Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen entering NFL draft

article

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 11: Braelon Allen #0 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the football during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen says he is bypassing his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Allen announced his plans Tuesday in a video he posted on social media.

"It’s always been my dream to play in the NFL," Allen said. "And I believe I’m ready to chase that next step."

In the video, Allen didn’t indicate whether he plans to play in Wisconsin’s bowl game. Wisconsin (7-5) will be making its 22nd consecutive bowl appearance this season.

Allen has rushed for 3,494 yards over the last three seasons and ranks ninth on Wisconsin’s career rushing list. He has run for 35 touchdowns and has averaged 5.9 yards per carry.

He ran for 165 yards on 26 carries in a 28-14 victory at Minnesota on Saturday that marked the fifth time in his career that he has rushed for at least 150 yards.

After rushing for 1,268 yards as a freshman and 1,242 yards as a sophomore, Allen has run for 984 yards on 181 carries this season despite dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined him for one entire game and limited him to three carries in another. Allen also had a career-high 28 catches this season.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"Playing for Wisconsin and wearing the ‘Motion W’ has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Allen said. "I was proud to carry on the incredible legacy of RBU and follow in the footsteps of so many great running backs."