Wisconsin fans breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday after a harrowing injury during the Badgers’ 31-7 loss at No. 2 Indiana. The incident unfolded midway through the third quarter. Soon, the redshirt freshman running back was taken off the field on a backboard after sustaining multiple hits to the head.

The program later confirmed he has feeling in his extremities and is doing well. With Wisconsin trailing 7-17 and facing 3rd-and-4 on their own 40-yard line, RB Gideon Ituka was initially hit by Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley for a short loss. He continued forward but was then struck high by Daniel Ndukwe, causing his head to hit the turf hard.

He remained motionless for several tense minutes while medical staff stabilized his head and neck, eventually placing him on a stretcher and carting him off the field. Despite the scare, Ituka managed to give the crowd a thumbs-up as he was escorted to the hospital for further evaluation.

Before the injury, Ituka had been a workhorse for the Badgers, rushing nine times for 32 yards and helping ease the pressure on true freshman quarterback Carter Smith in his first career start. Over the course of the season, Ituka has totaled 223 yards on 51 carries, proving to be an integral part of Wisconsin’s offense.

Wisconsin’s backfield depth took a serious hit as Week 1 starter Dilin Jones was lost for the season, and backup Cade Yacamelli was also unavailable for the Indiana matchup. Darrion Dupree, who had been nursing his own injuries, was cleared to play, but Ituka remained the primary ball-carrier until his frightening collision.

To ease the burden on Ituka, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes adjusted the game plan, incorporating quarterback Carter Smith and wideout Trech Kekahuna more actively in the running game. The idea was to spread the workload and reduce risk for the team’s lead back. With both Jones and Yacamelli out, and Ituka sidelined after the incident, the Badgers are now facing a dwindling supply of healthy running options as they approach their final two games of the season against Illinois and Minnesota.

The scare immediately drew a wave of concern from fans across social media. With prayers pouring in, the RB himself gave a positive update that he’s back with the team, and he’s on the plane headed home, thanking his fans for all their love and support.

Fans kept Gideon Ituka in their prayers

After seeing the scary hit on the field at the Memorial, and being escorted to the hospital, people prayed for Gideon Ituka’s health. A fan wrote, “I hope Gideon Ituka is ok,” wondering to know his health update. Another fan wished a positive update, “Thinking good thoughts for Gideon Ituka.”. One fan who had a close look at his hit wished him good luck, “Hope Gideon Ituka is ok. That was a nasty-looking hit. #iufb

A lot of fans kept Ituka in prayers, and wished no one should have an injury like his. “Prayers up for Wisconsin’s Gideon Ituka. You never want to see an injury like that.” Another fan wrote, “Prayers up to Gideon Ituka, never want to see a player get seriously injured.” One Wisconsin fan sent love, “Gideon Ituka, we love you.”

Some fans got really scared watching him get hit in the middle of the field. A fan wrote, “OMG very scary injury…. Praying for Gideon Ituka. Get well soon!!!”. A Wisconsin fan who’s been following his play throughout the season worried about Ituka’s injury, “Scary situation for Gideon Ituka, who’s been playing so well these past few weeks. Gut-wrenching.”