Why Wisconsin Football is Excited to Have Chez Mellusi Back at RB

The Badgers’ backfield missed his elusive one-cut running style in the ladder half of the season. Instead, it rotated in less experienced options like Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli, who willed in admirably but didn’t provide the same change of pace Wisconsin football had with Mellusi. Depth was an issue at tailback. 

On National Signing Day, after officially having all three of its talented running back recruits put pen to paper, Wisconsin coaches announced that Mellusi would be using the medical redshirt available and returning to the program in 2024 for one last ride. 

Wisconsin Football Has Big Plans for Chez Mellusi at RB

When meeting with reporters down in Tampa, Wisconsin Badgers’ offensive coordinator Phil Longo talked with reporters about several topics, including what it means to get Chez Mellusi back next season. 

“Chez is obviously, as we all know, one of our most explosive players,” Longo said. “He fits a system that creates some space, so we are elated to have him back, can’t wait to see him back out on the field, happy that he’s returning.”

Longo also noted that Mellsi put himself in a position to be an offensive focal point before his injury, a role he thinks the sixth-year senior could hold for the Wisconsin football team in 2024. 

“Not only does he [Mellusi] bring the explosive play on the field, but he was heading towards being one of those two or three premier leaders on the offensive side before he got hurt,” Longo stated. “I don’t think that will change next year. I think he’s intending to be one of the leaders on our team. We’re going to need him to be, and I think that’s kind of where things are going right now.”

With Braleon Allen declaring the NFL Draft , the Badgers will return Jackson Acker, Cade Yacamelli, and Nate White next season. They’ll also welcome Dilin Jones, Darrion Dupree, Gideon Ituka, and Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker into the fold. 

That’s not a ton of returning production, so Mellusi will sit atop the depth chart with Walker while mentoring the younger tailbacks, whom the staff is incredibly high on and could push for snaps immediately.