South Dakota State RB, former Wisconsin transfer Nate White dies at 20

South Dakota State running back Nate White has died, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. He was 20.

Details on the cause of death have still yet to be released. South Dakota State reportedly told media outlets that White died in Brookings, South Dakota. Pictures also emerged on social media of a memorial that had been set up outside of White’s locker.

The running back had transferred to SDSU this offseason after playing the first two years of his college career at Wisconsin. Badgers coach Luke Fickell released a statement on the passing.

“News of Nate White’s tragic passing has been sad and difficult to comprehend for all of the Wisconsin Badger football family,” Fickell said. “We remember Nate as a friend and teammate and we stand in support of Nate’s family and loved ones.”

White did not see any game action in his two seasons at Wisconsin. He made the move to receiver in 2024 after initially coming on campus as a running back in 2023.

Prior his arrival in Madison, White attended Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, where he rushed for 1,345 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior in 2022. The 5-foot-11 running back ranked as the No. 1 player from the state of Wisconsin in the 2023 recruiting class. He was also the No. 673 overall player and No. 48 running back in the cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

White was projected to step into a bigger role this upcoming season with the Jackrabbits, where he hoped regain some of his high school production. Sadly, he will not get the chance to show off his talents and our thoughts are certainly with his family and friends during this time.

“The South Dakota State University community is deeply saddened by the news of Nate White’s passing,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said. “While Nate had not been on campus long, he was not only beloved by his teammates and coaches, but also by faculty and those who had the opportunity to get to know him. This is certainly a sad time for our campus, community and the thousands of Jackrabbits supporters across the state and nation. Our hearts and prayers are with Nate’s family, loved ones, teammates and anyone who knew him.”