Wisconsin has a long tradition of great running backs, and Jonathan Taylor is near the top of that list. He won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back, in both 2018 and 2019. For fans looking at a Jonathan Taylor Wisconsin jersey, those two awards are a big part of why his No. 23 carries weight in Madison.
The first Doak Walker in 2018
When Taylor won the award in December 2018, he had 1,989 rushing yards for the season, with the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami still to play. He needed just 11 more yards to reach 2,000, a mark that put him among the most productive runners in the country.
The award made him the fourth Wisconsin ball carrier to win the Doak Walker. The three before him:
- Ron Dayne, 1999
- Montee Ball, 2012
- Melvin Gordon, 2014
Back-to-back in 2019
A year later, Taylor won the Doak Walker again, joining a small group of players to claim the award in consecutive seasons. Winning it twice set him apart even within Wisconsin's deep running back history.
What No. 23 represents
Every name on that Wisconsin list wore a different number, and each one gives fans a different era to celebrate. Taylor's No. 23 stands for consistency: two straight seasons as the country's top back. For many Badgers fans, that makes his jersey a natural choice alongside the more traditional picks from earlier eras.
Choosing a color
Wisconsin's red home jersey is the classic look and the one most fans picture from Camp Randall Stadium. White is the road option and tends to stand out in daytime photos. Both carry No. 23 front and back.
Sizing
Football jerseys are cut to fit over pads, so they run roomy. If you plan to wear yours over a sweatshirt for a cold November game in Madison, consider sizing up. Otherwise, your usual size will give a relaxed fit.
Where to compare
To see how different No. 23 designs look, browse a Jonathan Taylor Wisconsin jersey selection and compare the red and white versions before deciding.
At a glance
- Doak Walker Award: 2018 and 2019
- 2018 rushing yards before the bowl game: 1,989
- Fourth Badger to win, after Dayne, Ball and Gordon
- Jersey number at Wisconsin: 23
Wisconsin's running back tradition is built on names like Dayne, Ball and Gordon. Jonathan Taylor added his own chapter with two straight Doak Walker Awards, and his No. 23 is the jersey that tells that story.