Ranking the best running backs in college football for 2025
Ranking the Best Running Backs in College Football for 2025
In the ever-evolving world of college football, few positions are as exciting and pivotal as the running back. The ability to break tackles, burst through holes, and accelerate into open space makes these players some of the most thrilling to watch. Heading into the 2025 season, the running back position is loaded with talent. From power backs who can pound the rock between the tackles to elusive backs who make defenders miss in open space, the 2025 college football season will feature a wealth of dynamic playmakers.
In this article, we will rank the top running backs heading into the 2025 college football season. These rankings are based on a variety of factors, including production in previous seasons, physical attributes, skill set, and projected potential for the 2025 campaign. Whether these backs excel at finding the end zone, making defenders miss, or running with power, each one brings a unique style to the table. Let’s take a look at the best running backs in college football as we head into 2025.
1. Braxston Vick, Texas A&M
Texas A&M has been building a formidable offense in recent years, and Braxston Vick is poised to be a central figure in their attack during the 2025 season. The 6’1″, 215-pound running back is a powerful and versatile weapon in the Aggies’ backfield. After an outstanding 2024 season, Vick is poised to take over as one of the best running backs in college football.
In 2024, Vick rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He showed an ability to power through defenders with his size, while also displaying impressive speed and agility. Vick excels at breaking tackles, both in the open field and when fighting for extra yardage in short-yardage situations. His vision and ability to make defenders miss make him one of the most dangerous backs in college football. His combination of power, vision, and speed makes him the top running back in the country heading into the 2025 season.
2. Trevor Williams, Ohio State
Ohio State has consistently produced elite talent at every position, and Trevor Williams looks to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest running backs to ever suit up for the Buckeyes. Williams is a dynamic back who combines vision, explosiveness, and an ability to break long runs. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 210 pounds, Williams has the ideal size and athleticism to be an every-down back at the next level.
In 2024, Williams finished the season with over 1,200 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He is an explosive runner who can change the game with one cut and a burst of speed. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and accelerate through holes makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Ohio State’s offensive line is consistently one of the best in the country, and with Williams’ skill set, the Buckeyes’ offense will be one of the most dangerous in the nation.
3. Jamarcus Wilson, Georgia
Georgia is known for having a long line of elite running backs, and Jamarcus Wilson is the latest in a strong tradition. The 6’2″, 220-pound running back combines elite size with rare speed and agility for his frame. Wilson has a powerful running style that allows him to gain tough yards between the tackles, but he also has the ability to break long runs and outrun defenders in the open field.
Wilson had a standout season in 2024, rushing for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top backs in the country. He can wear down defenses with his physical style of running and possesses excellent balance, making him tough to bring down. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another layer to his game, making him a dual-threat weapon that is difficult to contain. Georgia will lean on Wilson heavily in 2025, and he is poised to continue dominating in the SEC.
4. Eli Hayes, Alabama
As Alabama’s offense continues to evolve, Eli Hayes has become the centerpiece of their running game. The 5’11”, 210-pound back is known for his combination of speed and power. Hayes has the ability to run over defenders, but also possesses elite acceleration that allows him to break long runs to the outside. Alabama’s offensive line is known for creating holes, and Hayes has the vision and patience to take full advantage.
In 2024, Hayes rushed for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming the backbone of Alabama’s offense. His ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage after contact makes him a dangerous weapon for the Crimson Tide. With his explosive playmaking ability and physicality, Hayes is one of the best backs in the country and should be a focal point of Alabama’s offense in 2025.
5. Caden Johnson, USC
USC has been one of the most exciting offenses in the country in recent years, and Caden Johnson is a major reason for their success. The 6’0″, 210-pound running back has the perfect blend of power and speed to excel in the Pac-12. Johnson is an explosive player who can take a handoff and accelerate through a defense with ease. He is also adept at breaking tackles, making him one of the toughest backs to bring down in the open field.
Johnson’s ability to change direction and break away from defenders makes him a threat on every play. In 2024, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the Trojans’ high-powered offense. Johnson is also a valuable asset in the passing game, where his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to USC’s offense. As the focal point of USC’s offense, Johnson will be one of the top running backs in the country heading into 2025.
6. Isaiah Brooks, Oklahoma
Oklahoma has long been a program known for producing top-tier running backs, and Isaiah Brooks is the latest in that tradition. The 6’1″, 220-pound back is a powerful runner who can break tackles and gain yards after contact. Brooks has a physical running style that wears down opposing defenses over the course of a game. He is also known for his vision and patience, allowing him to wait for the right hole to open up before bursting through.
Brooks rushed for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, leading the Sooners to a successful season. His combination of power and speed makes him one of the most dangerous backs in college football, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield only adds to his versatility. Oklahoma will lean heavily on Brooks in 2025, and he is poised to continue his ascent as one of the top backs in the country.
7. Zayden Reed, Michigan
Michigan’s offense has consistently been one of the most balanced in college football, and Zayden Reed is a major reason for their success. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 215 pounds, Reed is a powerful back who also has the ability to break long runs. He possesses excellent vision, which allows him to find holes and accelerate through them with ease.
In 2024, Reed rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Michigan to a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff appearance. Reed’s balance and ability to change direction make him difficult to stop, and his toughness between the tackles makes him a threat to wear down any defense. As Michigan continues to be a contender in the Big Ten, Reed’s contributions will be crucial in 2025.
8. Derrick Moore, Florida State
Florida State has been rebuilding its football program under head coach Mike Norvell, and Derrick Moore is one of the standout players on the roster. The 6’0″, 210-pound back is known for his breakaway speed and explosive playmaking ability. Moore has the potential to take a game over with one big run, and his combination of size and speed makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
In 2024, Moore rushed for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his big-play ability. He is particularly effective in open space, where he can use his speed to outrun defenders. As Florida State continues to build its program, Moore will be one of the key players to watch in 2025.
9. Nico Davis, Penn State
Penn State has had a strong running game in recent years, and Nico Davis is the latest in a line of standout backs for the Nittany Lions. Davis stands at 6’0″ and weighs 220 pounds, with a powerful and punishing running style that allows him to gain tough yards between the tackles. His vision and ability to follow his blockers make him a consistent threat in the run game.
Davis rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, becoming the centerpiece of Penn State’s offense. He excels in short-yardage situations and is difficult to bring down after contact. With his skill set and physicality, Davis is one of the most underrated backs heading into the 2025 season.
10. Jalen Harris, Auburn
Auburn’s Jalen Harris is a rising star in the college football world. The 6’0″, 205-pound back has displayed an ability to break through defenses with both power and finesse. Harris combines excellent vision with an explosive first step, which allows him to create big plays on the ground.
In 2024, Harris rushed for 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of Auburn’s top playmakers. He is known for his patience and ability to find the right lane, which makes him a dangerous threat on every touch. As Auburn continues to build its offense in 2025, Harris will be a key player to watch.
