Chez Mellusi announces return to Wisconsin in 2024

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi will return to the Badgers in 2024, he announced on Wednesday. It will be his sixth season of college football.

Originally committing in Clemson in their 2019 recruiting class, Mellusi played two seasons for the Tigers before transferring to the Badgers’ in 2021. He had the most productive year of his career thus far that season, notching career highs in carries (173), rushing yards (815) and touchdowns (5). In five total seasons, he’s rushed for 2,022 yards and 17 touchdowns.

He released a statement alongside his announcement to return. Read it below:

“I need to thank my trainers, coaches, teammates, and family for everything they have done while supporting me through my setbacks. I want to thank god for leading me here and lighting the steps on the path to where I am today. Badger Nation, thank you for showing me so much love from the second I put on the Badger jersey. Playing for an incredible fan base alongside my brothers is the greatest feeling and my most cherished memory.”

“When I arrived at Wisconsin in 2021, I was just a kid from Florida on a mission to become the best player and person I could be. There are so many people here who have helped me reach for that dream every single day and I will always be thankful for their belief in me, wearing the jersey or not. Speaking of dreams, for as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of playing at the highest level possible and getting a chance to compete in the NFL. But I’m not done dreaming in Wisconsin. I’m excited to announce that | will be returning for the 2024 season. I can’t wait for one last go-around in Camp Randall with my teammates.”

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.