Who Makes the Most Sense for Wisconsin Football’s RB3 Job?

Despite transitioning to the air raid offense in 2023, it’s become well-established that Luke Fickell and Phil Longo intend for Wisconsin football to pound the rock this upcoming season. 

And why wouldn’t you? The Badgers return Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi, one of the country’s better 1, 2 punches. The duo has combined for 3,798 yards and 30 touchdowns during their Wisconsin careers. 

That said, injuries have consistently crept up throughout their time in Madison, making it imperative that UW finds a reliable third option that could step in if/when wear and tear occurs. 

The candidates for UW heading into the season are scholarship RBs Jackson Acker, Cade Yacamelli, and Nate White. Walk-ons Grover Bortolotti and Zach Gloudeman are also depth pieces in the mix. 

But Wisconsin football has a pretty clear-cut option in the RB3 competition if you ask me.

Wisconsin Football Has an Obvious Choice for Its No. 3 Running Back Job

Even though Wisconsin football is prepared to open things up in the passing game this season — the Badgers still need two healthy running backs they can depend on to endure the rigors of a Big Ten season.

If Braelon Allen or Chez Mellusi were to miss time — the No. 3 option should, without a doubt, be junior tailback, Jackson Acker.

Acker is 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, and has solid straight-line speed and power for a player transitioning from fullback. The Verona native played 176 snaps last season (all fullback), according to PFF. For his career, Acker has six carries for 34 yards and a touchdown on the ground, plus five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown receiving. 

His versatile skillset, size, and power-speed combination could make for an intriguing third option for Wisconsin football out of the backfield.

I fully anticipate he’ll win the job heading into the season opener and warrant a few carries each week. The coaching staff seems high on his potential upside now that he has time to focus on developing at one spot.

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