NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 110 College Football Running Backs for 2024

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

110. Cartevious Norton - Charlotte 49ers
Cartevious Norton is a big back who is hoping to make his presence felt in Charlotte after spending two seasons at Iowa State. The Waycross, Georgia, native is a junior who weighs 225 pounds. He had 655 yards and five touchdowns for the Cyclones. Charlotte invested heavily in the portal, and head coach Biff Poggi is hoping Florida transfer quarterback Max Brown and this running back can be a force in short-yardage situations and as a hammer in a wide-open American Athletic Conference.

Charlotte 2024 Win Total: 3.5
1. Ollie Gordon II - Oklahoma State Cowboys
There is only one choice to lead the list for running backs in 2024: reigning Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon II. Over Oklahoma State’s final 11 games of the 2023 season, Gordon averaged nearly 150 yards on the ground. He was first in rushing yards (1,732) and second in both rushing touchdowns (21) and yards after contact (1,056). Oklahoma State did not have a great offensive line, so Gordon was largely left alone to create yardage. In addition, he excelled as a pass-catcher. Gordon had 330 receiving yards, the third-most for major conference running backs last season. Winning the Doak Walker Award in consecutive seasons is exceedingly difficult, but Gordon should be the favorite until proven otherwise.

Oklahoma State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
2. Omarion Hampton - North Carolina Tar Heels
Oklahoma State’s Gordon was second in the nation in yards after contact, trailing North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. Hampton was outstanding as a sophomore while playing behind a subpar offensive line. He had 1,072 yards after contact and 1,504 yards total. He led the Tar Heels with 15 rushing touchdowns. His standout games included a 234-yard outburst against Appalachian State (9 yards per carry), 197 yards on 24 carries against Miami, 153 yards against Georgia Tech, 169 yards against Duke, and 178 yards on just 19 carries against Clemson. With Drake Maye gone, UNC’s offense will revolve around Hampton’s prowess on the ground.

North Carolina 2024 Win Total: 7.5 wins
3. TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State Buckeyes
TreVeyon Henderson is a supremely talented running back with one red flag: injuries. He was limited to ten games in 2023, and a few of those games were with him getting limited work due to an injury. When he was available and healthy, Henderson excelled. He had 104 yards on 14 carries against Notre Dame in South Bend, 162 yards on 24 carries against Wisconsin, 128 yards on 22 carries in a win over Rutgers, and 15 carries for 146 yards against Minnesota. The veteran tailback is also a capable pass catcher, and Ohio State’s offense figures to utilize that a bit more under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5
4. Devin Neal - Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas Jayhawk running back Devin Neal exploded onto the scene in 2022 and backed up his emergence with another star performance in 2023. Over the two seasons, Neal has 2,373 rushing yards (third-most in the country) and 25 rushing touchdowns. Neal is not the most powerful runner but is highly agile, shifty, and a dangerous open-field runner. Neal adds excellent pace to that mix and has had several terrific games in Lawrence. Standouts include 154 yards against UCF, 112 in a win over Oklahoma, 137 against Texas Tech, and 138 against Kansas State. Neal averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2023 and forms an exciting backfield with returning quarterback Jalon Daniels.

Kansas Jayhawks 2024 Win Total: 8.5
5. Tahj Brooks - Texas Tech Red Raiders
Remaining in the Big 12 but getting it done in a completely different style, number five is Tahj Brooks from Texas Tech. Brooks is 230 pounds and routinely punishes defenders with his bulk. He led the nation in forced missed tackles in 2023 and was fourth in rushing yards with 1,547 yards on the ground. Brooks is one of the lone weapons for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and despite defenses being able to focus exclusively on him, he had games with the following totals: 158, 149, 170, 146, 133, and 182. He’s not the quickest back, but Brooks’s rugged style makes him one of the nation’s top returning running backs.

2024 Texas Tech Win Total: 7.5
6. Ashton Jeanty - Boise State Broncos
The lone Group of Five player in the top ten is Boise State’s do-it-all running back Ashton Jeanty. The junior had 220 carries for 1,347 yards, 43 receptions for 569 yards, and 19 total touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Jeanty was the top-graded running back in the country, and he was the only running back with 90-plus grades as both a running back and a receiver. After a slow start to the 2023 season, Jeanty averaged better than six yards per carry in seven of the next eight games and had at least 30 yards receiving seven times.
7. Donovan Edwards - Michigan Wolverines
Ranking Michigan’s Donovan Edwards number seven on this list requires a bit of projection. What will he do now that he will be the top running back for the Wolverines? Blake Corum is headed to the NFL, and Edwards will be featured in a run-heavy attack, offering the opportunity for him to prove this ranking correct or far too optimistic. His performance in the National Championship Game requires respect. His six carries for 104 yards with two touchdowns proved decisive. Edwards is also a capable receiver, with at least 200 yards as a pass catcher in each of his first three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Michigan Wolverines 2024 Win Total: 9.5
8. Jaydn Ott - Cal Golden Bears
The Cal Golden Bears are moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference and will lean heavily on running back Jaydn Ott. Ott has been spectacular during the past two seasons, ranking fourth in total rushing yards over the past two campaigns. Ott is a capable pass catcher with breakaway speed who can take it to the house if he gets into the open field. The junior had 188 yards in a rout of North Texas, 165 in a win over Arizona State, 153 against USC, 167 against Washington State, and 166 against Stanford. He nearly single-handedly propelled the Golden Bears to a bowl game last season and will be asked to carry the offense again in 2024.
9. Quinshon Judkins - Ohio State Buckeyes
Quinshon Judkins has a lot of positives to his game. He was terrific in 2022 and has led all running backs in yards over the past two seasons (2,726) and yards after contact (1,800). Judkins’s best skill is forcing missed tackles, using good agility and power to leave defenders and keep running. However, 2023 was a step back. His yards per carry average dropped to 4.3. For context, teammate Ulysses Bentley IV ran for 5.7 yards per carry. Judkins did not offer much as a pass-catcher and was below 4.5 yards per carry in nine of the Rebels' games in 2023. Judkins is very talented and belongs in the top ten, but he might be overrated by those expecting a top-two or three performance. He is now in Columbus, pairing with TreVeyon Henderson to form the nation’s best backfield.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5
10. Phil Mafah - Clemson Tigers
Despite playing in a split backfield and running behind a very average offensive line and for an offense that lacked wide receivers, Clemson’sPhil Mafah averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 13 touchdowns on the ground. Mafah is a punishing runner, and at 6’1” and 230 pounds, he is still surprisingly agile. Mafah lacks top-end speed, but he’s quick enough to pick up five to ten yards consistently and keep the chains moving. As Clemson began to lean on Mafah in the red zone, the offense's efficiency improved, and Mafah racked up touchdowns during Clemson’s late-season win streak. He enters the 2024 season as the number one back after Will Shipley left for the NFL, and it will be fascinating to see how well Mafah can take the lead role.

2024 Clemson Tigers Win Total: 9.5
11. RJ Harvey - Central Florida Knights
Central Florida’s RJ Harvey is only 5’8” and weighs less than 200 pounds, but he is perfect for Gus Malzahn’s offense. He is a home-run threat every time he gets the ball. Harvey is entering his sixth year of college football and had 17 carries of 20-plus yards in 2023. The veteran back had 16 touchdowns and averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season and had games of more than 80 yards in ten games. That includes 133 yards against Kansas, 101 against Oklahoma, 206 against Oklahoma State in an upset win, and 120 in the bowl game against Georgia Tech.

UCF Win Total for 2024: 7.5
12. Nicholas Singleton - Penn State Nittany Lions
The first of two back-to-back Penn State running backs on the list, Nicholas Singleton enters his junior season hoping to improve on a bit of a subpar sophomore campaign. He is immensely talented, a good blocker, a patient well-balanced runner, and an adequate pass-catcher out of the backfield. Splitting carries with Kaytron Allen keeps both of them fresh but will reduce their numbers. Singleton must improve his big-play ability, as his longest run in 2023 was 24 yards against Michigan State. If he can hit a few more explosive runs, that 4.4 yards per carry average will climb.

Penn State Win Total for 2024: 9.5
13. Kaytron Allen - Penn State Nittany Lions
The second Penn State Nittany Lion on the list is Kaytron Allen. A less ballyhooed prospect than fellow junior Nicholas Singleton, Allen immediately made his presence felt in 2022 and continued splitting carries with Singleton in 2023. Allen averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 0.8 yards per rush more than Singleton. However, he is not the pass catcher that Singleton is and does not offer quite as much versatility. He had runs of 50 and 34 last season, but like his running back mate (and the Penn State offense in general), Allen could use more explosive plays to reach the next tier of running backs.

Penn State Win Total for 2024: 9.5
14. Kyle Monangai - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
On an offense bereft of weapons, Kyle Monangai stood alone for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Lacking a passing game that could worry opponents, Monangai was the sole focus of opposing defenses and still averaged 5.2 yards per carry and had seven games of 109 yards or better. Monangai averaged 6.6 yards per carry against Ohio State, 6.5 against Miami, 8.9 in a route of Virginia Tech, and 5.9 against Maryland. Monangai is one-dimensional, offering nothing as a pass-catcher. He also only had eight touchdowns but is still one of the country’s premier backs.

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15. Damien Martinez - Miami Hurricanes
Not much has gone right for the Oregon State Beavers in the past several months. The PAC-12 dissolved, and the Beavers were left behind, leaving their athletic department in peril. Head coach Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State and took several players with him. At least they kept Damien Martinez in Corvallis. The running back has had a very productive two seasons, and his 1,304 yards after contact are fourth among returning Power Five running backs. Martinez was running behind a great offensive line that opened some massive holes. The onus in 2024 will be much more on Martinez, and it will be interesting to see how he stacks up. UPDATE: Martinez has transferred to Miami.
16. Trevor Etienne - Georgia Bulldogs
It is rare for a player to play for Florida and Georgia, but Trevor Etienne switched sides in the bitter rivalry and will play for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2024. Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards are headed to the NFL, and Etienne appears to be the likely No. 1 running back for Kirby Smart’s offense. However, a recent arrest for a DUI may delay his ascension into the starting role. Etienne is not as explosive as his older brother Travis but was highly productive for the Florida Gators in two seasons. He should have more opportunities for lighter boxes against the run playing in the loaded Georgia offense.

Georgia 2024 Win Total: 10.5
17. DJ Giddens - Kansas State Wildcats
After averaging 5.8 yards per carry in a limited role as a freshman in 2022, sophomore DJ Giddens stepped into the leading running back role for the Kansas State Wildcats and performed in a big way. Giddens ran for 1,226 yards with 5.5 yards per carry and ten touchdowns. What makes Giddens so dangerous is his ability within the passing game. He had 29 receptions for 323 yards (11.1 yards per catch) and three touchdowns, showing an ability to contribute in both phases. Giddens finished the season on a tear, rushing for 115 against Baylor, 102 against Kansas, 114 against a solid Iowa State team, and exploding for 151 yards with a touchdown against North Carolina State in the memorable Pop-Tarts Bowl. He joins Avery Johnson to form one of the more exciting QB-RB batteries in college football.

Kansas State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
18. Jordan James - Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s offense is set up for big numbers from wide receivers, quarterbacks, and running backs. Still, it takes talented players to fulfill that potential, and Jordan James is a very gifted player. He averaged a team-high (for players with at least 50 carries) 7.1 yards per carry and amassed 759 yards plus 11 touchdowns for the Ducks, splitting the backfield with Bucky Irving. With Irving gone, James will be the lead back, with the talented Noah Whittington sharing responsibilities. James is a powerful back who consistently churns out first downs and should keep Oregon near the top of the country in rushing.

Oregon Ducks 2024 Win Total: 10.5
19. Raheim "Rocket" Sanders - South Carolina Gamecocks
Which version of Raheim “Rocket” Sanders will the South Carolina Gamecocks get? Sanders was outstanding in 2022, rushing for 1,443 yards with 6.5 yards per carry and scoring ten touchdowns. He was named to the All-SEC team and returned to Arkansas with high hopes for a repeat performance. Sanders battled injuries, and the Razorbacks were a disaster in 2023, but his performance dropping off a cliff is a concern. He averaged only 3.4 yards per carry last season on 62 carries and was never nearly as explosive as he had previously shown. The Gamecocks will be utilizing a power running game with a young quarterback who’s much more comfortable with his legs than with this arm, so they will need a top-shelf season from Sanders to have a chance in the league.

South Carolina 2024 Win Totals: 5.5
20. Peny Boone - UCF Golden Knights
The best Group of Five running back in the country in 2023 may have been Toledo’s Peny Boone. He had 15 touchdowns, 7.2 yards per carry on 194 rushes, and ran for 1,400 yards for the Rockets. They went 8-0 in the MAC. Quarterback DeQuan Finn is off to Baylor, and Boone departed for Louisville. The compact running back should be a good fit for Jeff Brohm’s offense, and he has a chance to be quite impactful in the ACC. His yards per carry will take a hit, but Boone can be one of the better backs in the conference. He has a chance to help Louisville make another run at challenging for a place in the conference title game. UPDATE: Peny Boone has transferred (again) to UCF.

Louisville's ACC Championship Game Winner: +500
21. Makhi Hughes - Tulane Green Wave
Tulane running back Makhi Hughes ran wild for the Green Wave under head coach Willie Fritz and stayed with Tulane when Fritz left for Houston. Hughes had 1,378 yards with seven touchdowns and averaged 5.3 yards per carry as a prominent piece of the Green Wave attack. That included 88 yards against Virginia Tech and 166 yards on the ground against the UTSA Roadrunners in a marquee showdown late in the season. Hughes did all this as a freshman, and the best is likely yet to come for him.

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22. Marcus Carroll - Missouri Tigers
Marcus Carroll was a gigantic piece of the Georgia State offense in 2023, carrying the load for the Panthers with 274 carries. He had 13 touchdowns and racked up 1,350 yards, tenth-best in the nation. While his average was only 4.9 (still quite good), Carroll was the focal point of the opposing defense nearly every down and had to play against loaded boxes and fronts. He has good explosiveness and will now be playing on a bigger stage after transferring to the Missouri Tigers. He inherits Cody Schrader's role from last season. Schrader had 1,627 yards. Carroll should have a big season in the SEC with a more balanced offense for his benefit.

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23. Quinton Cooley - Liberty Flames
Quinton Cooley was a beneficiary of playing with great talent around him and in a great offensive system at Liberty. Still, the numbers don’t lie: Cooley is a good running back. He was seventh in the country with 1,401 yards, averaged 6.3 yards per carry, and 16 touchdowns. Cooley was one of the few Liberty players to have a strong game against Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl (79 yards and 9.9 yards per carry). Liberty played a soft schedule, but that will be the case again in 2024, and Cooley figures among the country's top ball carriers yardage-wise.
24. Ismail Mahdi - Texas State Bobcats
As a sophomore in 2023, Ismail Mahdi averaged six yards per carry with ten touchdowns. He added 275 yards as a pass catcher and scored 11 total touchdowns. The Bobcats play a pass-happy and uptempo offense, but Mahdi had strong games against the best Texas State competition. He had 83 yards on only six carries against Baylor, 216 yards on 21 carries against Nevada, and 128 yards against the Troy Trojans. Mahdi is not a big back, but he’s durable and has proven to be quite capable of consistently stringing together runs of more than 15 yards.
25. Antario Brown - Northern Illinois Huskies
The Northern Illinois Huskies are not known as a top destination for running backs, but Antario Brown averaged 6.1 yards per carry and racked up the 15th-most rushing yards in the country. The Huskies did not rely on Brown much early, but he began to explode towards the middle of the season. He had 280 yards and four touchdowns on only four touchdowns against Akron and 167 yards for 22 carries against Central Michigan. He was a big reason the Huskies made the Camellia Bowl and helped beat Arkansas State with 25 carries for 132 yards. He returns to NIU for his senior season and should be the offense's focal point.
26. Jamal Haynes - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Jamal Haynes entered the spring of 2023 as a wide receiver for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Head coach Brent Key quickly realized how much damage the speedster could do with the ball in his hands and Haynes was shifted to running back, becoming GT’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017. Haynes is not a running back that can be handed the ball 35 times a game but he proved durable enough to rack up 1,059 yards on 6.1 yards per carry with seven rushing touchdowns. He also proved a capable returner and pass-catcher and is a strong all-purpose weapon for the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech 2024 Win Total: 5.5
27. Justice Haynes - Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is entering a new era as Nick Saban retired and the Tide hired Kalen DeBoer from Washington. The top two running backs from 2023 left but Alabama still has a lot of talent at the position, headlined by former five-star recruit Justice Haynes. Now in his second year in Tuscaloosa, Haynes stands out as a running back with a good blend of power, speed and vision. He struggled a bit early in the 2023 season but showed his immense promise with a strong performance in the Rose Bowl and has done enough to be the no-doubt starter over Jam Miller in the Tide backfield.

Alabama 2024 Win Total: 9.5
28. CJ Baxter - Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns head to the SEC with sophomore running back CJ Baxter leading the rushing attack. Jonathon Brooks was one of the top backs in the country before an injury took him out of action. Then, true freshman, Baxter was asked to share the load with Jaydon Blue and Savion Red. Baxter took some time getting up to speed but averaged 4.78 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns. Those are good numbers for a true freshman playing in significant games. Brooks will be in the NFL during the 2024 season, and Red has transferred, so the backfield belongs to Baxter.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
29. Jeremiyah Love - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Audric Estime was a special weapon for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They will feel his departure, but the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price should be able to continue the success of the Notre Dame running game. Love is highlighted here because he is slated to be the starter after gaining 5.4 yards per carry on 71 attempts in a backup role a season ago. As a freshman, Love started the Sun Bowl win over Oregon State, and the explosive athlete can pick up significant gains with his speed while churning out some tough yards between the tackles.

Notre Dame 2024 Win Total: 10.5
30. Ayo Adeyi - James Madison Dukes
Ayo Adeyi was among the more productive Group of Five tailbacks in 2023. He only carried the ball 143 times for the North Texas Mean Green, but he averaged a remarkable 7.1 yards per carry and scored six times. Adeyi is stepping up a level but not quite to the Power Five level. He has transferred to James Madison to help replace the talented backs that left for the Indiana Hoosiers with head coach Curt Cignetti, and Adeyi should be a focal point of the Dukes' offense.
31. Jarquez Hunter - Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers are building, but it will probably take another season before Hugh Freeze’s squad pushes to contend for a playoff bid. Despite having an anemic passing attack, running back Jarquez Hunter pieced together a near 1,000-yard season as he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. For his career, Hunter is averaging 6.2 yards per carry and ran for more than 100 yards in three straight games, including a 183-yard game against Vanderbilt. Hunter will be the lead back for Auburn, and with a much better wide receiver corps this season, he might have lighter boxes against which to run.

Auburn 2024 Win Totals: 7.5
32. Montrell Johnson Jr. - Florida Gators
Trevor Etienne has transferred to Georgia, and the door is now wide open for Montrell Johnson Jr. to become a star. The name recognition put Etienne in the spotlight, but it was Johnson Jr. who led the Gators in rushing with 817 yards on 152 touches. Johnson Jr. is an improving pass catcher and should be able to provide an outlet for Graham Mertz. Head coach Billy Napier is under a lot of pressure this season, and a demanding schedule (to put it mildly) will make it difficult for Florida to show real progress on the field. Still, the Gators are not too worried about losing Etienne, and Johnson is a big reason why.

Florida 2024 Win Total: 5.5
33. Gavin Sawchuk - Oklahoma Sooners
The freshman campaign for Gavin Sawchuk had to be considered a wild success for the Oklahoma Sooners. Sawchuk only had 120 carries but made the most of them, gaining 744 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and scoring a team-high nine touchdowns. With Jackson Arnold now in at quarterback and a couple of high-caliber weapons at wide receiver, Sawchuk is expected to have a breakout campaign in 2024. The issue is that there are still significant questions about the Oklahoma offensive line, and they will be playing a tough schedule in the SEC.

Oklahoma 2024 Win Total: 7.5
34. Kaleb Jackson - LSU Tigers
A lot of pressure will be on the LSU running backs to help make up for the loss of the running threat departed Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels provided. While Kaleb Jackson only had 37 touches in 2023, he is expected to emerge as the lead back for the Tigers this coming season. He showed a real flash last season, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and he looks like a major collegiate running back. Jackson drew rave reviews for his play during spring practice, displaying the blend of size and speed that makes for top SEC running backs. He has much to prove, but there are reasons to believe he can lead the SEC running game to a good 2024.

LSU Tigers 2024 Win Total: 9.5
35. Kaelon Black - Indiana Hoosiers
As a sophomore at James Madison in 2023, Kaelon Black led the Dukes with 142 carries and 637 yards. He is a powerful back who shows a surprising burst of speed, good vision and balance, and an excellent understanding of what the offense needs from him. Black is a good pass blocker and has grown as a pass-catcher. Black followed Curt Cignetti to Indiana and is expected to split backfield duties with a balanced group of running backs, including fellow JMU transfer Ty Son Lawton. The best is yet to come for the now junior who is ready to prove he belongs at the Big Ten level.

Indiana Hoosiers 2024 Win Total: 5.5
36. Lawrance Toafili - Florida State Seminoles
Lawrance Toafili is a redshirt senior that should lead the way for a rebuilt Florida State offense. With new wide receivers, a replacement needing to emerge for Trey Benson and a new quarterback, Toafili is a known commodity for the Seminoles. He is a dynamic back that can line up in the slot, catch passes out of the backfield or line up for traditional handoffs and take 10-15 carries per game. Toafili had 649 all-purpose yards in 2023 and it would not be a surprise to see that number increase to more than 1,000 in 2024.

Florida State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
37. Dylan Sampson - Tennessee Volunteers
Junior Dylan Sampson is ready to step up as the lead back for the Tennessee Volunteers this coming season and he should have a prime role in a dynamic offense. Sampson backed up Jaylen Wright in 2023 and still produced 604 yards on only 106 carries (5.7 yards per rush) along with seven touchdowns. When given a chance to shine in the bowl game, Sampson ran for 133 yards on 20 carries against a stout Iowa defense. His emergence is key for the Volunteers as star quarterback Nico Iamaleava steps into the starting quarterback role.

Tennessee 2024 Win Total: 9.5
38. Ja'Quinden Jackson - Arkansas Razorbacks
The Arkansas Razorbacks have a strong backfield despite the loss of Rocket Sanders to South Carolina. A big reason for optimism is the arrival of former Utah Utes running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. Jackson is extremely solid, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and leading Utah in rushing. Now a junior, he had great games against Baylor (19 for 129 yards), Arizona State (13 for 111 yards) and USC (26 for 117). Jackson is not a major home run threat but he is steady and should be a good lead back for Sam Pittman and Bobby Petrino’s offense.

Arkansas 2024 Win Total: 5.5
39. Le'Veon Moss - Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies had three running backs that rotated much of the 2023 season. None of them really took the reigns but the most complete back on the roster, and the one with a chance to emerge as the lead guy in 2024 for new head coach Mike Elko, is Le’Veon Moss. Moss has the ability to run through contact, stops and starts suddenly and can operate as a pass catcher or runner out of the backfield. Ultimately, he averaged 5.04 yards per carry and had five touchdowns. A more featured role could be in store under new offensive coordinator Collin Klein.

Texas A&M 2024 Win Total: 8.5
40. Abu Sama - Iowa State Cyclones
As a true freshman, Iowa State’s Abu Sama III did not shoulder the load for the Cyclones’ running attack but he did end up leading the team in rushing yards. He exploded in two different games with eight carries for 110 yards against BYU and then 16 rushes for 276 yards and three scores against Kansas State. Sama followed that up with 12 carries for only four yards as the Cyclones lost to Memphis in the Liberty Bowl and that performance has dampened preseason hype. He’s one of the emerging players to watch in the Big 12.

Iowa State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
41. Jahiem White - West Virginia Mountaineers
Jahiem White took over the running back role for West Virginia despite having a pretty good player, CJ Donaldson, in front of him and seemingly being blocked from significant playing time. The true freshman went off for big run after big run, reminding WVU fans of Steve Slaton, who had one of the top ten PFF grades for running backs in 2023. He ran for 7.7 yards per carry on 109 carries and added 125 receiving yards with two more touchdowns. White helped West Virginia win big over BYU and Cincinnati and is returning as the lead back in 2024. Surprisingly, Donaldson is also returning, and WVU has an excellent one-two punch in the backfield.

West Virginia 2024 Win Total: 6.5
42. Corey Kiner - Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats had a rough time in year one of their new reality in the Big 12. The only consistent performer was junior running back Corey Kiner. Kiner is a bruising tailback who had 192 carries for 5.45 yards a pop. Cincinnati struggled to find any passing game with Emory Jones at quarterback, and defenses were able to key in on Kiner, but he still managed to produce. He entered the 2024 NFL Draft before withdrawing and choosing to return to UC for his final season of eligibility.

Cincinnati 2024 Win Total: 5.5
43. LJ Martin - BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars struggled to run the ball in 2023. The offensive line was subpar, and they had difficulty adjusting to the Big 12, but true freshman LJ Martin was a bright spot. Martin is physical and managed to churn out 4.75 yards per carry on 109 carries. With a couple of other running backs moving on for BYU, Martin should become the bell cow, and it looks like he has the frame to handle 15 or 16 carries per game. BYU needs to improve on the offensive line, but Martin is a player they can build around as they try to find their footing.

BYU 2024 Win Total: 4.5
44. Bhayshul Tuten - Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Hokies are beginning to pick up steam as a popular “sleeper” pick in the ACC. The Hokies return a dynamic quarterback, most of their defense, and many offensive weapons. Plus, they have a schedule conducive to breaking through this coming season. Running back Bhayshul Tuten is the primary back for the Hokies, and he returns after a junior season that saw him average 4.99 yards per carry on 173 touches. He scored ten touchdowns and added 27 receptions for 239 yards with two touchdowns. Tuten and quarterback Kyron Drones form a potent duo that can attack defenses in multiple ways.

Virginia Tech 2024 Win Total: 7.5
45. Roman Hemby - Maryland Terrapins
Roman Hemby is not quite the player that Maryland fans are used to seeing at running back. The Terrapins have had some outstanding running backs in the past decade, and Hemby is just below that level. He is still quite good and is just now entering his junior campaign. Hemby had 142 carries, easily the most on the team, and averaged 4.79 yards per carry with four touchdowns. One of the better parts of his game is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Hemby had 38 receptions for 349 yards and an additional three scores. With Taulia Tagovailoa departed, Maryland will ask Hemby to carry more of the load on offense.

Maryland 2024 Win Total: 6.5
46. Darius Taylor - Minnesota Golden Gophers
It would be reasonable to have sophomore Darius Taylor in the top 25 on this list. He only played in six games as a true freshman, so the sample size is small, which lands him at No. 46. If he stays healthy in 2024, Taylor will probably be one of the best running backs in the Big Ten. In his six games of action, Taylor led Minnesota with 799 yards and five touchdowns, gaining 5.79 yards per carry on 138 opportunities. He totaled 891 yards from scrimmage and had three performances of at least 190 yards before an injury cost him the final five regular season games of the 2023 season.

Minnesota 2024 Win Total: 5.5
47. Ulysses Bentley IV - Ole Miss Rebels
The Ole Miss Rebels lost Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State, but Lane Kiffin and the Rebels feel good about their running back room heading into the 2024 season. A big reason for that is the return of Ulysses Bentley IV. Beyond having one of the coolest names in the sport, Bentley is a versatile player who can handle carries between the tackles, to the outside, or as a pass-catcher out of the backfield with the ability to take each touch to the house. Bentley had more than 500 yards in 2023 as a backup to Judkins, and his best ability remains as an outstanding pass-catcher. That versatility is a big part of the Ole Miss offense, and he will have a chance to play a more significant role in 2024. His production will be limited as Ole Miss added several other contributors to the transfer portal.

Ole Miss 2024 Win Total: 9.5
48. Roderick Robinson - Georgia Bulldogs
Roderick Robinson will enter the 2024 season as the backup running back for the Georgia Bulldogs. He will be clearly behind Florida transfer Trevor Etienne. The 240-pound sophomore is not to be overlooked. Robinson gained 196 yards on 24 carries as a true freshman but has not shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. There is a lot of projection, including his being on this list. Still, Robinson was terrific during UGA’s spring session, and he has a world of talent that could be unleashed this season with increased opportunities. Robinson is a big and punishing runner, and if teams focus on Carson Beck and the passing game, he could make them pay.

Georgia 2024 Win Total: 10.5
49. Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Arizona Wildcats
The Ole Miss Rebels were unsatisfied with relying on Ulysses Bentley IV, wanting to keep him in a rotational role. Lane Kiffin did what he does best and he dipped into the transfer portal to add talent. The most significant addition in the running back room appeared to be New Mexico transfer Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The former Lobo had a breakout 2023 campaign, rushing for 1190 yards with 17 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry. Stepping up to the SEC was going to be a challenge, but Croskey-Merritt looked to have a critical role for the Rebels. An odd saga began to play out as eligibility issues put the kibosh on the transfer to Ole Miss and thrust the New Mexico player back into the transfer portal. He eventually landed with Arizona and pairs with a talented offense to try and make a run at a Big 12 title.

Arizona 2024 Win Total: 7.5
50. Gabe Ervin Jr. - Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a variety of running backs. Still, they need at least one player to step up and become a primary weapon out of the backfield for quarterback Dylan Raiola. If he is healthy, the most likely candidate is Gabe Ervin Jr. Before dislocating his hip in 2023, Ervin Jr. looked like he could emerge as the lead back. The sophomore outperformed Anthony Grant's 5.16 yards per carry to just 3.97, and he did a better job securing the ball. Ervin Jr. is a power runner who can pick up the tough yards. If he can stay healthy, Ervin Jr. should emerge as RB1 for a promising Nebraska team that looks poised to return to a bowl game for the first time in a while.

Nebraska 2024 Win Total: 7.5
51. Noah Whittington - Oregon Ducks
Oregon lost Bucky Irving, but they still have a loaded running back room. Jordan James will lead the way, but Noah Whittington is an incredibly talented back who could outplay this ranking if he stays healthy. He missed all but three games last season and was able to redshirt the 2023 campaign after gaining 777 yards in 2022 and finishing with one of PFF’s top PAC-12 grades for the season. Whittington averaged 5.6 yards per carry and added 169 receiving yards in a backup role, and with increased usage should come increased production.

Oregon 2024 Win Total: 10.5
52. Mark Fletcher Jr. - Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes have a potentially special offense brewing in Coral Gables. Cam Ward is the dynamic transfer quarterback from Washington State, and Damien Martinez will be the lead horse at running back after coming in from Oregon State. The wide receiver room is talented, the offensive line is one of the better ones in the ACC, and they are hoping for progression from the tight end position. Mark Fletcher Jr. is a backup running back with the talent to become one of the better backs in the ACC. As a freshman last season, he ran for 514 yards with five touchdowns and forced a missed tackle on 32 percent of his rushing attempts in 2023. That’s the second-best mark in the entire ACC. Fletcher Jr. is still recovering from a knee injury, but he should be ready to go for the fall, and he forms the second half of a dynamic duo at RB.

Miami 2024 Win Total: 9.5
53. Dylan Edwards - Kansas State Wildcats
Dylan Edwards is not an elite between-the-tackles runner. As a freshman at Colorado, he struggled to find any space to break free as he operated behind a subpar offensive line and in an offense that was not particularly interested in running the ball. He has now transferred to Kansas State and will partner with quarterback Avery Johnson and running back DJ Giddens to form one of college football’s most exciting backfield trios. Giddens is unquestionably a better overall running back, but Edwards could be the better pass-catcher and will play a valuable role in the Wildcats’ offense. If defenses have to focus on the legs and arm of Johnson and Edwards can find some open space on the perimeter, he becomes a much more dangerous weapon.

Kansas State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
54. Treyaun Webb - Florida Gators
Florida’s Treyaun Webb showed great potential as a freshman in 2023. He only had 26 rushes but made the most of his opportunities, rushing for 6.3 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns as a true freshman while playing behind Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson. Etienne is now at Georgia, and Johnson will slide up to the lead-back role. That leaves an increased role for Webb, and the Gators think he is ready to shine. Head coach Billy Napier raved about Webb and Johnson and believes the rushing attack will improve despite Etienne's loss.

Florida 2024 Win Total: 4.5
55. CJ Donaldson Jr. - West Virginia Mountaineers
The second West Virginia Mountaineers running back on this list is CJ Donaldson Jr. He serves as the thunder to Jahiem White’s lightning, which is expected to continue in 2024 as both return after stellar 2023 seasons. Donaldson Jr. is back after scoring 11 rushing touchdowns and serving as an excellent complimentary piece to the explosive White. Donaldson is a bigger back who can punish defenses between the tackles. He’s not a plodder, averaging 4.67 yards per rush on 171 carries as a sophomore. His carries will likely be lower this season, as White should get 60 percent of the touches, but Donaldson will still have opportunities to shine.

WVU 2024 Win Total: 6.5
56. Jaydon Blue - Texas Longhorns
C.J. Baxter was highlighted earlier in this list, and his backfield mate slides in at No. 56. Jaydon Blue only had 29 rushing attempts in the first ten games of the 2023 season as he sat behind star Jonathan Brooks. When Brooks went down with an injury, Blue stepped in and ran the ball 36 times for 231 yards. Texas hopes his speed and ability to catch the ball will pair nicely with Baxter and help the Longhorns continue to have a dominant ground game. Blue, now a junior with more game experience, averaged ten yards per reception and has the type of versatility that Steve Sarkisian values in his offense. He may have a near 50/50 split with the younger Baxter.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
57. Kalel Mullings - Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines had the most dominant rushing attack in college football in 2023. The offensive line had much to do with that, but the running backs played a key role. Blake Corum is now in the NFL, and Donovan Edwards is the primary running back. There is a vacuum behind Edwards, and the primary candidate to step into that role is converted linebacker Kalel Mullings. Mullings was a short-yardage battering ram in 2023, carrying the ball 36 times for 222 yards with one touchdown. Younger players (Benjamin Hall, Jordan Marshall, and Cole Cabana) could factor in. Still, Mullings has the edge in experience, and his physicality should pair very well with the explosive Edwards.

Michigan 2024 Win Total: 9.5
58. Jam Miller - Alabama Crimson Tide
Running back Jam Miller became a secret weapon for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2023. He ran the ball 41 times for 201 yards and one touchdown, but he flashed explosiveness that hints at a bright future. With Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams gone, Miller will battle Justice Haynes and Richard Young for carries. Haynes starred in the Rose Bowl and is expected to be the starter, while Miller has shown enough to suggest he could be an excellent fit for Kalen DeBoer’s offense.

Alabama 2024 Win Total: 9.5
59. Roydell Williams - Florida State Seminoles
Trey Benson is now in the NFL, and the Florida State Seminoles will turn to the versatile Lawrance Toafili to lead the backfield. Still, Alabama transfer Roydell Williams has impressed in Tallahassee, and there is a lot of optimism he can improve on his play. Williams had 111 carries for 560 yards in 2023 for the Crimson Tide. Williams showcased a nimble running style, and he resembles Benson's build. Florida State does not need Williams to replicate Benson's star play, but they are hopeful he can provide a reasonable facsimile this coming season.

Florida State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
60. Jadarian Price - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
As a freshman in 2023, Jadarian Price showed quite well for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Price had 47 carries for 272 yards with three touchdowns. That is an average of 5.79 yards per carry, and he added a receiving touchdown. Price is behind fellow sophomore Jeremiyah Love, but the two are expected to split the carries in 2024 and form a powerful backfield duo. It is unknown how Price will handle the increased workload, but there is little doubt he has the physical ability to be a positive force as Notre Dame looks to make the expanded College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame 2024 Win Total: 10.5
61. Jonah Coleman - Washington Huskies
Jonah Coleman led the Arizona Wildcats with 128 carries for 871 yards in 2023. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and added 25 receptions for 283 yards (11.32 yards per catch). Coleman moved with head coach Jedd Fisch to former conference rival Washington and he will anchor their offense with Will Rogers at quarterback. Coleman is an outstanding tailback, but his numbers were likely helped by all the defensive attention paid to quarterback Noah Fifita. How he performs as the focus of opposing defenses in Seattle will be very interesting to watch and will go a long way toward determining whether or not Washington has a successful year one in the Big Ten.

Washington 2024 Win Total: 7.5
62. Daniel Hishaw - Kansas Jayhawks
Devin Neal is mentioned earlier as one of the nation’s premier running backs. Kansas has a solid No. 2 option, as Daniel Hishaw Jr. was among the most efficient tackle-breakers in the country last season. Hishaw Jr. forced 38 percent of missed tackles, a rate that places him in the top five nationally. He did that on his way to a 626-yard campaign, averaging 5.17 yards per carry as a sophomore. Hishaw Jr. will be critical in one of the nation’s most entertaining offenses.

Kansas 2024 Win Total: 8.5
63. LeQuint Allen - Syracuse Orange
LeQuint Allen is on this list because of his incredibly high volume and the numbers he put up despite some genuinely dreadful quarterback play in the back half of the 2023 season. Allen was a bell-cow back for the Syracuse Orange, carrying the ball a remarkable 245 times during his sophomore season. He averaged only 4.34 yards per carry, so efficiency was certainly not the name of the game for the Orange offense, but the hope is that efficiency creeps up for Allen with the addition of Kyle McCord at quarterback and hopefully some better balance in the attack.

Syracuse 2024 Win Total: 7.5
64. Tawee Walker - Wisconsin Badgers
Tawee Walker transferred to Wisconsin to help fill the hole left by Braelon Allen’s departure. Chez Mellusi is returning to Madison after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023 after just four games. He looked good in those four games, but there are question marks about whether or not he’ll be 100 percent, and the Badgers grabbed Walker from Oklahoma. Walker had 513 rushing yards as a junior in Norman, bowling his way to 5.03 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. That was trailing freshman Gavin Sawchuk, and he hopes to carve out a more significant role in Madison. Walker is a powerful runner that should complement Mellusi’s explosiveness quite well in Phil Longo’s offense.

Wisconsin 2024 Win Total: 6.5
65. Jo'Quavious Marks - USC Trojans
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks transferred to USC from Mississippi State for his final season of collegiate football. He is expected to lead the backfield after four good seasons in Starkville. Marks is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield (he is the all-time reception leader for the Bulldogs with 214 catches), and he brings an explosiveness to the position that Lincoln Riley wants in his offense. He is not the most consistent in-between-the-tackles runner, but he’s a versatile piece that should help new quarterback Miller Moss as USC moves to the Big Ten.

USC 2024 Win Total: 7.5
66. Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams - Michigan State Spartans
The Oregon State Beavers were a strong run-first attack under head coach Jonathan Smith. Smith is now leading the Michigan State Spartans program, and they are expected to lean on quarterback Aidan Chiles. However, he is likely a ways off from making a significant impact in the Big Ten. In 2024, the Spartans will probably need to run the ball heavily. The returning Nathan Carter had a solid 2023, but MSU brought former UMass tailback Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams to lead the rushing attack. Despite having very little passing game, Lynch-Adams had 1,157 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2023 for the Minutemen. He’s back in the Big Ten after beginning his playing career at Rutgers. Lynch-Adams had a solid Pro Football Focus grade last season, ranking as the tenth-best back for returning players.

MSU 2024 Win Total: 4.5
67. Jordan Walters - North Carolina State Wolfpack
Offensive coordinator Robert Anae now has Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall to work with, and the NC State Wolfpack are considered sleepers in the ACC. Kevin “KC” Concepcion leads the way on offense, but he’ll have some additional help this season with the addition of Duke transfer Jordan Waters. Waters was a third-team All-ACC pick with the Blue Devils after averaging 5.35 yards per carry and scoring 12 touchdowns on the ground. Waters added 139 receiving yards on only nine catches. He offers another dimension to the NC State offense and should help take the opposition’s defensive attention off Concepcion.

NC State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
68. Jaylan Knighton - SMU Mustangs
Former Miami Hurricanes running back Jaylan Knighton likely did not figure he would be back in the ACC when he transferred to SMU. Still, the Mustangs are now in the Atlantic Coast Conference after standing out for one of the nation’s best attacks in 2023. He averaged 5.48 yards per carry and had seven rushing touchdowns on just over 11 carries per contest. Knighton is not a receiving threat, but he was a pleasant surprise after not getting much opportunity during his time at Coral Gables. How will his play translate against the better defenses in the new conference?

SMU 2024 Win Total: 8.5
69. Jaquez Moore - Duke Blue Devils
The second back for the Duke Blue Devils last season, behind Jordan Waters, was Jaquez Moore. Waters is now at NC State, which leaves Moore as the primary running back for new head coach Manny Diaz and the Duke Blue Devils. Moore had 116 carries (to Waters’ 153) and averaged 5.81 yards per carry with six touchdowns. He outpaced Waters and now has the chance to prove he can lead the rushing attack on his own. Moore has good pace and is shifty with the ball in his hands, something that Duke will need to utilize as they try to rebuild the offensive line and keep success coming under a new regime. His 110 rushing yards last season against Florida State were the high-water mark that Duke is hoping was a sign of what he is capable of.

Duke 2024 Win Total: 5.5
70. Davon Booth - Mississippi State Bulldogs
No one knows what to expect from the Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2024. New head coach Jeff Lebby would appear to favor a return to more of a Mike Leach style of offense, something that Mississippi State briefly and foolishly attempted to get away from last season with Zach Arnett at the helm. That did not last, and Lebby comes in after being one of the nation’s top coordinators. Blake Shapen will be the quarterback, which leaves a lot to be desired. They may need to lean on the running game more than usual, and Utah State transfer Davon Booth is the man brought in to lead at running back. Booth had a tremendous 2023 season for the Aggies, averaging 6.71 yards per carry with six rushing touchdowns. He’s not much of a pass-catcher, and the jump from the Mountain West to the SEC will be a gigantic test.

Mississippi State 2024 Win Total: 3.5
71. Nay'Quan Wright - South Florida Bulls
Nay’Quan Wright returns to South Florida for his final collegiate season after gaining 797 yards with eight touchdowns for the Bulls in 2023. Byrum Brown is the star of this attack, and Wright is a good complementary piece out of the backfield. Wright had six games of more than 60 yards, including 111 against Western Kentucky, 106 against FAU, and an explosive 186 with two touchdowns in a close win over UConn. He will likely get a few more carries this season as USF’s Alex Golesh attempts to prevent Brown from getting worn down by a ridiculously high usage rate.

South Florida 2024 Win Total: 7.5
72. Cam Skattebo - Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo has a unique story that is easy to root for. He began his football career at Rio Linda High School in California and ran for 42 touchdowns in his senior season as Rio Linda won the state title. Despite the massive success, Skattebo was not recruited by any FBS teams and he committed to play for the Sacramento State Hornets in the FCS. He ran for 520 yards as a freshman and was third-team All-Big Sky, and then he went off for 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 and was named the Big Sky offensive player of the year. Skattebo transferred to Arizona State and again showed that he belonged at the top level, albeit in an unconventional way. Arizona State was ravaged by injuries and Skattebo was forced to start at quarterback. He’s obviously best suited as a running back, running for 783 yards and nine touchdowns for the Sun Devils.

Arizona State 2024 Win Total: 4.5
73. Jaylon Glover - Utah Utes
The Utah Utes are expected to contend for the Big 12 Championship and are favored to earn the league’s automatic bid into the College Football Playoff. A big part of that is the return of Cam Rising at quarterback and a strong defense. One of the big beneficiaries of Rising’s return is running back Jaylon Glover. Glover was the primary backup for Ja’Quinden Jackson in 2023, rushing for 562 yards with two scores. Jackson is gone, and Glover is expected to step into the role of starting running back. He’ll need to improve on his efficiency (4.1 yards per carry), but that should be helped by defenses needing to focus on the passing game more than they had to in 2023.

Utah 2024 Win Total: 9.5
74. Kye Robichaux - Boston College Eagles
Boston College reached a bowl game in 2023 due in large part to the exciting play of quarterback Thomas Castellanos. He was aided by the work of Western Kentucky transfer Kye Robichaux, who rushed for 780 yards on 4.79 yards per carry with eight touchdowns. Robichaux really stood out against Georgia Tech (165 yards with two touchdowns), Connecticut (112 yards with two touchdowns), Pittsburgh (118 yards), and Southern Methodist (89 yards with one score). He also aided in the passing game as he hauled in 15 receptions, including 54 yards receiving against the Yellow Jackets in a 38-23 win. Castellanos and Robichaux give Boston College a chance to go bowling again in Bill O’Brien’s first season as head coach.

Boston College 2024 Win Total: 4.5
75. Dominic Richardson - Baylor Bears
Not much worked for the Baylor Bears in 2023 and Dave Aranda finds himself squarely on the hot seat as we enter 2024. One of the few modestly successful elements of the Baylor offense was running back Dominic Richardson. The junior tailback led the team in rushing with 519 yards on 125 carries. He was relatively consistent, exceeding 50 yards on the ground in five games and regularly churning out four and five yards per carry. Defenses realized Baylor could not do much through the air and were able to focus on taking Richardson away, something Baylor hopes they have solved with the addition of quarterback DeQuan Finn from Toledo.

Baylor 2024 Win Total: 5.5
76. T.J. Harden - UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins had one of the better-rushing attacks in the country in 2023. Carson Steele had 847 yards on 167 carries, and TJ Harden was an impressive “backup,” with 156 carries for 827 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns. Steele is gone, and Harden, listed as a “backup” but effectively functioning as a co-starter, is now the man in Westwood at running back. He’s a junior who was consistent, albeit not particularly explosive. Against high-major competition, Harden had six games of less than 50 yards. The optimist would point to how he closed the season and project a breakout in 2024. Harden had 142 yards with a 6.45 yards per carry average against USC, then 105 yards against Boise State in the bowl game win.

UCLA 2024 Win Total: 5.5
77. Kaden Feagin - Illinois Fighting Illini
Fans have a general idea of what to expect from a Bret Bielema offense: a big offensive line, powerful running backs, and a lot of running the ball down an opponent’s throat. Now, he has opened things up and tried to air out the ball more during his time at Illinois, but Bielema still wants to control the game on the ground. That is easier said than done in the Big Ten, and the rushing attack was uneven at best in 2023. Reggie Love III and freshman Kaden Feagin split the load, with Love toting the rock early in the season before Feagin began to make his mark in the middle of the campaign. Feagin is a big and powerful runner who bowled his way to 85 yards against Purdue, 84 against Maryland, 97 against Wisconsin, and 89 against Minnesota before an injury against IU derailed the rest of his 2023 season. Love is now at Purdue, and Feagin will lead the backfield. If he can continue what he did in the middle of 2023, he could have a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore.

Illinois 2024 Win Total: 5.5
78. Cam Porter - Northwestern Wildcats
Something is to be said for being the leading rusher on a team that outpaced expectations and made a bowl game. Cam Porter had 651 rushing yards and four touchdowns as Northwestern had a surprising 2023 season and achieved a postseason berth despite an offseason scandal that resulted in Pat Fitzgerald’s removal as head coach. Porter was inefficient, and his 3.92 yards per carry average is subpar. Three of his better performances were in November as Northwestern topped Wisconsin (72 yards), Purdue (95 yards), and Illinois (69 yards) to win three straight and make a bowl game. He was stifled against Utah and only averaged better than five yards per carry in two games all season.

Northwestern 2024 Win Total: 4.5
79. Reggie Love III - Purdue Boilermakers
Reggie Love III led the Illinois Fighting Illini with 567 yards plus 4.89 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns. Love appeared to be surpassed later in the season by freshman Kaden Feagin, so he bolted for former Big Ten West rival Purdue via the transfer portal. Love will partner with Devin Mockobee, and Purdue will likely try to run the ball quite a bit to try and keep a questionable defense off the field as much as possible. Love was awesome to close the season in 2023 after Feagin went down with an injury. He had 140 yards and two touchdowns, 64 yards and a score against Iowa, and then 106 yards against Northwestern in the season finale.

Purdue 2024 Win Total: 4.5
80. Justice Ellison - Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers completely revamped the roster under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Cignetti and his staff came from James Madison and know what it takes to win. They were able to reload quite effectively in the transfer portal. The starting running back position for the Hoosiers is up for grabs, but JMU transfer Kaelon Black is the favorite to land the job. Wake Forest transfer Justice Ellison is in line to grab a lot of carries and touches. Ellison had a team-high 4.57 yards per carry for a beleaguered Demon Deacons offense in 2023, and he will now play an essential role for Hoosiers. Ellison is a quick back who could be utilized in two-back sets or get chances as a lone back with four wide receivers.

Indiana Hoosiers 2024 Win Total: 5.5
81. Demond Claiborne - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Demond Claiborne was a rare four-star recruit who committed to Dave Clawson at Wake Forest. In 2023, Claiborne led Wake Forest with 586 yards and five rushing touchdowns. He was behind Justice Ellison in yards per carry (4.57 to 4.28), but Claiborne garnered 17 more carries than Ellison, and he should now get a larger share in 2024. Despite Wake Forest’s cripplingly bad quarterback play last season, Claiborne had 165 rushing yards against Vanderbilt, 60 against Clemson, 96 in a win over Pittsburgh and 81 in a close loss to Duke. If Claiborne can stay healthy, he could reach 800 yards in 2024.

Wake Forest 2024 Win Total: 4.5
82. Kanye Roberts - Appalachian State Mountaineers
Appalachian State plays at a place known affectionately as “The Rock.” Quarterback Joey Aguilar is one of the best in the Sun Belt but the Mountaineers do like to “pound the rock” and no player on the roster was more efficient than freshman Kanye Roberts. Roberts was a surprise, rushing for 696 yards with 5.66 yards per carry and a team-leading seven touchdowns. Nate Noel is gone and the Mountaineers will now turn to the sophomore Roberts to lead the ground game. He was fantastic in games against Old Dominion, Southern Miss (8.38 yards per carry), Georgia State (8.56 yards per carry) and Georgia Southern (7.79 yards per carry). He should be one of the best running backs in the Sun Belt this coming season and a potential breakout star.

Appalachian State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
83. Ja'Quez Cross - Arkansas State Red Wolves
Ja’Quez Cross led the Arkansas State Red Wolves in 2023 as he excelled on both special teams as a returner and as a running back. He had 716 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.59 yards per carry (fourth best in the Sun Belt). His yards per carry were significantly better than the other backs on the Arkansas State roster and he was only a sophomore in 2023. Cross had his best game in November, where he exploded for 139 yards and three touchdowns against Texas State. However, he was also solid against Memphis (6.33 yards per carry) and was above four yards per carry in eight different games. With more consistent quarterback play from the young Jaylen Raynor, Cross could push for 1,000 yards.

Arkansas State 2024 Win Total: 6.5
84. Jalen White - Georgia Southern Eagles
Jalen White flirted with transferring or turning pro but is back at Georgia Southern for his fifth and final collegiate season. His return is a significant boon for the Eagles. He has 2,272 yards and 23 touchdowns during his career, including 889 yards a season ago. Georgia Southern chucked it around a lot and White took advantage of light boxes to gain 5.56 yards per carry and score nine touchdowns. He was fantastic at the beginning of the season but faded as the calendar turned to November. He had 200 yards against The Citadel, 118 yards against UAB, 167 in a blowout of Ball State, 175 against Louisiana Monroe and 180 against the woeful Texas State run defense.

Georgia Southern 2024 Win Total: 5.5
85. Michael Benefield - Kennesaw State Owls
2024 will be the inaugural FBS season for the Kennesaw State Owls. They struggled in 2023, but there is hope that much was due to multiple players sitting out after playing in four games to maintain eligibility for the voyage to the sport’s top division. The Kennesaw State Owls deploy an option attack under head coach Brian Bohannon and the team’s top rusher is senior Michael Benefield. He is the only player in Kennesaw State football history with four straight 100-yard rushing games, and he led the team in rushing with 546 yards in 2023. He accomplished that total despite playing in only nine games and averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per carry during the campaign. If Kennesaw State finds any success in 2024, it will come on the back of a potent rushing attack led by Benefield.

Kennesaw State 2024 Win Total: 2.5
86. Anthony Watkins - Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson would love to be able to throw the ball 60 times a game and not need to rely on a strong running game but Tulsa would be wise to lean on senior Anthony Watkins. Watkins had 889 yards a season ago and he earned first-team preseason honors in the American Athletic Conference for the 2024 campaign. He averaged a healthy 4.51 yards per carry and had strong games at the tail-end of the season, topping 100 yards three times in the month of November. He had 146 yards against Charlotte, 115 against North Texas and 106 against East Carolina. He’ll look to reach 1,000 yards in 2024.

Tulsa 2024 Win Total: 4.5
87. Kevorian Barnes - UTSA Roadrunners
The UTSA Roadrunners had a very successful 2023 season. They went 9-4 and had victories over Texas State, Rice, South Florida and a bowl game win over Marshall. Quarterback Frank Harris is gone and they’ll have to rely even more on running back Kevorian Barnes. Barnes was named a first-team preseason All-American Athletic Conference after gaining 715 yards on 147 carries as a sophomore. That was an average of 4.86 yards per carry and his six touchdowns were second on the team. Barnes had more than 100 yards against Houston, Texas State and North Texas and he lit up Tulane for 92 yards and a 7.67 yards per carry average. He’ll be asked to do more in 2024 and could see his carries increase from 147 to more than 200.

UTSA 2024 Win Total: 8.5
88. Jevon Jackson - UTEP Miners
The UTEP Miners struggled mightily on offense in 2023. They averaged only 19.9 points per game and rushed for less than four yards per carry (3.87) as they stumbled to a 3-9 record. The poor season resulted in a change at the head coach position as former Austin Peay head coach Scotty Walden was brought in to breathe life into both the offense and the program as a whole. Jevon Jackson came with Walden from Austin Peay after rushing for 1,373 yards and ten touchdowns in 2023. That was at the FCS level but there is reason to be optimistic that he can translate those numbers reasonably well into Conference USA. Jackson was named to the preseason All-CUSA team.

UTEP 2024 Win Total: 4.5
89. Mario Anderson - Memphis Tigers
Memphis can put up points and they can do it in a hurry. The Tigers averaged 39.4 points per game in 2023 as quarterback Seth Henigan threw for 3,883 yards and running back Blake Watson ran for 1,152 yards while averaging six yards per carry. Watson is gone and Memphis backfilled the position with South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson. Despite playing behind a very porous offensive line, Anderson averaged 4.94 yards per carry in the SEC and gained 707 yards for the Gamecocks. He’s not the fleetest of foot but he is powerful and should be a perfect fit in the Memphis offense. Racking up a lot of touchdowns to finish drives is the expectation for Anderson in 2024.

Memphis 2024 Win Total: 9.5
90. Rahjai Harris - East Carolina Pirates
Head coach Mike Houston is on the hot seat at East Carolina and the Pirates have major question marks on nearly every level of the offense. The one returning piece ECU can feel pretty good about is senior running back Rahjai Harris. Harris was not the most efficient runner (that honor went to freshman Javious Bond) but he was the bell-cow for the Pirates, carrying the rock 129 times for 485 yards with five touchdowns. Harris is back for the 2024 campaign and he should be a featured part of the offense this season. Upping his yards per carry above four would be a nice step for the East Carolina attack.

East Carolina 2024 Win Total: 6.5
91. Billy Lucas - Liberty Flames
92. Marquis Crosby - Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
As a freshman in 2022, Marquis Crosby led the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs with 918 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He averaged more than five yards per carry, an extremely impressive feat for a freshman running back playing behind a subpar offensive line. Crosby entered the 2023 season with high hopes and then had only one carry for 20 yards before a season-ending injury. He’s healthy ahead of the 2024 campaign and is expected to lead the offense for Sonny Cumbie and Louisiana Tech. Crosby is a bit of an unknown as he returns to play, but he earned Preseason All-Conference USA honors and could push for 1,000 yards.

Louisiana Tech 2024 Win Total: 4.5
93. Taylor Tatum - Oklahoma Sooners
Taylor Tatum committed to Oklahoma as the number one running back in the 2024 recruiting class and is expected to play a role immediately. He finished his high school career in Texas with more than 4,000 yards and flashed elite speed, plus a pass-catching ability that should give him a path to contributing in multiple ways. The Oklahoma offense has the potential to be a lot of fun with quarterback Jackson Arnold orchestrating and a very nice group of weapons, but the Sooners lack a top-end running back. Tatum has the potential to become one of those, and early reports from OU’s fall camp have been glowing with praise for Tatum. He appears ready to grab the number two spot behind veteran Gavin Sawchuk.

Oklahoma 2024 Win Total: 7.5
94. Ikaika Ragsdale - North Texas Mean Green
When the top rusher in a running back-friendly offense leaves, a hole is left to fill. The player filling the hole for North Texas might be Ikaika Ragsdale. Although he was not particularly productive earlier in his career, he will now get the opportunity to shine. Ayo Adeyi ran for 7.11 yards per carry before transferring, and Oscar Adaway and Isaiah Johnson eclipsed six yards per carry. If you get opportunities in the North Texas attack, you can put up good numbers. Ragsdale is the “next man up” ahead of the 2024 season, and he earned a Preseason All-American Athletic Conference listing from 247Sports.

North Texas 2024 Win Total: 5.5
95. Alex Tecza - Navy Midshipmen
Option football, baby! The Navy Midshipmen finished 5-7 a season ago, dropping their final two games and missing a bowl game for the fourth straight season. It was another step forward for the program, though, and they are expected to contend for a bowl game in 2024. Alex Tecza, technically listed as a fullback, led the Midshipmen in rushing yards as a sophomore in 2023, and he is back to do the same in 2024. Tecza was the most efficient option for Navy as he averaged 6.02 yards per carry, dwarfing the other top two ball-carriers' 3.93 and 3.94 yards per carry.

Navy 2024 Win Total: 5.5
96. Jam Miller - Alabama Crimson Tide
As a sophomore, Jam Miller carried the ball 41 times for 201 yards with one touchdown. He was well behind Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan but Miller did well with the work he got and added 73 yards receiving with one touchdown. The versatile back is looking at a much more significant role in Tuscaloosa after the departure of the top two backs from the 2023 season. He is the primary backup for expected starter Justice Haynes. With questions at wide receiver and a terrific offensive line, Alabama is likely to lean on the running game and Miller should see a big uptick in his numbers this season.

Alabama 2024 Win Total: 9.5
97. Reggie Love - Purdue Boilermakers
After backing up Chase Brown in Champagne for two seasons, Reggie Love III had his chance to lead the running back room in 2023. Unfortunately, injuries stymied his campaign and he was limited to only 116 carries as he eventually would split work with freshman Kaden Feagin. Love did not want to stick around at Illinois to see how the battle with Feagin would go and he bolted for Purdue (coached by former Illinois assistant Ryan Walters). Love averaged 4.89 yards per carry last season and he’ll now split the work with Devin Mockobee as the Boilermakers try to rebound from a disappointing 2023.

Purdue 2024 Win Total: 4.5
98. Devin Mockobee - Purdue Boilermakers
There were a lot of things about the 2023 season that did not work. The defense was often overmatched, the passing game was inconsistent and Purdue struggled to a 4-8 record. The running game really was not bad though. Tyrone Tracy was very good as a senior and Devin Mockobee churned away for 811 yards on a team-leading 172 carries. Mockobee is never going to fool anyone as being a speedster but he is tough and physical runner that always keeps his legs moving, earning the moniker “Crazy Legs” for his somewhat unique running style. He’ll now partner with Reggie Love to try and give Purdue a reliable backfield duo against a very tough schedule.

Purdue 2024 Win Total: 4.5
99. Dallan Hayden - Colorado Buffaloes
Colorado desperately needs to find balance to keep defenses from keying in exclusively on quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the passing game. A season ago, Anthony Hankerson had 78 carries to lead the Buffaloes, but they could not finish the season with a running back averaging more than 4.22 yards per carry (Dylan Edwards led the team in yards per carry). The offensive line and running backs lacked physicality, and defenses put all their attention into stopping Sanders. The Buffaloes turned to Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden to try and alleviate some of the ground game concerns. Hayden joined the Buffaloes after the spring. We’ll see if he can translate his success in Columbus into a larger sample size with a much less talented offensive line blocking for him.

Colorado 2024 Win Total: 5.5
100. Lee Beebe - UAB Blazers
Jermaine Brown led the Blazers in rushing in 2023, but the senior has now departed, and the path is paved for sophomore Lee Beebe to take over after an outstanding introductory campaign. Beebe ran for 360 yards on 6.92 yards per carry, as he was, by far, the most efficient rusher on the team. Beebe closed the season with 70 yards on ten carries against Temple and 101 yards on seven carries in a close loss to North Texas. He had three touchdowns in the final two games. Increasing his workload will almost certainly drop his efficiency, but he earned preseason Third Team All-AAC honors and is expected to be one of the league’s better running backs.

UAB 2024 Win Total: 6.5
101. Jaydon Blue - Texas Longhorns
Versatile running back Jaydon Blue’s importance was ratcheted up for the Texas Longhorns as CJ Baxter injured his knee and is out for the 2024 season. As a sophomore, Blue ran for 398 yards on an impressive 6.12 yards per carry in 2023. He also added 14 receptions for 135 yards with one receiving touchdown. With Jonathon Brooks now in the NFL and Baxter out injured, Blue is RB1 on a terrific offense, so he has a real opportunity for a breakout campaign.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
102. Isaac Brown - Louisville Cardinals
Louisville’s top two running backs from the 2023 season have both moved on, and there is an opportunity to seize for the remaining running backs. That looked like it would be Peny Boone, but he never suited up for a game after transferring from Toledo when he bolted for UCF. The Cardinals have some excellent options, but a name has emerged from fall camp that insiders claim can’t be kept off the field: true freshman Isaac Brown. Brown is only 5’9”, but the dynamo from Florida has turned heads with his speed and explosiveness. He will get a chance to prove himself, and head coach Jeff Brohm is looking for playmakers to jumpstart his offense.

Louisville 2024 Win Total: 8.5
103. Jerrick Gibson - Texas Longhorns
Blue chip recruit Jerrick Gibson was expected to be eased into the collegiate game. However, the No. 3 running back recruit will likely have a prominent role immediately for the Texas Longhorns. The injury to Baxter certainly changes the equation for Steve Sarkisian, and he is now going to turn to Jaydon Blue and, reportedly, Gibson. The freshman impressed Sarkisian, who publicly said he’d give the best players the ball, regardless of the player’s age or class.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
104. Keith Adams - Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers hope to turn up the physicality on offense in year two under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. A more physical offensive line and running game led by Phil Mafah would help open up the passing game, and Clemson hopes they can be much more explosive through the air. Behind Mafah, Clemson could turn to Jay Haynes or David Eziomume, but the primary backup is likely to be Keith Adams Jr. The redshirt sophomore is a Clemson legacy nicknamed “Hammerhead” for his punishing running style. Mafah will be the bell-cow, but Adams Jr. should get his chance.

Clemson 2024 Win Total: 8.5
105. Ajay Allen - Miami Hurricanes
Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher are a potent one-two punch for the Miami Hurricanes, but the talent does not end there. Ajay Allen, a transfer from Nebraska, played eight games for Miami in 2023. He ran for 350 yards on just 67 carries and had five touchdowns. That is fantastic efficiency, and he will likely get further opportunities despite the other talent in Coral Gables. Teams must focus on Ward, which could lead to big seasons for the Miami running backs.

Miami 2024 Win Total: 9.5
106. Kanye Udoh - Army Black Knights
Being an impact freshman in the Army football program is challenging, but Kanye Udoh was a standout performer in 2023. Udoh was the top running back for the Black Knights in their option attack, rushing for 524 yards on only 99 carries. That is an impressive average of 5.29 yards per carry. The quarterback will always be the top ball carrier in this system, but Udoh was the most efficient. That included games of 124 yards against Troy and 108 against the LSU Tigers, plus 88 yards as Army beat rival Navy to close the season.

Army 2024 Win Total: 5.5
107. Tyrell Robinson - Army Black Knights
The other top running back for the Black Knights was junior Tyrell Robinson. He only had 39 carries, but he averaged 4.79 yards per carry with a pair of touchdowns. Robinson’s most significant contributions came in a close but important victory over Holy Cross as he ran for 45 yards and 7.5 yards per carry with the game-winning touchdown. Robinson will likely be the third option for Army behind quarterback Bryson Daily and Kanye Udoh. He is still an essential member of the offense as Army tries to make it back to a bowl game, now as members of the American Athletic Conference.

Army 2024 Win Total: 5.5
108. Rahmir Johnson - Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have not been to a bowl game since 2016, but there is real enthusiasm and hope surrounding Matt Rhule’s second year in Lincoln. The offense will be led by first-year starter and five-star freshman Dylan Raiola at quarterback, but the running back position will be critical as the Huskers need balance. Gabe Ervin will likely be the starter, but Rahmir Johnson is a high-upside option that could provide quality depth. There is a caveat: he has to stay healthy. The redshirt junior ran the ball 12 times for 65 yards but was lost for the season with an injury after only three games. He only had 19 carries in ten games in 2022. Johnson has reportedly impressed during the offseason, and he is expected to carve out a significant role and be productive, but again, he has to stay healthy.

Nebraska 2024 Win Total: 7.5
109. James Peoples - Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a dynamic duo at running back with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins leading the way for an offense expected to lead an offense that should be more inclined to lean on the running game than they have been in the past few seasons. The third running back spot should go to freshman James Peoples. Peoples and fellow freshman Sam Williams-Dixon are both options, but Peoples shined in the spring, and he was the nation’s fourth-ranked running back recruit last season. The San Antonio native is an electric athlete, and he should get plenty of snaps as the Buckeyes are expected to have backups during a lot of second halves this season.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5
110. Cartevious Norton - Charlotte 49ers
Cartevious Norton is a big back who is hoping to make his presence felt in Charlotte after spending two seasons at Iowa State. The Waycross, Georgia, native is a junior who weighs 225 pounds. He had 655 yards and five touchdowns for the Cyclones. Charlotte invested heavily in the portal, and head coach Biff Poggi is hoping Florida transfer quarterback Max Brown and this running back can be a force in short-yardage situations and as a hammer in a wide-open American Athletic Conference.

Charlotte 2024 Win Total: 3.5
1. Ollie Gordon II - Oklahoma State Cowboys
There is only one choice to lead the list for running backs in 2024: reigning Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon II. Over Oklahoma State’s final 11 games of the 2023 season, Gordon averaged nearly 150 yards on the ground. He was first in rushing yards (1,732) and second in both rushing touchdowns (21) and yards after contact (1,056). Oklahoma State did not have a great offensive line, so Gordon was largely left alone to create yardage. In addition, he excelled as a pass-catcher. Gordon had 330 receiving yards, the third-most for major conference running backs last season. Winning the Doak Walker Award in consecutive seasons is exceedingly difficult, but Gordon should be the favorite until proven otherwise.

Oklahoma State 2024 Win Total: 7.5

Ranking the Top 110 College Football Running Backs for 2024

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