Braelon Allen has been one of the most productive and consistent running backs in the Big Ten over his three-year career with the Wisconsin Badgers. His powerful running style has made him a focal point of the program’s offensive identity.
His college stats showcase how productive and impactful Allen has been, scoring double-digit touchdowns every season with the program. Let’s look at how the Wisconsin wonder emerged as one of the top running backs in the country.
Braelon Allen Arrives With Huge Freshman Season
Allen was a four-star recruit from Fond du Lac High School, WI, and enrolled early with the Badgers. The running back was recruited as a multiposition player, holding offers to play linebacker and safety as a predominantly defensive player.
He was initially in the 2022 recruiting class but reclassified to enroll early as part of the 2021 class. However, he settled on playing running back, which would see him get on the field early and often in Madison.
In his freshman season, Allen played in 12 games, including four starts. He sat behind Chez Mellusi to begin his career, but as the Badgers struggled in the opening three games of the season, Allen got his chance to shine.
Between Week 4 and the season’s final week, Allen had more than 12 carries in every game and eight games with over 100 rushing yards in the last nine games, including seven on the bounce.
Allen finished the season with 1,268 receiving yards, ranking third in the Big Ten, and became only the fourth player in Badgers history to have over 1,000 rushing yards as a freshman.
Rushing Attempts: 186
Rushing Yards: 1,268
Rushing Touchdowns: 12
Receiving Attempts: 8
Receiving Yards: 39
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Allen Repeats Success in Sophomore Year
In his second year, Allen started all 12 games, with seven games with over 100 yards rushing. He started the season strong, having a 96-yard touchdown in the season opener against Illinois State, the longest run in program history.
The record-setting form continued when Allen rushed for 123 yards against Michigan State in Week 7. He became the fifth-quickest Badger to rush for over 2,000 career yards, managing the feat in just 19 games.
The powerful running back was key to Wisconsin’s victory over Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. He rushed for 116 yards and one touchdown and was named offensive MVP.
Allen again led the Badgers in rushing, finishing fourth in the Big Ten and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Rushing Attempts: 230
Rushing Yards: 1,242
Rushing Touchdowns: 11
Receiving Attempts: 13
Receiving Yards: 104
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Allen’s Junior Year Showcases His Importance
Allen entered 2023 as one of the country’s top-rated running backs and was expected to repeat the production he has consistently maintained throughout his career.
Naturally, 2023 was the same. Allen rushed for 984 yards in 11 games, including five games with 100 rushing yards or more, despite suffering a lower leg injury against Ohio State that impacted his season. Allen also featured more heavily as a receiver, having a career-high 28 catches in 2023 for 132 yards.
He finished third in rushing yards in the Big Ten and second in rushing touchdowns.
KEEP READING: Wisconsin Badgers’ Top 10 Returning Players in 2024
Allen ends his Wisconsin career ranked ninth in all-time program rushing yards, rushing for over 100 yards in 18 of Wisconsin’s 22 wins. His college stats showcase his importance to the team over his three-year career, and now he heads to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rushing Attempts: 181
Rushing Yards: 984
Rushing Touchdowns: 12
Receiving Attempts: 28
Receiving Yards: 132
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Allen’s Final College Stats
Rushing Attempts: 597
Rushing Yards: 3,494
Rushing Touchdowns: 35
Receiving Attempts: 49
Receiving Yards: 275
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
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