Gideon Ituka Moves Into Feature Back Role for Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. — Gideon Ituka was one of three running back additions in Wisconsin’s 2024 recruiting class. While much of the hype went to Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree, and rightfully so, it was Ituka who actually committed first, ahead of the two four-star tailbacks.
And through the first 19 games of his collegiate career, Ituka sat behind both Dupree and Jones. Getting his shot due to injuries, Ituka now has an opportunity to emerge as RB1 in Madison.
“It just told me I have to work,” Ituka said of the Badgers signing two more tailbacks after him. “I see those guys as my teammates and competition as well. It didn’t shake me or anyting. I knew what it was. Just going about it, trying to do everything I can to get my name out there.”
It’s a small sample size, but so far, Ituka has done just that.
Ituka had his coming-out party on Nov. 1 at No. 6 Oregon. With Jones and Dupree both out, the redshirt freshman had arguably the best day by any Wisconsin tailback this season. Thrown into the fire, Ituka didn’t get the start, but he certainly became the bellcow throughout a rainy day in Eugene. Earning a career-high 21 carries, Ituka finished with 85 yards on the ground.
“Most definitely built my confidence for sure,” Ituka said.
Of Ituka’s 21 carries, only two were for a loss against what is statistically a top-five defense. Ituka also has the longest run (18 yards) of any Wisconsin tailback this season. Prior to that evening in Eugene, Ituka had just 13 career carries to his name, all of which came in late-game mop-up duty.
Jones (toe) has been ruled out for the season, while Dupree and junior Cade Yacamelli have both been banged up as of late. Head coach Luke Fickell said Monday that even if Jones, the team’s leading rusher, had been healthy, Ituka has done enough to see consistent game action going forward.
“I don’t know that you would say that Gideon hasn’t earned the opportunity, the right to kind of be the guy that steps out there to start the whole thing off,” said Fickell. “He’s done a really good job, and he’ll have to continue to grow.”
Ituka also flashed a week prior in a 34-0 loss to No. 1 Ohio State. After Jones went down, Ituka posted 35 yards on four carries, including a 17-yard burst.
“That guy fires you up,” said senior offensive tackle Riley Mahlman. “You may think he was burried on the depth chart and now he’s our feature back. He did a great job, ran super hard, and fought his butt off.”
Prior to the 2025 season, Ituka completely revamped his body. When he arrived in Madison, Ituka, a former three-star recruit, weighed 247 pounds at 5-foot-9. While a low center gravity and ability to bounce off tackles like a bowling bowl was a big part of his game, the Maryland native took his nutrition seriously in the off-season and is now playing under 220. As a result, Ituka feels just as strong with a little more burst.
Wisconsin (2-6, 0-5) resumes action on Saturday at home against No. 24 Washington (6-2, 3-2). Now that Ituka has moved up the opposition’s scouting report, Fickell and the Badgers are eager to see how he responds.
“All of a sudden, put in a situation, it’s a little bit different,” Fickell stated. “That’s where his growth will be important for all of us. When you are expected to be the guy to carry the load, there are some things are a little bit different.”
