Wisconsin fans grew used to hearing about Braelon Allen’s age during his terrific three-year college career.
The Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, native joined the program a year early after reclassifying from the class of 2022 to 2021. That move meant he joined the program as a 17-year-old true freshman, a fact that became universally known when the Badgers’ season kicked off that fall.
Allen burst onto the scene immediately during that true freshman campaign, taking 186 carries for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns. His emergence one month into the season directly correlated with the Badgers’ seven-game win streak and in-season resurgence. Thanks to the ESPN and Fox broadcast teams, Allen’s age became synonymous with the team’s success.
The talented running back went on to play in 35 games over three seasons with the Badgers. He took 597 total carries for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns. At only 20 years old, Allen entered the draft after his junior season, where the New York Jets selected him with the No. 134 overall pick.
That leads to Allen’s current NFL record. 20-year-old prospects rarely enter the professional ranks, given the three-year requirement between high school graduation and NFL draft declaration. A player would need to enter college at 17, which Allen did, then perform well enough to declare before their senior season.
Allen, who didn’t turn 21 until January 20, was the only 20-year-old in the NFL last season. Thus, it should be no surprise that he is currently the league’s all-time leader in rushing yards before the age of 21.
Allen carried the football 92 times for 334 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie with the Jets in 2024, primarily operating as the backup to starter Breece Hall. Allen and Hall should continue to form a 1-2 punch for the Jets in 2025.
The former Badger’s league record should hold for some time. Moving forward, it will be interesting to watch whether he can surpass any other legendary name on this list. For reference, Ezekiel Elliott totaled an NFL-best 1,631 yards as a 21-year-old rookie in 2016. Allen would need a 1,300-yard output in 2025 to reach that mark.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin great Braelon Allen holds a notable NFL record entering 2025 season
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
