Wisconsin Running Back Makes Future Plans Crystal Clear

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Wisconsin RB Chez Mellusi isn't leaving Madison at the end of the season.

Mellusi has struggled with health issues since arriving to the Badgers after leaving Clemson. After having an incredibly hot start to the 2021 campaign before suffering an ACL injury and then suffering a wrist injury that caused him to miss several weeks this season.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi has struggled with health issues since arriving in Madison. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With a COVID year of eligibility still able to be used, Mellusi will return and suit up for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023.

That means he'll be back in the mix for Wisconsin for the third straight year.

Chez Mellusi has a ton of potential, but has run into constant health issues.

Mellusi's time in Madison has been incredibly frustrating, but due to no fault of his own. He's shown some insane flashes of talent, and then gets derailed due to health problems.

For two straight years, he's had to miss substantial time. Instead of having a one-two punch with Braelon Allen, the young RB pretty much had to take over the running duties all by himself because of Mellusi's health issues.

Chez Mellusi will play for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In 2021, he rushed for 815 yards and five touchdowns. This season, he's only had 321 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown.

It's been very disappointing, but again, it's kind of out of Mellusi's control. You don't get to dictate how your health always shakes out in sports.

Wisconsin RB Chez Mellusi will return in 2023. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The good news is he's returning next season, and that's great news for fans. If Jim Leonhard is still coaching, he'll need Mellusi to help take some pressure off Braelon Allen.

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David Hookstead is a reporter for OutKick covering a variety of topics with a focus on football and culture. He also hosts of the podcast American Joyride that is accessible on Outkick where he interviews American heroes and outlines their unique stories. Before joining OutKick, Hookstead worked for the Daily Caller for seven years covering similar topics. Hookstead is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.