Abu Sama III News, Rumors, Updates - Wisconsin Badgers

Expected to play at Bruins Sama (upper body) is expected to play in Wisconsin's huge clash with UCLA on Saturday, per Evan Flood of On3.com.

Impact Sama has been a little banged up all year, and after a limited showing against Penn State, he didn't play at all next week against Michigan State. The tailback got a bye week to recover, however, and head coach Luke Fickell expects Sama "to be good" against UCLA. It remains to be seen how carries will be divided between Sama and Darrion Dupree.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

DNP vs. MSU for Week 5 Sama (upper body) did not play during Wisconsin's 31-3 win against Michigan State.

Impact Without the injured Sama, his fellow running backs Darrion Dupree and Bryan Jackson collectively logged Wisconsin's non-quarterback carries. Fortunately for UW's primary RB, he can record additional rest before the Badgers continue their schedule Oct. 17 at UCLA.

OCTOBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Not announced as starting RB Sama (upper body) wasn't announced as the starting running back ahead of Saturday's game versus Michigan State, Evan Flood of On3.com reports.

Impact Sama's absence from the starting announcements doesn't necessarily rule him out, but he's been the primary back for the Badgers when healthy. Darrion Dupree played well after his departure last week and could see ample run again this week, especially if Sama is ultimately unable to give it a go. sama's absence from the starting lineup seemingly suggests he'll be limited if he can play.

OCTOBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Game-time decision for Week 5 Sama (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game against Michigan State, Pete Thamel of ESPN reports.

Impact Sama will attempt to warm up for Saturday's game, and the running back's physical response should determine his availability. There is a possibility that the senior's upper body does not react well, leaving the Badgers without their top running back going into Saturday's game.

OCTOBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Week 5 Sama (upper body) is questionable ahead of Saturday's game against Michigan State, per the Big Ten availability report.

Impact Sama's status is uncertain for Saturday after making his return last week before suffering an upper-body injury that knocked him out of the game against Penn State. If he is unable to play Saturday, Darrion Dupree should see an expanded role.

SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Injury revealed as upper-body problem Sama suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday's game at Penn State, Mark Stewart of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Impact Sama's latest update reveals his injury type, but not how severe it is going into October. For now, he is questionable for next Saturday's game against Michigan State. During the month of September, Sama logged 28 rushing attempts for 190 yards and one touchdown.

SEPTEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves game with injury Sama (undisclosed) has not returned to the field since suffering an injury in the second quarter of Saturday's game against Penn State, per Andrew Mercer of DailyCollegian.com.

Impact Sama went down in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury and there's no indication of whether he will return. The running back had five rushing attempts for 34 yards prior to exiting, and his status will be monitored closely.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Available vs. Penn State Sama (undisclosed) is available for Saturday's game at Penn State, per the Big Ten availability report.

Impact Sama is set to return to action after missing last week's game against Eastern Michigan. His return is much needed as Wisconsin's conference play gets underway, and he will lead the backfield. Through two games this season, he has recorded 156 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Upgraded to probable Sama (undisclosed) has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's game against Penn State.

Impact Sama's upgraded status suggests he's heading in the right direction to play Saturday. He was stymied by the Irish in Week 1 and will need a better showing against another stout defense versus the Nittany Lions.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

No. 20 Oregon's trip to No. 12 USC highlights huge weekend in Big Ten schedule

No. 20 Oregon visits No. 12 Southern California in the biggest game of a huge weekend on the Big Ten schedule

SEPTEMBER 24 • Associated Press

Officially listed as questionable Sama (undisclosed) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Penn State, per the Big Ten availability report.

Impact Even though Sama's status seems uncertain, it is worth noting that a previous report indicated the running back told reporters he intends to suit up for Saturday's game. This marks Wisconsin's first report of the week, leaving ample time for his status to be upgraded over the coming days. In two games this season he has totaled 156 yards and one touchdown on 23 attempts.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Tells reporters he's playing Sama (undisclosed) told reporters Tuesday that he has every intention of suiting up Saturday evening at Penn State, per Zach Heilprin of 1670AM The Zone Madison.

Impact This doesn't officially clear Sama for the Penn State game, but the fact that the tailback was even made available to reporters during the week is an extremely strong indication that the tailback is going to play. The last time he took the field, he ran for 107 yards and a score on eight carries against Western Illinois.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Hopeful to be able to play vs. PSU Sama (undisclosed) is hopeful to be able to play against Penn State on Saturday, though head coach Luke Fickell says he doesn't know at this juncture if he will, per Zach Heilprin...

Impact Sama was held out of Wisconsin's 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan in a game-time decision. The Badgers' skipper Fickell said he was cleared to play, but the coaching staff made a decision to hold him out. He'll look to return against the Nittany Lions, but if he doesn't, expect a lot of backfield work for Darrion Dupree.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Ends up missing Saturday win Sama (undisclosed) did not play in Saturday's 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan.

Impact Sama's pop-up injury made him questionable for Wisconsin's third game of the season, and he ultimately was inactive for the blowout win. The leading rusher will now focus on making a return for the Badgers' conference opener at Penn State this upcoming Saturday. He's recorded 23 rushing attempts for 156 yards and one touchdown across two outings this season.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Luke Fickell Updates Health of Star Badgers RB Abu Sama After he Misses Week 3 Wisconsin's starting running back suited up but didn't take a snap against Eastern Michigan.

SEPTEMBER 20 • SI.COM

Henry sets receptions record and Joseph has big day as Wisconsin pounds Eastern Michigan 54-10

Tyrell Henry caught 14 passes to set a Wisconsin single-game record and Colton Joseph threw for 362 yards and accounted for four touchdowns as the Badgers trounced Eastern Michigan...

SEPTEMBER 19 • Associated Press

Inactive due to game-time call Head coach Luke Fickell said that the coaches made a game-time decision to sit Sama on Saturday, according to Jesse Temple of Badger Connect.

Impact Sama didn't appear in Saturday's game versus Eastern Michigan, and the official reason was a final late call made by Wisconsin coaches. The running back was noted to have practiced most of the week but they weren't sure that he was fully ready. It seems he was held out for precautionary reasons as the Badgers head into tough conference play in the upcoming weeks. When healthy Sama is the clear-cut starter in the backfield.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not on field early Saturday Sama has not been seen on the field during the early portion of Saturday's game against Eastern Michigan, Christian Borman of Badger Notes reports.

Impact Sama had a productive outing last week but has yet to take a snap during this contest, indicating he may not be at full health. Darrion Dupree and Bryan Jackson have taken carries during the matchup. More news regarding his status should surface shortly.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Surpasses century mark in victory Sama totaled eight carries for 107 yards and one touchdown and hauled in their only target for five yards during Saturday's 36-9 win against Western Illinois.

Impact Sama doubled his production from last week and logged his first touchdown as a backer in the decisive win. The Iowa State transfer is expected to inject new life into Wisconsin's running game this season, and his Week 2 performance demonstrated his potential to do just that. Although Darrion Dupree will still get some opportunities, he only logged four carries for 38 yards and also managed a touchdown.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Western Illinois vs Wisconsin Highlights 🏈 FOX College Football

SEPTEMBER 13 • FOX SPORTS

Sama, Dupree rush for TDs as Wisconsin beats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener

Abu Sama III and Damon Dupree ran for one score each to lead Wisconsin to a 36-9 win against Western Illinois on Saturday night

SEPTEMBER 13 • Associated Press

ABU SAMA III TAKES THE FIRST PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE TO THE HOUSE 🔥

SEPTEMBER 12 • FOX SPORTS

Abu Sama III scores 72-yard TD, giving Wisconsin lead over Western Illinois

SEPTEMBER 12 • FOX SPORTS

Wisconsin reaches out to its past as it attempts to recapture its identity as a winning program

Wisconsin reacted to back-to-back losing seasons by tackling the dual challenge of restocking its talent base through the portal while making sure those transfers understood what i...

SEPTEMBER 1 • Associated Press

Will be "1A" RB in 2026 Sama will open the season as the "1A" running back for the Badgers, according to head coach Luke Fickell per Jesse Temple of Badger Connect.

Impact Sama will be the leading rusher out of the Badgers' backfield, but Frickell also said that "from there, I think there's a lot of things we'll have to figure out as we continue to move forward." Trust Sama to see most of the carries in the early stages of the 2026 campaign.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

ABU SAMA III NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG