The Wisconsin Badgers made an early splash at running back in the transfer portal, landing Iowa State Cyclone transfer Abu Sama, who comes to Madison after three strong years in Ames.
Sama, a 5’11, 210-pound
back, is now poised for a big role at Wisconsin in his final year of eligibility, but Wisconsin was expected to look for multiple running backs in the transfer portal. Getting an explosive back with Sama, getting a short-yardage, bigger-bodied back to fill out the room made sense.
Well, that’s what Wisconsin did on Wednesday when they landed USC Trojans transfer Bryan Jackson out of the transfer portal. Jackson, a sophomore in 2025, battled injuries this year as he dealt with a turf toe injury that sidelined him for five games.
However, he battled to return amid injuries elsewhere in USC’s room and finished the year as the team’s No. 2 back on the depth chart, rushing for 123 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries. Jackson was far more productive with his usage as a true freshman in 2024, rushing for 188 yards and a touchdown on 5.2 yards per carry, while playing in all 13 games for the Trojans.
Wisconsin will hope to see that player return in 2026 as they add a good complement to Sama and fellow running back Darrion Dupree, who both better serve as change-of-pace backs.
Jackson was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, according to Rivals, and carries two years of eligibility left. He now joins a group that includes Sama, Dupree, Gideon Ituka, and incoming freshman Qwantavius Wiggins for the 2026 season.
Wisconsin was initially expected to get a visit from Baylor Bears star transfer running back Bryson Washington, who has over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons. But, after landing Jackson, Washington is expected to visit elsewhere, with teams like Texas A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee in the mix.
So, it seems like Wisconsin’s running back room is set heading into 2026 with five players ready to earn snaps.
