Top JUCO Running Back Julius Pope Commits to Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers football team has added a new piece to their roster, as junior college standout Julius Pope has committed to the team. Pope, a running back from Northwest Mississippi Community College, chose Wisconsin over Kentucky, according to 247sports. The commitment was announced on May 1, and Pope later confirmed the news on his Instagram page.
Who is Julius Pope?
Pope, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds, had a impressive season with the Rangers, rushing for 729 yards on 120 carries, with an average of 6.1 yards per attempt, and scoring six touchdowns in 11 games. He also caught 32 passes for 355 yards, with an 11.1-yard average, and three touchdowns. Pope was a second-team all MACCC North Division selection and is ranked as the No. 1 junior college running back in the 2026 class by 247sports.
Eligibility and Recruiting Ranking
Pope has three seasons of eligibility remaining, having redshirted at Arkansas during the 2024 season and taken the field for Northwest Mississippi in ’25. He is a three-star prospect, according to both 247sports and Rivals, and was also a consensus three-star recruit coming out of South Panola High School in Batesville, Mississippi.
How Does Julius Pope Fit into the Wisconsin Badgers?
The Badgers wrapped up spring practice on April 29, with senior Abu Sama and junior Darrion Dupree leading the running back group. Pope’s addition gives the team another younger player to add to the mix, along with junior Bryan Jackson and redshirt sophomore Nate Palmer. Wisconsin also signed Qwantavius Wiggins in December, who is expected to join the team this summer. With Pope’s commitment, the Badgers’ running back group is looking more competitive than ever.
Follow the Wisconsin Badgers football team throughout the season for more updates on Julius Pope and the rest of the roster. The team is looking to make a strong run in the upcoming season, and with Pope on board, they may have the talent and depth to make it happen.
