The Doak Walker Award, established in 1990, is awarded to the nation’s top collegiate running back every season. Named after Walker, a former RB at Southern Methodist (1945-1949), it’s the highest honor a ball carrier can earn for their position.
Wisconsin has produced some of the best running backs in the country in the last couple decades and has gained some steam as the “running back university”. In the end though, the Badgers have never been able to get over the hump and make a national championship, regardless of their backfield talent. Looking to the future, new head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo have reassured fans that the running mentality will not be erased moving forward, but only time will tell.
Overall, the Badgers have had five winners of the Doak Walker Award, tying them with the Texas Longhorns for most ever. Here’s a look into the impressive athletes to don the Badger red and white: