Wisconsin RB Chez Mellusi named to Doak Walker Award watch list

Mellusi is viewed as one of the best running backs in the country.

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi goes through a drill during spring practice Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 13, 2024. / Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

The preseason candidates for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, given to the most outstanding running back in college football, were released on Tuesday, and Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi was one of the more than 80 players recognized on the watch list.

Backing RBU.@chez_mellusi is on the @DoakWalkerAward watch list which honors the 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. pic.twitter.com/t5Qp0mEqAd

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 6, 2024

Mellusi is one of the most experienced running backs in the country, entering his sixth season of college football. After transferring to Wisconsin from Clemson before the 2021 season, he has battled injuries across three seasons, but he's totaled more than 1,500 rushing yards.

He played in four games last season, averaging an impressive six yards per carry before suffering a season-ending back injury against Purdue. He has more than 2,100 total yards from scrimmage in his collegiate career.

Heading into 2024, Mellusi will likely split running back duties with Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker, but his experience in the Badgers program gives him a leg up. Mellusi, who will turn 23 in October, will look to be among the leaders of the Badgers offense this upcoming fall.