Badgers Secure Notable Visit With 2027 Running Back Target For Iowa Hawkeyes Clash

Following the game against Michigan, the Badgers will return home and play against Iowa after suffering an ugly defeat last season to the Hawkeyes. Wisconsin expects to yield a far different result this time around, and the staff is expected to bring in an abundance of top targets for the game.

Among the recruits set to visit is running back Dajon Rhodes, a native of Washington, DC, who has a reputable offer list despite not yet cracking the rankings. Rhodes has offers from programs such as Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Syracuse, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Badgers have worked to develop close relationships with Rhodes while Washington has been another program doing the same.

Wisconsin Badgers Set to Host Dajon Rhodes During Iowa Hawkeyes Game

With Rhodes in attendance alongside plenty of other recruits, the Badgers will need to put on a solid performance on the ground against a versatile Iowa defense.

Through five games, the 3-2 Hawkeyes have displayed plenty of different defensive sets, but have found the most success when utilizing help defense from the secondary. Defensive backs Xavier Nwankpa, Deshaun Lee, and Zach Lutmer have all been key to the Hawkeyes run defense this season and consistently fill gaps that could allow for big runs. Running through the Hawkeyes defense is difficult, but the Badgers can certainly do so under the right circumstances.

Last season, Wisconsin lost 42-10 last season while giving up 205 yards more on the ground in a game that truly was defined by the performances of the running backs and defensive linemen. Wisconsin gained 124 yards on the ground and found virtually through the air.

Iowa will have a far different team this time around, and one of the biggest weaknesses the team has displayed early on has involved protecting against the pass. Iowa has a physical secondary, but one that has been exposed in coverage multiple times this season. The Hawkeyes know teams want to attack through the air and will focus on preventing Wisconsin from doing so, which is why the Badgers need a viable running game that can be relied upon.

Additionally, Rhodes is a versatile and dynamic running back who can run around or through players if needed, and a bad performance on the field might turn the recruit away. Wisconsin has a history of developing running backs, but still need to produce at the position moving forward in order to do so.