Top 10 Wisconsin Badgers running backs of all time

5. Montee Ball (2009-2012)

It’s hard to put Ball this far back on the list, but it is a testament to the running back talent the Badgers have featured over the years. Ball was used relatively sparingly in his freshman year and even to begin his sophomore season in 2010. However, he would end his sophomore year with five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances, leading to a near 1,000-yard season. Taking over as the full-time starter following Clay’s departure in 2011, Ball truly excelled, rushing for 1,923 yards and setting a program record with 33 rushing touchdowns. His 39 total touchdowns that season tied an FBS record held by Barry Sanders. The Missouri native returned to the Badgers in 2012 where he ran for 1,830 yards and 22 more scores, winning the Doak Walker Award which began a stretch of Badgers taking home that honor four times in eight years. Scoring 55 touchdowns in his final two seasons in Madison, Ball graduated as Wisconsin’s all-time rushing touchdown leader with 77, and left college with an NCAA record 83 total scores. His 5,140 career rushing yards rank third all time in Wisconsin history. The two-time consensus All-American was part of three Rose Bowl teams at Wisconsin, and although he has since admitted he struggled with alcohol during his time in Madison which also contributed to his quick exit from the NFL, the running back’s legacy at Wisconsin is one that will not be forgotten.