Jonathan Taylor rewrote the Wisconsin Badgers record books during a historic three-year college career that culminated in 6,174 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. By becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 6,000 yards in just three seasons, Taylor established himself as one of the most prolific running backs in college football history before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
His immediate impact as a true freshman set a high-water mark that few players ever touch. Rather than needing time to adjust to the speed of the college game, Taylor dominated from opening week onward, anchoring a powerhouse offense and collecting national hardware along the way.
Freshman Breakthrough: The 2017 Season
Stepping onto campus in Madison, Taylor immediately claimed a prominent role in the backfield. In only his second collegiate game against Florida Atlantic, he rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns, offering a clear preview of what was to come.
He didn't slow down as Big Ten play intensified. By his seventh career game, Taylor had already surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, tying the FBS record for the fastest a freshman has ever reached that threshold.
- Total Rushing Yards: 1,977 yards, setting an all-time FBS freshman rushing record.
- Touchdowns: 13 rushing scores.
- Accolades: Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Sophomore Dominance: Claiming the Doak Walker Award
Entering his sophomore year, opposing defenses knew the run was coming and still couldn't stop it. Taylor posted multiple jaw-dropping performances, including a 253-yard outing and a career-high 321-yard game against Purdue.
His vision, patience behind pulling guards, and breakaway speed allowed him to wear down defenses over four quarters. He led the entire FBS in rushing yardage while carrying the Badgers through a demanding schedule.
- Total Rushing Yards: 2,194 yards on 307 carries.
- Touchdowns: 16 rushing scores.
- Accolades: Won the prestigious Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back and earned unanimous first-team All-American honors.
Junior Finale: Expanding the Skill Set and Historic Repeat
In his final collegiate season, Taylor added more value as a pass-catcher, silencing any critics who questioned his versatility. He caught 26 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns, supplementing another monstrous year on the ground.
He capped off his Badger career by securing his second consecutive Doak Walker Award, joining an elite group of multi-time winners.
- Total Rushing Yards: 2,003 yards.
- Touchdowns: 21 rushing touchdowns and 26 total touchdowns.
- Accolades: Second consecutive unanimous first-team All-American selection and finished fifth in Heisman voting.
Summary of Collegiate Statistics
To understand the sheer volume of Taylor's production, looking at his year-by-year totals highlights his incredible durability and consistency across 41 games.
- 2017: 299 carries, 1,977 yards (6.6 YPC), 13 TDs
- 2018: 307 carries, 2,194 yards (7.1 YPC), 16 TDs
- 2019: 320 carries, 2,003 yards (6.3 YPC), 21 TDs
- Career Total: 926 carries, 6,174 yards (6.7 YPC), 50 rushing TDs
Transition to the NFL
Following his historic junior campaign, Taylor declared for the NFL Draft, where the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the second round (41st overall). He carried his elite productivity into the professional ranks, leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns during his standout 2021 season and cementing his status as one of football's premier runners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jonathan Taylor win a Heisman Trophy in college?
No, he didn't win the Heisman, but he was a consistent finalist. He finished sixth in 2017, ninth in 2018, and fifth in 2019.
What is Jonathan Taylor's most famous college game?
While he had many multi-touchdown games, his performance against Purdue in 2018 stands out, where he rushed for 321 yards and three touchdowns.
How many 200-yard games did Jonathan Taylor have?
Taylor recorded 12 career games with at least 200 yards rushing during his three seasons at Wisconsin, setting an FBS record.
Why did Taylor leave Wisconsin after his junior year?
As a running back with heavy usage and elite athletic testing metrics, entering the NFL draft after three productive seasons minimized unnecessary wear and tear while capitalizing on his high draft stock.
