Wisconsin RB Chez Mellusi stepping away from program indefinitely

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi is stepping away from the program indefinitely, the program announced on Thursday night. Mellusi is the current Wisconsin leading rusher but is taking time to get his body back to full health after suffering injuries and the recovery process not going fully to plan.

“We want to let people know that Chez is going to be stepping away from the team for now and working to get his body healthy,” a statement from Wisconsin said. “He’s endured many injuries and has worked extremely hard to be able to play this year, but his body hasn’t responded the way he expected. We’re here to support Chez in any way we can and hope he’ll be back on the football field again one day.”

A source tells On3 that Mellusi has not made a final decision and has met with Badgers head coach Luke Fickell multiple times in the past 24 hours. So, there is an avenue for the running back to return at some point during the 2024 season. However, if he does not suit up for Wisconsin again, it’s more likely Mellusi steps away from football than enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Back in September 2023, Mellusi suffered a fractured fibula in a game against Purdue, keeping him out injured for the rest of the year. Getting back onto the field was a huge accomplishment for the opener against Western Michigan.

Mellusi has run for 232 yards and three touchdowns on 56 carries through four games for Wisconsin. From a yardage standpoint, his best performance came in the loss to Alabama, having 11 carries for 66 yards. Two of the three scores came against South Dakota while opening his account vs. Western Michigan.

It’s the second major offensive injury suffered this year after losing quarterback Tyler Van Dyke following the Alabama game. Wisconsin will have to rely on others with eight more Big Ten games remaining on the schedule, beginning Saturday against Purdue in Madison.