Top JUCO running back commits to Wisconsin. What to know about Julius Pope

MADISON – Running back was one of Wisconsin’s most competitive position groups this spring.

The Badgers football team added another piece to the equation May 1.

Junior college standout Julius Pope, committed to Wisconsin after one season at Northwest Mississippi Community College. 247sports reported the commitment. Pope later posted news of his commitment to his Instagram page. According to 247sports’ report, Pope chose Wisconsin over Kentucky.

Here is what you need to know about the latest addition to the Badgers' 2026 roster.

More: Where Wisconsin football stands at each position after spring practice

How many years of eligibility does Julius Pope have left?

Pope has three seasons of eligibility remaining. He redshirt at Arkansas during the 2024 season and took the field for Northwest Mississippi in '25.

What is Julius Pope's height, weight?

Pope was listed as 6 feet tall and 195 pounds on the Northwest Mississippi roster last season.

How many yards did Julius Pope run for last season?

Pope rushed for 729 yards on 120 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per attempt, and scored six touchdowns in 11 games for the Rangers, who went 10-2 and won the Mississippi Association of Community College Conference championship. He also caught 32 passes for 355 yards, an 11.1-yard average, with three touchdowns.

He was a second-team all MACCC North Division selection.

What is Julius Pope's recruiting ranking?

247sports lists Pope as the No. 1 junior college running back in the 2026 class. Rivals ranks him sixth. Both sites list him a a three-star prospect.

He 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?

Wisconsin wrapped up spring practice April 29. Senior Abu Sama and junior Darrion Dupree were the top running backs this spring with junior Bryan Jackson and redshirt sophomore Nate Palmer still in the mix for playing time. Pope gives the Badgers another younger player to add to the fold. UW also signed Qwantavius Wiggins in December and the freshman is expected to join the team this summer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Junior college standout running back Julius Pope commits to Wisconsin