Why did Tawee Walker transfer from OU football to Wisconsin? Running back felt 'condensed'

NORMAN — Tawee Walker's 2023 season with OU football was a rollercoaster.

The former walk-on Sooners running back, who transferred to Wisconsin, rushed for 496 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries last season with zero fumbles. But after breaking onto the scene during the first half of the season, Walker's role declined.

Walker was inactive against UCF due to what head coach Brent Venables called an "in-house suspension," and he didn't record more than five carries in OU's last three games.

Walker opened up about his 2023 season with the Sooners in a YouTube video posted to his personal page.

"I really felt like I was, not trapped, but condensed," Walker said. "Just not seeing my full potential. I feel like they used me as a third-down back or a guy that's just like, 'Nobody else is doing anything, I know Tawee is going to do something, let me put Tawee in.'

"I just felt I should've been established the guy or we should've had a one and two the whole year."

Walker was shockingly named OU's starter before the season alongside Marcus Major over Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk. But offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and running backs coach DeMarco Murray never settled on starters throughout the season.

Walker also reflected on his relationship with Murray.

"The running backs room was just hectic. We didn't know who was starting what game," Walker said. "Nothing bad about DeMarco, I love DeMarco. He's a great coach, a great mentor. Me and him had a couple of issues last year, but it made us nothing but stronger."

Following the Walker's portal entry, he was spotted at bowl practice by media and Venables said he was welcome to return to the team in 2024.

"You'd have to ask him and certainly, that's not the case for everybody," Venables said on Dec. 15. "But Tawee is going to look at some opportunities, and if he doesn't get what he wants, he's more than welcome to be part of the team."

Walker is expected to be a major contributor for the Badgers this season.