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Wisconsin Badgers' Starting RB Carted Off Against Strong #2 Indiana 1 Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti stops Wisconsin running back Gideon Ituka near the end zone as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Wisconsin Badgers’ Starting RB Carted Off Against Strong #2 Indiana

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 2:13 PM ET

Just weeks after earning the promotion, starting Wisconsin Badgers‘ running back Gideon Ituka has been carted off of the field with an injury against Indiana.

Wisconsin came out of the half with plenty left to prove after holding the Hoosiers’ dynamic, high-powered offense to just 10 points. However, the second-half of play has been a bit different, and now the loss of Ituka could become the nail in the coffin as Wisconsin is already extremely limited at the position.

Starting running back Dilin Jones went down with an injury weeks ago and has since received season-ending surgery. Back-up running back Darrion Dupree has missed this season with injuries and seemingly still has not returned to 100% health. Cade Yacamelli, who has taken a share of the carries, was also recently ruled out due to his injuries. Former running back turned utility back Jackson Acker could be a rushing option Wisconsin turns to should Ituka miss the rest of the season.

Wisconsin Badgers’ RB Gideon Ituka Carted Off Field Following Unfortunate Injury

Ituka went down awkwardly during a play and stayed on the turf for a concerning amount of time, prompting the physical training staff to visit the running back on the field. Ituka laid down for quite some time and his Badgers’ teammate approached the cart as the running back was loaded on.

The 5-foot-9 redshirt freshman had been arguably one of the brightest spots on the team the last few weeks despite the entire Wisconsin product not being the best. The running back started the season as the fourth-string option at the position before working his way up to the starting role. Ituka has 158 yards in his last two games against two of the tougher rushing defenses in the country in Oregon and Washington.

Three Sack First-Half Fuels Wisconsin Badgers as team trails Tough #2 Indiana 1 Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Lance Mason (86) turns to celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The injury is both unfortunate and also a good baseline for what the season has been like for Wisconsin. Ituka finally earned a chance to play after numerous injuries decimated the running back room, and Ituka made the most of his opportunities against Ohio State and Oregon. The running back was also a crucial part of the win over the Washington Huskies last weekend with his powerful running style.

Wisconsin has multiple positions rooms that have seemingly endured endless injuries between the quarterback, offensive line, and the secondary room have not played at full-strength this season. Wisconsin seemingly found a diamond in the darkness of a 3-6 season, but now Ituka may very well have played his final snap this year.

Three Sack First-Half Fuels Wisconsin Badgers as team trails Tough #2 Indiana 3 Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) throws a pass in front of Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Rolijah Hardy (21) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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