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Promising JUCO running back commits to Wisconsin football
TL;DR
JUCO running back Julius Pope commits to Wisconsin for the 2026 recruiting class after a standout season at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He previously signed with Arkansas as a four-star linebacker.
Key points
- Julius Pope commits to Wisconsin Badgers
- Ranked No. 65 overall and No. 6 running back in JUCO rankings
- Previously signed with Arkansas as a four-star linebacker
- Had 729 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2025
- Transferred from Northwest Mississippi Community College
Mentioned in this story
Batesville, Mississippi
Julius PopeWisconsin BadgersArkansas Razorbacks247Sports composite JUCO rankings
The Wisconsin Badgers have made a late addition to their 2026 recruiting class, landing a commitment from JUCO running back Julius Pope, according to Chris Hummer of 247Sports.
Pope is a three-star prospect who is originally from Batesville, Mississippi, and signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks as a four-star linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class. He redshirted before transferring to Northwest Mississippi Community College for the 2025 season.
He had an extremely productive redshirt freshman season, carrying the ball 120 times for 729 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also caught 32 passes for 355 yards and three more touchdowns.
Pope is ranked as the No. 65 overall player and No. 6 running back in the 247Sports composite JUCO rankings. He was ranked as the No. 467 overall player and No. 41 linebacker when he signed with Arkansas.
He is the fifth running back that the Badgers have added this offseason as they look to get their running game back on track. He joins four-star high school signee Qwantavius Wiggins and transfers Abu Sama III, Bryan Jackson II, and Nate Palmer. Wisconsin averaged just 3.3 yards per carry last season, finishing with only nine rushing touchdowns.
He is the second commitment they have landed today as they are starting May hot. Three-star defensive lineman David Hill committed moments before news of Pope's commitment broke.
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Q&A
Who is Julius Pope and what are his stats?
Julius Pope is a JUCO running back who had 729 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games during his redshirt freshman season at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
What is Julius Pope's ranking among JUCO players?
Julius Pope is ranked as the No. 65 overall player and No. 6 running back in the 247Sports composite JUCO rankings.
Why did Julius Pope transfer from Arkansas to Wisconsin?
Julius Pope transferred from Arkansas after redshirting, seeking more playing time and opportunities at Wisconsin, where he has now committed.