Fickell updates Ituka’s status, chance of Wisconsin RB’s return grim

CHICAGO – Gideon Ituka remains part of the Wisconsin football program, but his days as a player appear to be done.

Badgers coach Luke Fickell said July 28 at Big Ten media day at the Hilton Hotel that the redshirt sophomore will not play this season and that it’s unlikely he’ll suit up again.

“I don’t know that Gideon will ever be cleared, at least from what I understand,” Fickell said.

Ituka suffered an apparent neck injury in the second half of the Badgers‘ 31-7 loss at Indiana Nov. 15. Ituka took a wicked hit from linebacker Daniel Ndukwe during the second half and was treated on the turf at Memorial Stadium for several minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher with his head immobilized.

The injury ended a three-week run when Ituka was the Badgers‘ primary ball carrier. He was the team’s fourth-string running back until pressed into duty due to a series of injuries at the position.

He seized the moment.

In his first extensive work of the season, he gained 85 yards in 21 carries in a 21-7 loss at Oregon Oct 25. Two weeks later in the next game, he ran for 73 yards in 19 carries in a 13-10 victory over Washington Nov. 8.

The yards were tougher to find against second-ranked Indiana, which held him to 32 yards in nine attempts.

Fickell and his staff haven’t figured out a role for Ituka yet, but the coach noted that Ituka is still close to the program.

“He’s working out,” Fickell said. “He’s in the facility every day.”

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Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium

Wisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)