Why Chez Mellusi’s Return is Invaluable to Wisconsin Football

Mellusi suffered an injury in the Big Ten opener against Purdue, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season. However, due to that matchup being just the fourth game of the year, he was granted an extra year of eligibility. 

Before his injury, Mellusi was a key contributor for the Badgers, recording 307 yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries, good for an average of six yards per rush. 

Wisconsin officially signed their 2024 recruiting class on Wednesday, a class that includes three running backs. With an influx of young tailbacks and the youth already on the roster, Mellusi returning next season will be invaluable for Wisconsin football.

Why Chez Mellusi’s Return is Invaluable to Wisconsin Football

Mellusi is bringing 43 games of experience to a room that is sparse with playing time. 

Jackson Acker has the second-most experience in the room, with 21 games under his belt. However, the Madison native spent his first 13 games at fullback before making the switch to tailback when the air raid came into town. Acker stepped up after Mellusi’s injury, serving as the RB2 behind Braelon Allen, and recorded 236 yards and a touchdown on 58 carries. Behind Acker, though, there is even less experience. 

Cade Yacamelli recorded a stat in four games this year after seeing some time sparingly due to Braelon Allen being banged up, posting totals of 29 carries for 124 yards. After him, the Badgers have Nate White, Grover Bortolotti, and incoming freshmen Darrion Dupree, Dilin Jones, and Gideon Ituka. With a young group like this, having a veteran presence for a bridge year is crucial. 

Mellusi’s experience aside, he is tailor-made for Phil Longo’s offense. With a more spread-out offense, he has fewer packed boxes to run through and can get up to speed much easier. He’s much more elusive and athletic than any running back on the roster, but his skills don’t just extend to his run game. While he isn’t the biggest receiving threat, Mellusi has logged 17 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns in his career. With his speed, elusiveness, and ability to stretch the field, he is a perfect fit for this offense.

We got a taste of what he could do through four games in 2023, but there’s more to it that we still have yet to see. 

Final Thoughts

You couldn’t ask for a better situation for all parties involved.

Mellusi gets to come back in hopes of boosting his draft stock and finishing what he started last year, and the Badgers retain a veteran leader to help bridge the gap while the staff gets the young players ready. 

Mellusi has been a difference-maker when healthy since he transferred to the Wisconsin football program in 2021. If he can stay on the field, this Badgers offense could be really fun to watch next season.