Wisconsin Running Back Chez Mellusi 'Stepping Away From the Team'

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football program will be without their leading rusher for the foreseeable future.

According to a statement released by the program, sixth-year senior running back Chez Mellusi has decided to step away from the football team to concentrate on rehabbing injuries that have hindered his ability to perform at the level many were expecting.

BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew was the first to report the news of Mellusi taking a step back from the program.

“We want to let people know that Chez is going to be stepping away from the team for now and working to get his body healthy,” the statement indicates . “He’s endured many injuries and has worked extremely hard to be able to play this year, but his body hasn’t responded the way he expected. We’re here to support Chez in any way we can and hope he’ll be back on the football field again one day.”

The Naples, Florida native, now in his fourth season with the Badgers after transferring from Clemson, led the team with 56 carries for 232 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Mellusi also chipped in four catches for 17 yards as part of a four-player committee .

Since joining the Badgers in 2021, Mellusi has amassed 1,827 yards on 392 carries and 14 touchdowns over 26 appearances. Further, the 5-foot-11 tailback contributed 18 receptions for 120 yards and another score.

A team official indicated that the door remains open for Mellusi to return later this season, contingent on his full recovery. There’s also a possibility that Mellusi could apply for an extra year of eligibility if he were to pursue a medical redshirt — which the NCAA would have to approve. That said, the fact that Mellusi is choosing to rehab away from the team facility seems pretty telling.

The Badgers already struggling offense will now proceed with Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli, and Darrion Dupree as their primary ball carriers, while freshman Dilin Jones appears to be the next option waiting in the wings.

Wisconsin football (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) is set to host Purdue (1-3, 0-1) on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at Camp Randall Stadium.

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