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Josh Schafer of 247Sports is reporting that Wisconsin Badgers sophomore RB Nakia Watson is entering the transfer portal. Jon McNamara of Rivals is also reporting the news so it seems safe to say that Watson is not going to be on the Badgers next year.
#Badgers running back Nakia Watson has entered the transfer portal, a source has confirmed to @Badger247. https://t.co/lvXEuWdNW8
— Josh Schafer (@_JoshSchafer) January 1, 2021
Watson did not receive a carry in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Wake Forest and had steadily been losing playing time to true freshman RB Jalen Berger. On the season, Watson rushed for 191 yards on 53 carries (3.6 ypc) and three touchdowns while for his career he rushed for 522 yards on 127 carries (4.1 ypc) and five touchdowns.
Entering the season, Watson was the presumed starter after Jonathan Taylor left early for the NFL, however things didn’t play out exactly as he hoped. The native of Austin, Texas could look to return closer to home.
2018 3-star RB Nakia Watson has entered the transfer portal after rushing for 522 yards and 5 TD at Wisconsin #Badgers @rivalsmike @RivalsWoody @McNamaraRivals https://t.co/ibnHHLuZ18
— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) January 1, 2021
Watson is the second Badgers player to enter the transfer portal this offseason as former starting QB Jack Coan also announced that he’ll be pursuing opportunities elsewhere next season. We wish both players well and hope that they find success next year at their new chosen school.