Today is gameday for the Wisconsin Badgers as they get set to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
With today marking the final day of the team’s 2020 season, the focus hasn’t turned to the 2021 campaign quite yet. However, there was a report from last night to follow as the Badgers look to build their roster for next year.
Related: Meet Wisconsin football’s class of 2021, the highest-ranked group in school history
That is USC Sports Illustrated publisher Scott Wolf noting that Wisconsin “is currently the frontrunner for ex-USC tailback Markese Stepp.”
I'm hearing Wisconsin is currently the frontrunner for ex-#USC tailback Markese Stepp
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) December 29, 2020
Stepp was a four-star recruit in the class of 2018 and was ranked as the No. 307 overall prospect, No. 14 running back and No. 3 player from his home state of Indiana.
The now-former USC Trojan entered the transfer portal on Monday after a 45-carry, 165-yard, 3-touchdown 2020 campaign.
Stepp will have sophomore eligibility next season and could provide a valuable boost to the Badger backfield. The Badgers, then, will hope he returns to his form from 2019 when he broke onto the scene with 48 carries, 307 yards, 6.4 yards-per-carry and 3 touchdowns.
If you have any questions about what he could possibly provide for the Badgers, see the thread below.
*Envisions a Stepp—Berger thunder and lightning 2021 backfield* pic.twitter.com/sOLTyY1sYl
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 30, 2020
This dude pushes bodieshttps://t.co/10E08SozRc
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 30, 2020
Markese Stepp has four carries for 38 yards. This was his last run. #USC pic.twitter.com/EyN4Ra2iv8
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) October 13, 2019
Although Jalen Berger has shown sky-high potential this season as the leader of the Badger backfield, the addition of a power back like Stepp would be a valuable one—especially if Garrett Groshek doesn’t decide to return next season.
Wolf’s report is all that is out there at this point regarding Stepp’s impending decision so it will be a situation to monitor as the offseason begins.