Wisconsin running back Nakia Watson runs from Iowa defensive lineman Zach VanValkenburg. Watson entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday.
Running back Nakia Watson’s time with the University of Wisconsin football program is over.
The redshirt sophomore from Austin, Texas, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, a UW official confirmed Friday. 247Sports first reported the news.
Watson
Watson was a four-star recruit coming out of Westlake High School in 2018 and redshirted his first season in Madison. He was the backup to Jonathan Taylor in 2019 and gained 331 yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries.
He was expected to be one of the lead tailbacks for the Badgers this season. But the emergence of Jalen Berger, a four-star freshman running back, cut into Watson’s snaps and he was listed as unavailable the last two games of the year.
With Berger and three running backs in the 2021 class, Watson leaves what would’ve become a crowded running back room.
Watson had 191 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries this season.
He finishes his Badgers career with 127 carries, 522 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The NCAA is expected to pass a rule this month that would allow players to transfer once during their careers and be immediately eligible, so it’s likely Watson could be playing elsewhere next fall. Watson is the second member of the UW offense to enter the transfer portal this winter, following senior quarterback Jack Coan.
Photos: Badgers' pick parade leads to bowl-game win
Wake Forest defensive back Nick Andersen intercepts a Wisconsin pass during the second quarter of the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest linebacker Nick Andersen, left, breaks up a pass meant for Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson, right, during the first quarter of the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson, center, fights his way to the goal line for a touchdown as a Wisconsin defender attempts to make the tackle during the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest defenders converges on Wisconsin running back Garrett Groshek, left, during the second quarter of the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson, right, attempts to catch a pass with one hand as Wisconsin cornerback Faion Hicks applies defensive pressure during the second quarter of the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest wide receiver Donavon Greene, right, is unable to catch a deep pass as Wisconsin cornerback Deron Harrell, left, defends during the second quarter of the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wake Forest wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson tumbles into the end zone for a touchdown as Wisconsin safety Scott Nelson, right, falls to the turf during the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz celebrates they defeated Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wisconsin players hoist the trophy following victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn is cheered by his teammates after being named the MVP following their victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn is cheered by his teammates after being named the MVP following their victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
A Wisconsin player playfully hoists a water container featuring the label for Duke's Mayonnaise above his head as he and his teammates celebrate their victory over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.
