Julius Pope, a top junior college running back, has committed to Wisconsin after a standout season at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He chose Wisconsin over Kentucky.
Key points
Julius Pope committed to Wisconsin on May 1.
He previously played at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
Pope chose Wisconsin over Kentucky.
Running back is a competitive position for Wisconsin.
Mentioned in this story
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Julius PopeWisconsin BadgersKentucky Wildcats
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.
Wisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Q&A
Who is Julius Pope and where did he play before committing to Wisconsin?
Julius Pope is a junior college running back who played at Northwest Mississippi Community College before committing to Wisconsin.
What other schools did Julius Pope consider before committing to Wisconsin?
Julius Pope considered Kentucky before ultimately choosing to commit to Wisconsin.
What position does Julius Pope play and why is it significant for Wisconsin?
Julius Pope plays running back, a position that has been highly competitive for Wisconsin this spring.
When did Julius Pope announce his commitment to Wisconsin?
Julius Pope announced his commitment to Wisconsin on May 1.
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Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) and offensive lineman Evan Brown (64) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Harrison Bortolotti (32) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin wide receivers Malachi Coleman (16) and Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin wide receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) and defensive back Matthew Traynor (13) shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin tight end Jackson McGohan (87) blocks Wisconsin safety Matt Jung (29) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. \
Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin tight end Grant Stec (85) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Deuce Adams (8) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive end Charles Perkins (30) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Djidjou Bah (90) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Arthur Scott III (96) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman DeNigel Cooper (93) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu (94) s shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Jacob Anderson (95) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Dillan Johnson (76) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin defensive lineman Russell Hammond IV (91) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin running back Nate Palmer (15) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
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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.
1 / 36
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.
2 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
3 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
4 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) and offensive lineman Evan Brown (64) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
5 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Harrison Bortolotti (32) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
6 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receivers Malachi Coleman (16) and Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) are shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
7 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau (14) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
8 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
9 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) and defensive back Matthew Traynor (13) shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
10 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
11 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson II (21) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
12 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Abu Sama III (3) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
13 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin tight end Jackson McGohan (87) blocks Wisconsin safety Matt Jung (29) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
14 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. \
15 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
16 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin tight end Grant Stec (85) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
17 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
18 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
19 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Deuce Adams (8) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
20 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Carter Smith (5) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
21 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
22 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin cornerback Javan Robinson (2) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
23 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
24 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
25 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
26 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive end Charles Perkins (30) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
27 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Djidjou Bah (90) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
28 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Arthur Scott III (96) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
29 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman DeNigel Cooper (93) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
30 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Xavier Ukponu (94) s shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
31 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Jacob Anderson (95) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
32 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
33 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Dillan Johnson (76) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
34 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Russell Hammond IV (91) is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
35 / 36
Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
36 / 36
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.
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.
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.
