The 2025 spring practice of the Wisconsin Badgers features a youth movement at running back with an emphasis on nurturing up-and-coming talent.

As the 2025 spring practice kicks off for the Wisconsin Badgers, all eyes are on the next wave of talent emerging from the program. Traditionally known for a powerful running game, Wisconsin has long been a school that produces elite running backs who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Ron Dayne to Melvin Gordon, the Badgers’ legacy of producing star running backs is a key part of their identity. But as the 2025 season approaches, a new era seems to be dawning at the position.

The 2025 spring practice marks a distinct shift in Wisconsin’s approach to the running back position: a youth movement. With several promising underclassmen making an impact, the coaching staff is looking to develop the next generation of ball carriers who will continue the Badgers’ tradition of dominance on the ground. This focus on younger talent sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead, as the Badgers aim to blend their established power running game with the fresh energy and skills of the next wave of running backs.

In this preview, we’ll dive into the state of the running back position heading into the spring practice, key players to watch, and the overall significance of the youth movement in shaping the future of the Badgers’ offense.

The Running Back Tradition at Wisconsin

To understand the importance of the youth movement at running back, it’s essential to recognize the legacy Wisconsin has built at the position. The program has been known for producing some of the most prolific and powerful running backs in college football history. Running backs like Ron Dayne, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1999, and Melvin Gordon, who set an NCAA rushing record with 2,587 yards in 2014, are just a few of the legendary players to come through Wisconsin.

The Badgers’ offensive system, under offensive coordinator Phil Longo (if he remains in 2025), has often revolved around a strong, bruising running back who can wear down defenses. Paul Chryst, the former head coach (and offensive mind), embraced this identity, building his offensive game plan around ball control and establishing a dominant run game. That system often required a workhorse back capable of grinding out yards, eating up the clock, and wearing down opposing defenses.

However, as college football has evolved, so too has Wisconsin’s offense. With the rise of spread offenses and an increased emphasis on the passing game, Wisconsin has adjusted to meet the changing demands of the modern game. This evolution is especially evident in the 2025 spring practice, where the Badgers are focusing on developing a new generation of running backs who can not only run between the tackles but also be dynamic threats in the passing game.

The 2025 Youth Movement: Key Players to Watch

With a shift toward youth at running back, several players are positioning themselves to take on more prominent roles in the 2025 season. The running back room is full of potential, with multiple talented underclassmen eager to prove themselves. Here’s a look at the key players to keep an eye on as Wisconsin heads into the spring practices:

1. Braelon Allen (Sophomore)

Although Braelon Allen is still early in his career, he is already considered one of the most exciting young talents in the nation. The sophomore running back made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2023, establishing himself as a physical, hard-nosed runner with breakaway speed. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Allen possesses an ideal combination of size, power, and speed, allowing him to push the pile and break free for long runs.

Allen’s performance in his first season showed flashes of greatness, and with a year of experience under his belt, he’s poised to take on an even more prominent role in the Badgers’ backfield in 2025. He has already demonstrated an ability to handle the workload of a feature back and showed flashes of being able to contribute in the passing game as well. Allen will likely be one of the key players to watch during spring practice, as he could evolve into the workhorse back that Wisconsin fans are accustomed to seeing. With his skill set and physicality, Allen has the potential to become one of the top running backs in the Big Ten.

2. Jalen Berger (Freshman)

A promising young recruit in the 2025 class, Jalen Berger has already generated buzz in his early days at Wisconsin. The highly touted freshman brings a skill set that complements Allen’s power running style, with a focus on speed and agility. Berger has the ability to make defenders miss in open space and is known for his vision and patience as a ball carrier. While Allen may be the more physical back, Berger has the burst and quickness to be a dangerous weapon in Wisconsin’s offense.

Berger’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game could make him a versatile option for the Badgers. While he may not be ready to take over the starting job right away, he has the potential to earn a significant role in a committee approach alongside Allen. During the spring practices, Berger will have a chance to showcase his skills and earn trust within the offensive system, potentially establishing himself as a key player for Wisconsin in the years to come.

3. Isaac Guerendo (Junior)

Although Guerendo may not be as widely recognized as some of the other names in the running back room, he has shown plenty of flashes during his time at Wisconsin. As a junior, Guerendo has experience in the program, which could prove invaluable as the Badgers navigate a youth movement in the backfield. A shifty and speedy runner, Guerendo has shown the ability to make plays in space, and his skill set as a receiving back could provide Wisconsin with a unique weapon out of the backfield.

Guerendo’s experience, combined with his speed and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, makes him an important part of the Badgers’ backfield in 2025. While Allen may be the workhorse and Berger the dynamic young talent, Guerendo’s role could be vital as a change-of-pace back and a weapon in the passing game. His experience could provide the necessary leadership to guide the younger players and provide stability to the running back group as a whole.

4. Nate White (Freshman)

Another exciting freshman in the 2025 recruiting class is Nate White, a running back who comes to Wisconsin with significant speed and a knack for making plays in the open field. White’s acceleration and ability to break long runs make him an intriguing option for the Badgers’ offense. Although he may not be as polished as some of the other running backs in the room, White’s raw athleticism and playmaking ability are undeniable.

During the spring, White will likely be given a chance to showcase his skills in a highly competitive running back room. If he can develop his vision and improve his pass protection, he could quickly earn a spot in the rotation, providing Wisconsin with another dynamic option in the backfield. His ability to contribute in the return game could also help solidify his place on the roster, giving him additional opportunities to make an impact early in his career.

The Changing Offensive Philosophy

The 2025 spring practice marks a significant shift in Wisconsin’s offensive philosophy under the guidance of offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Longo’s offensive scheme is known for incorporating elements of the spread offense, with an emphasis on spreading the field, utilizing the passing game, and creating mismatches. While Wisconsin will always remain committed to running the football, the incorporation of a more dynamic passing attack and diverse play-calling will impact how the running back position evolves.

As part of this new philosophy, the Badgers are likely to utilize their running backs not only as ball carriers but also as important assets in the passing game. Longo’s system could create opportunities for Wisconsin’s running backs to catch passes out of the backfield, utilizing their speed and agility to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. This could be a big change from the more traditional, power-running focus of previous years.

This shift will impact how Wisconsin develops its younger running backs. Players like Braelon Allen, Jalen Berger, and others will have to adapt to this new offensive approach, learning how to be effective in both the running and passing games. While Wisconsin will always have a physical, downhill running game, the younger players will also need to develop skills as receivers to take full advantage of Longo’s system. This could open up new possibilities for the Badgers’ offense, allowing them to utilize their running backs in more creative and dynamic ways.

What Does the Future Hold for Wisconsin’s Running Backs?

Looking ahead, the youth movement at running back seems poised to shape Wisconsin’s offensive identity for years to come. The combination of talented underclassmen like Braelon Allen, Jalen Berger, and Nate White, alongside the experience of players like Isaac Guerendo, creates a running back corps that has the potential to be both explosive and versatile.

This youth movement gives Wisconsin the opportunity to build a deep and dynamic backfield that can evolve with the changing landscape of college football. While the Badgers have always been known for their strong, physical running backs, the 2025 season and beyond will likely see a more balanced approach, incorporating both power running and a more varied passing attack.

With a strong foundation already in place, the development of these younger players over the next few seasons will be crucial. The Badgers will continue to lean on their running game, but they are also positioning themselves to be more dynamic in their offensive approach—an approach that could give them an edge in a competitive Big Ten.