact.
Walker appears to be the perfect addition to the backfield, creating what Mellusi described as a ‘thunder and lightning’ 1-2 punch — with Walker operating as the former.
Beat reporters at training camp have named Walker in most conversations about breakout players and early camp standouts. Wisconsin’s social media team added to that collection of praise on Thursday:
TAWEE. WALKER. 🤯
remember the name. @RMBwee pic.twitter.com/TW8BIWHHGV— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 1, 2024
Wisconsin’s 2023 backfield lead primarily by Allen averaged just 161 yards per game, ranked No. 62 in the nation. Better health at the position and another year in Longo’s system should see improved results in 2024, especially if Walker continues his strong play.
The 2024 Badgers will likely go as far as Van Dyke can take the offense. But the calculus changes if Walker can be to this team what Kenneth Walker was to the 2021 Spartans.
Longo has a history of somewhat dominant rushing attacks carrying his offense. This 2024 running back room has the chance to have that type of impact.
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