1. Ulysses Bentley IV, SMU Robinsons 652 rushing yards and 130.4 yards per game are both second among all college football running backs. Hall finished with 1,572 yards and his 21 TDs were topped only by Najee Harris 26. Since then, however, Hall appears to be back to his devastating form. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Brad. Stroud will make for a deadly backfield duo in year two together next season. While a team like Michigan State had success without Walker, he was impactful immediately after transferring in from Wake Forest. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Okay, so running backs are sort of interchangeable now and not worth the high pick draft value, and this year there are plenty of good runners who'll make a big splash from Day 3. Teams now generally undervalue the position and have . Is White too low? AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of . Thank elite defense and Smith for the trophies this year. But playing behind one of the countrys best offensive lines, he earned Pro Football Focus No. He had 153 yards per game last year, 2nd in the land behind Patterson. 2. The Top Ten 1 Breece Hall One of the most prolific running backs of last season for Iowa State, Hall comes back with a returning Iowa State roster and offensive line. 0.9834. No FBS running back churned out 10 or more yards on a higher rate of carries over that period than Brooks (23.4%). New head coach Steve Sarkisian ought to have a lot of fun incorporating Robinsons skills into his offense. When it came to those inside-zone runs that Kentucky loves so much, Rodriguez jumped to first in rushing grade nationwide. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. This is a pick based on potential. No longer. No single rusher embodies the phrase running backs do matter more than Bijan Robinson. 25. Robinson has been a key backup over the last four years and is set to take on a starting role in his super senior season this fall. And remember, this has nothing to do with pro potential. As a result, theyve consistently relied on the freshman running back, and boy has he delivered. Devon Achane 5. So without further ado, here are my top five college running backs for the 2021 NFL draft. 2018 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2018 . Robinson gives Texas an all-around offensive threat, as hes currently sitting second on the team with 16.7 yards per reception. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report compiled a list of the top-10 running backs returning to college football in 2021, and it can be seen below: 10. 1 back in a Wisconsin offense that lost its identity early in the season. College Football's Top 25 Breakout Running Backs for 2021 25. News Bot. He was good all season long but thats where he shined brightest. Hes exactly what new coach Steve Sarkisian needs. He is the clear favorite to claim the title of No. SEC QB Power Rankings, regular-season wrap: Should Anthony Richardson stay or go? He was the sixth-highest-graded runner in the Power Five at 90.0 and logged 147 carries without fumbling the football, the second-most in the nation. The state of Texas plays host to two top 25 college football running backs, which should come to the surprise of absolutely nobody. In fact, the Bulls had 2 of FBS top 20 rushers last season. New coach Nick Rolovich likes to throw to backs, too, which means Borghi could be one of the most effective dual-threat RBs in the country this fall. He was dominant against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl and was once again one of the best playmakers for the Wildcats and one of the best running backs in the SEC. He ended the year with the sixth-highest rate of runs that resulted in a gain of 10-plus yards (21.5%). Watch out for the dreadlocks. 2022-2023 cfb bowl schedule. We support responsible gambling. Kansas State Wildcats (Deuce Vaughn) Kentucky Wildcats (Chris Rodriguez Jr.) Minnesota Golden Gophers (Mohamed Ibrahim) South Carolina Gamecocks (Kevin Harris) UTSA Roadrunners (Sincere McCormick). The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. Big names like Kenneth Walker, Hassan Haskins, Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson highlight the list, but there were others making names for themselves in the Top 10 and throughout the list. The rich get richer cliche has become so overused because its true. 14. Evans didnt have the same consistently explosive start to his career as Robinson. Trey Sermon carried Ohio State down the stretch until the Buckeyes ran into Najee Harris and Alabama. Yet, hes already stamping his dominance over college football defenses this year. 3 and 4 in FBS in rushing yards per game. One of the sports top freshmen a year ago, Bigsby ranks No. While football evolves into a pass-oriented game, there is still nothing more glorious than watching college football running backs galloping in the open field. Brooks opted out of last season but was Pro Football Focus No. both a runner and receiver in 2020. But the Longhorns couldve been lost without him offensively. The running back position has always made a difference in determining your league champion. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Others, perhaps not. The Sermon is over. Here are the the running backs: #1. Zonovan Knight, NC State He ranks in the top 10 of college football running backs for total yards and yards per game, while his 7 touchdowns equal both Robinson and Henderson above him. He should turn even more heads during a full fall season. The 2021 running back prospects are an interesting mix, and are likely slightly worse than average. Find the rest of PFFs top returning college players series here: Furthermore, hes found the end zone 7 times while showcasing big-play ability with 2 rushes of 50+ yards. Find out where your favorite Runningbacks stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. But despite the discrepancy between the box score and the play-level production, Hall still lands comfortably into this top 10. Durant has averaged at least 6.0 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. Today we will be continuing my top 10 players lists, and we will be looking at the running back position today. Weaknesses: If youre a fan of the underdog, keep an eye on Broussard he was 3-star recruit out of Dallas and has rebounded nicely from a knee injury that caused him to miss all of the 2019 season. Derrick Henry is the undisputed workout king as well as the league's top stiff-arm threat entering 2021. The 2020 season was his best yet, as he recorded an 89.5 rushing grade 11th-best in the FBS on 91 carries. Spiller already projects as a 1st-round pick in 2022 heading into his junior season. The Iowa State running back has the explosiveness to ramp up that big-run rate and proved on a number of occasions that he has an uncoachable ability to make something out of nothing. The 2021 college football season kicks off in just over 100 days, and we at PFF are here to get you ready for it. Breece Hall Last season, Breece Hall has quickly become very successful and led the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in rushing yards. 5. Tyler Goodson, Iowa McCormick earned second-team All-America honors after finishing No. Here are the top-25 running backs in college football during 2021. Some teams could not function without their running backs on offense, making them that much more valuable. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 So who are those game-changing types of running backs going to be in the 2021 college football season? Pro Football Network, LLC. Jaylen Warren - Oklahoma State 24. 20. Plus, he was a scoring machine. While there are a number of factors influencing Michigan States incredible start to the campaign, Walker is surely among the biggest. If the answer is no, thats because your team isnt BYU, and your running back isnt Tyler Allgeier. Gore finished with the 18th-best rushing grade in the FBS (86.8) as a true freshman this past season. Zach Evans was the RB2 of the 2020 recruiting class behind Texas Robinson, and were finally getting to appreciate why this season. There has been nothing meager about Walkers performance so far this season. Against Ohio State, he had a historic game and continued his domination in the Big Ten championship against Iowa. 34 3 6. Its easy to overlook that in 4 seasons, the COVID senior from Tuscaloosa has averaged almost 5 yards per carry and been brilliant when called upon. His lateral quickness was insane and he was also a good pass catching back. Through Week 5, weve already seen some incredible performances, but who are the top college football running backs so far this season? He leads all college football running backs in rushing yards, yards per game, and ranks fourth for rushing touchdowns through Week 5. Hall had a quiet year compared to the preseason expectations but he still finished No. Although his 510 rushing yards through Week 5 rank just 18th in the nation, Hendersons 9.44 yards per carry is good enough for fourth among all college football running backs. Top College Football Running Backs in 2021, While football evolves into a pass-oriented game, there is still nothing more glorious than watching. Brooks was the third-highest-graded ball carrier in the FBS from 2018 to 2019 and established himself as one of the top breakaway threats at the position. While they all have a good chance at being a team's #1 back, there isn't a transcendent talent among them. Terion Stewart, Bowling Green Bowling Green's offense struggled to get on track in 2020, but coach Scot Loeffler found a. 2019 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2019 . All Rights Reserved. The freshman was the leading rushing nationwide. As we approach the mid-point of the 2021 college football season, the lack of dominant individual running backs is readily apparent. The majority of programs especially the elite ones in the country have shifted to a more pass-centric offensive approach. Ford was key to getting Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff for the first time. It wasnt all that spectacular, either, as he fumbled on one of his 10 carries en route to a 57.2 PFF grade for the day. Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State (Photo: Scott. Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State, Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bryce Young in Pole Position for the No. The 6-foot-4 . Texas looks like a completely different team when he isnt being utilized to the best of his ability. College football had its fair share of top running backs in 2021. Jarquez Hunter, Auburn We rank the top 10 SEC running backs for 2021 by production and overall ability: No. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. For a little help, here are some of the best running backs of 2021 in College Football that you can bet on in an online casino. Some, youve heard of. Hell go down as a school legend. 1. These rushers just missed out on the top 10 of my college football running backs. Vaughn can take defenders' souls in the open field with his blend of quickness and agility. Rodriguez finished as the second-highest-graded running back of the 2020 season (92.4) and ranked second to UNC's, BYU produced an impressive list of breakout players in 2020; among them was running back, Yes, you read that correctly: Allgeier had only 26 career carries entering the 2020 season but still managed to finish the year with a 93.1 rushing grade, the second-best behind. Its always an adventure in Columbia, S.C., these days, but Harris is Mr. But thats because hes been sharing time with the likes of Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young the past couple of years. Rachaad White, Arizona State From Power-5 studs to small-school sleepers, CFBDynasty.com's 2021 RB . Other guys like Sean Tucker, Tyler Allgeier and Lew Nichols virtually came out of nowhere and opposing defenses had no idea what to do with them. Jashaun Corbin, Florida State, 21. Yes, you read that correctly: Allgeier had only 26 career carries entering the 2020 season but still managed to finish the year with a 93.1 rushing grade, the second-best behind Javonte Williams. A full offseason of work with the Longhorns vast array of resources renders Robinson a real threat this fall. Best Returning RBs 25. Broussard was right there with Jefferson last season; the pair ranked Nos. However, be under no illusion theyre among the best in the nation. Oklahoma should afford him the opportunity to unlock that. Bijan Robinson, Texas Louisiana Monroe v Texas The running back group might not be as star-studded and recognized by the general NFL fans as the. If he gets that opportunity, he could make ranking him even 10th look quite silly. We'll start by ranking the top 10 returning players at each position and naming one sleeper who could make some noise this season. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. (Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: John Bunch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: John E. Moore III/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images, 247Sports), (Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, 247Sports). List of Military Colleges and their Academies in 2021 Trident University 2021: Acceptance rate, Admission, Courses, Tuition fees, Aid And hell be playing with Heisman candidate Spencer Rattler and Tennessee transfer Eric Gray (772 yards for the Vols in 2020). Bigsby is one of the most gifted running backs in college football and has improved in each year so far, so it is reasonable to think he will take another step this season. 12. At 5-5 but sometimes impossible to bring down, Vaughn conjures images of Darren Sproles and John Hubert in Manhattan, Kansas. He has rushed for 100+ yards and 2 touchdowns in each of his last three appearances, moving into the top 10 college football running backs in the nation for total yards and rushing touchdowns. Auburn running back Tank Bigsby (4) runs the ball during Auburn football A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 17, 2021. 4. Goodsons numbers arent necessarily eye-popping. Read Time: What's up Tailgaters! However, through Week 5 of the college football season, the East Carolina RB has been astounding. For those who dont know, running backs actually do matter in college football. Jaret Patterson wowed the entire country with a ridiculous 178 yards per game for Buffalo before continuing his career with the Washington Football Team. The Heisman Trophy, one of the highest individual awards in American college football, has been awarded 86 times since its creation in 1935, including 85 unique winners and one two-time winner.The trophy is given annually to the most outstanding college football player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), and is awarded by the . Four QBs named Heisman finalists. 1 Overall Pick, Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia | NFL Draft Scouting Report. Kind of. Harris was a breakout star last season. Once the Badgers found their groove, Allen was a monster. Ohio State does not have to worry about its backfield in 2022 with Henderson coming back. Having gone two seasons without as much as a sniff of a 100+ rushing yard game, Duke running back Mataeo Durant now has EIGHT 100+ yard games in his last 12 outings, stretching back to October last season. 2023 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2023 . 4 rusher in the country in terms of yards, but boy did he feel like he was the leading rusher throughout the season. The Cyclones star was an All-American and should bode well in the NFL with whoever selects him in the draft. Hes averaging a ridiculous 9.57 yards per carry so far this season, good enough for second in the nation behind Auburns Jarquez Hunter. A foot injury limited him last season, but the son of former Aggies tight end Fred Spiller has all the makings of a successful NFL running back. 5. Mr. Harris has left the building. A prime candidate to move up this list considerably if we did it again after the season. Weve ranked the 10 best, starting with perhaps a shocking name out in Norman, namely because its probably not the guy you think. Robinson exploded in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati. Robinson was a five-star recruit in the 2020 class, according to 247Sports, and dazzled down the stretch of his true freshman campaign. Roberts actually finished No. The sophomore running back is the heart and soul of the Texas Longhorns offense. Kenneth Walker III was an underrated, under-appreciated running back during his time at Wake Forest. The sophomore running back is the heart and soul of the Texas Longhorns offense. White is primed to provide plenty. Deuce Vaughn. Like Bigsby, Vaughn was also one of the top first-year players in college football this past season. Meanwhile, hes found the end zone 6 times in five games. And Jaret jetted for D.C. For all the craziness of 2020, elite-level running back play in major college football brought us a sense of normalcy. Here are the top-25 running backs in college football during 2021. Just last season, we saw Najee Harris play a critical role for Alabama, Travis Etienne shoulder a huge load from the backfield in Clemson, and even Trey Sermon shine bright in the spotlight. Hes been the Blue Devil on the shoulder of Dukes offense, ranking in the top five for total yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns. Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State Bijan Robinson headlines the top college football running backs in 2021, but who else should you be watching out for this fall? The former three-star prospect put up those numbers despite sharing the load in Iowa's backfield. Hes been injured but the talent is undeniable. Pattersons gone, and theres a new coaching staff in town, but Marks is no slouch. Breece Halls defense of his rushing title got off to a dangerously slow start. The Iowa State offense struggled against Northern Iowa and lost to emerging College Football Playoff contender Iowa. He topped 1,000 yards last season in just 10 games. Phil Ervin is a veteran college football writer with experience covering both the SEC and Big Ten. 3 player from Texas and a top 10 passer in . All College Football news fromFanSided Daily, Red Sox: Alex Coras comments after Yankees sweep arent good enough, College football rankings: Top 10 wide receivers of 2021, Top 5 NFL QB Prospects Heading Into 2021 College Football Season, Ranking the top 20 college football coaches for 2021, College football rankings: Sam Howell, Spencer Rattler and the top 20 quarterbacks of 2021. Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State 21. Mr. Harris has left the building. DVonte Price, FIU Tyler Goodson, Iowa: The Georgia native is one of the best returning running backs in the Big Ten. He averaged 105.6 yard per game last season. Nichols should get much more attention in 2022 but he finished top-five on this list. At some points, Tucker and Ali were in the lead or near it for rushing in the country. Before that, he was catching passes out of the backfield in Mike Leachs Air Raid offense. Only Vaughn and North Carolinas Michael Carter earned grades above 85.0 as both a runner and receiver in 2020. Again, Nichols was just a freshman and Rahseen Ali (Marshall) was the only other freshman in the country to finish Top 10 in rushing yards in 2021. He owned one of the 10 highest rushing grades in the Power Five from Week 10 on (82.9). 1. The 2020 four-star recruit who ranked 40th nationally, according to 247Sports was easily among the most elusive ball carriers in college football last year. His overall stats should better match his speed and shiftiness as Ole Miss top back for an entire 12-game slate. Bijan Robinson 2. (Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images, 247Sports) 25. Say it. The 6-foot, 204-pound freshman was the third-highest-graded ball carrier in the FBS behind. In 4 games during a COVID-shortened season, he averaged a nation-leading 10 yards per carry. NFL College Football DFS: Top 12 Running Backs in 2021 By The Bartender - August 24, 2021 931 When Fantasy Football players begin to prepare for their upcoming leagues, the running back position is the first to spring to mind. As a freshman, Henderson showed off bursts of speed that were unfathomable. Bijan Robinson (Texas RB 5) you have my attention sir. Like Robinson above him, TreVeyon Henderson has been the savior of his teams offense. A dream prospect for both a kitschy headline writer and a running backs coach. Rodriguez nearly made the top 10 but that doesnt discount his season. 8. For those who dont know, running backs actually do matter in college football. His impact is bigger than most, so he earns a spot in the Top 10 this year. After ranking the top-25 quarterbacks this season, we took a dive into the best rushers this fall. BYU produced an impressive list of breakout players in 2020; among them was running back Tyler Allgeier, who walked on to the team back in 2018 and spent most of the 2019 season at off-ball linebacker. Although he isnt currently on pace to match that expectation, mere statistics cant fairly evaluate his influence on a UTSA team that is currently undefeated. 13 in rushing nationwide and despite the run-heavy offense, he was dominant on the ground even when defenses knew what was coming. Read on to know more! Perhaps the biggest sleeper on this list, Allgeier walked on at BYU in 2018 and was a linebacker till last season. DeAndre Torrey, North Texas However, the Aggies RB has been a lone bright spot in a frankly turgid offense. Couple that with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and he could be set up for a huge rise to stardom as part of the Sooners offense that seems ideally suited to his strengths. Rightfully so. K-State sure loves it some perceivably undersized backs. Yes, Robinson played just 10 games after suffering an injury. Yes, there are other backs in Buffalo. 5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. put together a 16-year NFL career and possibly more, as the soon-to-be 38-year-old hasnt officially retired yet we now get to see his son dominate in the collegiate ranks. Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State 24. Oklahoma (22 commits). Allen, who played the entire 2021 season as a 17-year-old, rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while averaging a Big Ten-best 6.8 yards per attempt. Kennedy Brooks returns to Oklahoma after opting out in 2020 but Grays arrival should push Brooks to a backup role. UCLA wins Women's College Cup. 22. Young gets a stud wideout to grow alongside in Johnston, a player who's been instrumental to TCU's rise from Big 12 also-ran to College Football Playoff participant in 2022. But this is Goodsons show now, and with one of the countrys best offensive lines in front of him, hes poised for a gigantic junior season. Robinson is a home run threat every time he touches the football and can do it in the passing game as well. 15. Lets start with a breakdown of my top 10 running backs in college football so far this fall. The heir apparent to Najee Harris has waited his turn. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). Maybe. JERRION EALY, OLE MISS Ealy was a 2019 four-star recruit who didn't put up monstrous box score numbers in 2020, but he consistently showed up and got the job done. Home Scores Rankings Standings. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Andy Katz's latest Power 36. Copyright 2019-2022. Of his 280 carries on the year, only 13.6% resulted in a 10-plus-yard gain, 86th of 140 qualifiers. After watching Frank Gore Sr. put together a 16-year NFL career and possibly more, as the soon-to-be 38-year-old hasnt officially retired yet we now get to see his son dominate in the collegiate ranks. 5-11 / 190. He was definitely a Top 10 running back this season. Ealy was a 2019 four-star recruit who didn't put up monstrous box score numbers in 2020, but he consistently showed up and got the job done. Mateo Durant - Duke 23. . Good luck catching him from. Still, we shouldn't forget who Borghi was back in 2019 when he was fully healthy: a player with immense speed and one of the top receiving backs in the entire country. pic.twitter.com/lufl0TX2gH, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 9, 2021. Can your running back chase down a defender with a freshly intercepted ball in his hand, climb on his back, and punch out said ball, allowing another player to recover the ball for your team? He transferred in from Wake Forest and was the biggest reason for Michigan States 11-win season, despite opting out of the Peach Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Borghi was only able to play in one game this past season due to injury. 19. This was an especially hard list to make. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in just 7 games. He rushed for 1,378 yards in 2021, helping Kentucky to win 10 games. There's a long list of powerful running backs to come through Ohio State, and if 2021 was a glimpse of what is still . Running back has become an increasingly marginalized position as far as the NFL draft goes lately, with only a solitary back being selected in the top round over the past two years - and that pick (Clyde Edwars-Helaire KC) barely made it -- at number 32. He doesnt have electrifying speed, but he is elusive and fights through contact as well as anyone. If Gore can improve upon his 84 snaps on the receiving front, an area where he flashed last season, he can climb even higher up this list come 2021. I certainly didnt he wasnt included in the initial rendition of my College Football Top 25 Running Backs. With Rhamondre Stevenson out, Brooks will be back as the featured runner for Oklahoma - who . The Wildcats love the inside zone, and the inside zone appears to love Rodriguez. 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. But Bigsby is as solid an option as they come. But he helped the Beavers to a 7-6 record and an LA Bowl appearance. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma. September 12, 2021. Lets not forget, the junior running back had 13 rushing touchdowns last fall but never received national recognition due to a relatively meager 579 rushing yards. Despite having Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, the passing offense for the Ohio State Buckeyes has struggled with its inexperienced QB situation. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 The B1G Running Back of the Year might not score the highest on advanced analytics charts, but hes the real deal. Camar Wheaton Lakeview Centennial (Garland, TX) RB. Ranking the 10 best college football running backs of 2021 - Page 10. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound back shook defenders on the regular, recording the eighth-most broken tackles per attempt in the FBS (0.33). Rodriguez is one of the best power-backs in college football. Reliable after leading the SEC in rushing yards per game last season (113.8). Robinson runs violently and will be one of the toughest guys to bring down in 2021 he averaged over 4.0 yards after contact per attempt and broke 23 tackles in 2020. Zane Dudek, Yale 23. He earned an 80.6 receiving grade for the year, making him one of two running backs to generate a grade above 80.0 as both a receiver and a runner. Brooks had a fantastic 2021, finishing with nearly 1,300 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Over his last four games, Robinson produced an explosive 10-plus yard run on 14 of his 47 carries with 21 broken tackles and nearly nine yards after contact per attempt. Sure, Alabamas offense has Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young at quarterback and a plethora of offensive weapons, but Robinson did the nitty gritty work and still found the end zone 14 times on the ground. However, if you watch him on film, you see a player whos much more talented than those stats. Both rank in the top 10 in the nation, despite only rushing for 27 yards in his first game of the year against Duquesne. The Sun Devils sure could use some positive headlines these days. Take a look at PFF's top ten running backs for the 2021 college football season below. Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky Wildcats. Brent Venables boasts six top-100 recruits in the Sooners' 2023 haul, highlighted by 5-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, the No. Tank Bigsby is a created player in NCAA 14, PFF Draft (@PFF_College) October 10, 2020. Brooks ran for over 1,000 yards in 2019 but opted out of last season. Walker was nearly in the Heisman Trophy conversation right at the end of the season before some subpar games but there was no denying his impact all season long for the Spartans. 8. He should be in the Heisman Trophy conversation next year, if not one of the favorites to bring home some hardware. Between injury and sharing the backfield with guys like Sermon, Teague has sometimes been a man of the shadows. Based on what he did in two seasons with the Volunteers, it might seem like an odd inclusion. The Rebels offense should be one of the most entertaining once again, and Ealy is a big reason. 3-graded ball-carrier from 2018-19. And FBS No. This is an interesting one, as Borghi was limited to 1 game in 2020 due to injury. Among the 68 FBS backs who totaled at least 50 carries on which they were contacted behind the line of scrimmage in 2020, Hall ranked third in PFF rushing grade. He and Borghi will duke it out for the title of college footballs best dual-threat running back in 2021. Through Week 5, hes averaging 7.77 yards per carry while generating 110.75 yards per game. 8 in the country in rushing. He also tied for the lowest drop rate among FBS backs at 2.3% and broke eight more tackles after the catch than any other back in the country (28). Haskins and Blake Corum ran the Wolverines backfield but after a while, Haskins was the go-to runner in that offense. 2. Etienne took a step back as a runner during his final year at Clemson, going from 107.6 rushing yards per game and 7.8 yards per carry as a junior (and even slightly better numbers as a sophomore . Blake Corum, Michigan Every day, get free NFL updates sent straight to your inbox! He has breakout written all over him for the 2021 season. A Mountain West Player of the Year candidate and already a lock to make the all-name team. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. Ranking college football's 10 best running backs this season Honorable Mention: Chris Rodriguez Where he plays: Kentucky 2021 stats: 225 rush, 1,379 yards, 9 TD Ordinarily, Rodriguez is a. Times are changing in (the other) Athens with longtime coach Frank Solich retiring, but Tuggle should provide some continuity between the white lines. He had less than 200 carries, but every single one was impactful. Yikes. Good luck finding a better backfield in FBS this fall. Below is a list of PFFs top 10 returning running backs. It was tough to contain Haskins on any given day, making him one of the most dangerous backs in college football this season. Theres an active NFL running back whose son is a top-15 collegiate athlete playing the same position. Tuggle and the Bobcats only got 3 games last year, but the former JUCO star is eyeing a breakout redshirt 5th-year season. Jahmyr Gibbs 4. 2005-2022 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Some might consider this ranking disrespectful, as Hall led the country with 1,562 rushing yards in 2020, but lets not forget that he also saw 28 more carries than any other back and was one of six backs with over 200 carries. Go ahead. It seemed like Vaughn made play after play for the Wildcats, who knocked off LSU in the Texas Bowl to end the season. Passing may be all the rage in college football but these 10 running backs enter the 2021 season as the best in the country ready to dominate the ground. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. When you think of Missouris offense, you think of Badie. In his first two games, he averaged no more than 4.3 yards per carry, totaling a relatively substandard 69 total yards in each game. Well save the realignment-related jokes for another time. Ranking the 10 best college football running backs of 2021 AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of. The Tigers entered the SEC coaching carousel and are in a time of transition. It was no accident, Allgeier was that good and had a knack for crossing the goal line, becoming BYUs biggest weapon. Its hard to think of two more polar opposite states of college football programs than what Eric Gray is transferring between, going from the smoldering ruins of the Jeremy Pruitt era at Tennessee to the high-octane, free-wheeling offense of Oklahoma under Lincoln Riley. Need a big run? (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images). I have a feeling that the running backs around college football will be something remarkable to watch this year. Baylor had a banner year in 2021, winning the Big 12 and the Sugar Bowl over Ole Miss to conclude the year. Minnesota was one of the sports hardest-hit teams by COVID, but Ibrahim did it all while playing behind a makeshift offensive line. Having a back with Borghi's receiving chops and speed is a huge plus. FBS Football. High school: Bernards (Bernardsville, N.J.) Athlete: Teddy Gouldin Height: 6-2 Weight: 170 Recommended college level: FBS Accolades: All-Division, All-Group, All-Area.Holds nearly every school passing record. The Panthers only played 5 contests last season; can Price extrapolate his performance across a full campaign? Sean Tucker, Syracuse He led all of college football in rushing last season with 1572 yards and 23 touchdowns, and is definitely in the running to do it again. The back-to-back reigning rushing champion tops the list of best running backs in the NFL. Ranking the Top 25 running backs in college football in 2021 Phil Ervin | 1 year ago 2022 Rankings Presented by The Sermon is over. The former three-star recruit wasnt the biggest name coming in, but his special season led to an NFL Draft declaration and one pro team is going to be very happy with this selection. 10: Dameon Pierce, Florida Florida running back Dameon Pierce (27) looks for a way past Georgia defensive. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. The 5-foot-5 running back made it known from the get-go that he is going to be in the conversation for the best dual-threat back in the country. Even as offenses move to more high-powered passing attacks, running back remains a key position in college fantasy football. Baylor was one of the quieter running backs this season since Oregon State was not in the Pac-12 title conversion. The list is based on a bevy of factors, including PFF grade and other advanced metrics available to CFB Premium Stats+ subscribers. The 6-foot, 204-pound freshman was the third-highest-graded ball carrier in the FBS behind Javonte Williams and Khalil Herbertbefore suffering an injury in Week 12 against Tennessee. And that plays into why Gray makes the cut of these rankings. His strong contact balance was on full display as he came away with the fifth-most broken tackles per attempt (0.34) in the FBS. Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. He enters his redshirt junior season with 2 years of starting experience and 3 years in the rotation, so the experience is there to match the speed and elusiveness. Allen emerged as the No. As a true sophomore Goodson was the Hawkeye's workhorse, and finished third in the conference in carries last season. Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky TANK BIGSBY, AUBURN (Photo: John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports) A true freshman in 2020, Bigsby. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest on your team today. Here are the top 15 running backs in college football 1. 1) Bijan Robinson, Texas No single rusher embodies the phrase "running backs do matter" more than Bijan Robinson. But it seems like Alabama has one every year. Rodriguez finished as the second-highest-graded running back of the 2020 season (92.4) and ranked second to UNC's Javonte Williams among Power Five backs in percentage of runs that picked up a first down or touchdown (41%). Then look at his numbers. Jake Chisholm, Dayton 22. Scout Trout Elite & ESPN Plus 2021 & 2022 top RB recruits are nationally ranked top 2022 running back & all-purpose back recruits on College Football Today RokFin's 2022 Top RB Recruit Rankings. From the college perspective, the top running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft are Those, of course, were all three backs who played a pivotal role for College Football Playoff teams as game-changers at an evolving position. Monday Down South: Taking stock of every SEC team's trajectory as the 2022 season yields to 2023. 1 in Pro Football Focus rankings. TreVeyon Henderson 3. Hell be called upon a lot more as the feature back for Bama this year. 23. Vaughn can take defenders' souls in the open field with his blend of quickness and agility. After eight consecutive seasons with at least one. Underrated return game, had over 500 kick return yards in 2018. 2 nationally in rushing yards (1,467) last year as a true sophomore. After putting up 222 yards and 2 touchdowns against Tulane, Mitchell features in the top 10 for yards per game and total yardage. Preseason Pac-12 power rankings: Will anyone challenge Oregon and USC at the top. Valladay averaged 110 yards per game in an abbreviated 2020 season. The list is based on a bevy of factors, including. 17. His career has been more about quality than quantity to this point, but expect plenty of both during Rodriguezs redshirt junior season. You can say hes way too high. Its tough to accidentally score 23 touchdowns in one season on the ground. He has a laser arm and accuracy and can run a 4.66 40-yard dash. Sure, it was not a 2,000 yard season, but Hall proved to be one of the best again. While Iowa State did not have the team success it expected, such as winning the Big 12 title, Hall remained a bright spot for the team all year long. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. The Tennessee transfer has a golden opportunity after the Tar Heels lost a pair of star-studded running backs. While he might end up a little short of last years gaudy numbers, the UTSA RB still sits 11th in the nation for total rushing yards. If you want one game that adequately sums up McCormicks skill set and impact on the Roadrunners, grab the tape of the game against Memphis, put your feet up, and enjoy a running back strapping a team onto his back and dragging them to a win. Speaking of college football running backs whose play belies a relatively disappointing box score, Isaiah Spiller continues to prove he is not only one of the top running backs in college football but the de facto RB1 of the 2022 NFL Draft class. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound back also showed off the elusiveness, athleticism and physical play style we saw from him on a limited basis as a true freshman in 2019 he produced two of the 15 highest single-game broken tackle rates from the 2020 season and ranked eighth in the Power Five in percentage of runs that picked up at least 3.0 yards after contact (48%). Zach Charbonnet, UCLA, 16. Every time this man touched the football, he was a threat to score. Robinson was also productive on the receiving front with 1.63 yards per route run and 10 total receptions resulting in a 10-plus yard gain. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State 166 attempts, 1,165 yards, 15 touchdowns. 18. Allgeier was dominant for the Cougars. His 6.5 yards per carry are significantly more than any previous season of his career. . He wasnt on the radar at first, but Walker emerged as the best running back in college football this season. Bobby Petrino reportedly a candidate for SEC offensive coordinator position, Liam Coen returning to Kentucky, per NFL insider, Hayes: Landing 5-star QB DJ Lagway is a game-changer for Billy Napier, Gators, Bruce Pearl explains why Hugh Freeze is a perfect fit at Auburn, Debron Gatling, 4-star 2024 WR, announces SEC commitment, Traeshon Holden, former Alabama WR, announces transfer destination, Auburn reportedly nearing OC hire for Hugh Freeze's coaching staff, Andrew Armstrong, FCS transfer WR, announces SEC commitment, Ron Roberts, former Baylor DC, reportedly decides on SEC program after multiple offers, Power ranking the top 10 SEC players entering bowl season, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Top teams hold serve, elite freshmen shine, major matchups await, College Football Playoff rankings, Dec. 4: Final top 25 released, CFP field set, AP Poll Week 15: Updated top 25 rankings include 6 SEC squads, Monday Down South Postseason Awards: The envelopes, please, SDS' Ultimate SEC Championship Preview: Sizing up Georgia-LSU, and why the expanded Playoff can't get here soon enough. QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DI | EDGE | LB | CB | S. Bigsby was one of the most impressive true freshmen of the 2020 class, finishing as the fifth-most valuable first-year non-quarterback in the country, per PFF Wins Above Average (WAA). 10 rusher in terms of yards per game (116.2) in 2020. The 2022 NFL Draft prospect has been in sensational form so far this season. 13. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. You wont find Spiller among the top 25 running backs in terms of total yardage, yards per carry, or even touchdowns. As Haskins went, the Wolverines went. Once upon a time in college football, it was three yards and a cloud of dust as teams consistently relied upon the rushing attack to get the job done offensively. AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. Despite this, we cant forget about the running backs. Deuce Vaughn took some souls yesterday pic.twitter.com/MARSIbptuA, Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) December 6, 2020. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State Height: 6'1 Weight: 207 Strengths: Great at getting through the line of scrimmage. Game film: Video High school coach: Jon Simoneau Teddy is back to run the show for the third year in a row. Dye was great for the Ducks, despite the less than pleasing finish to the season. The sophomore was hard to bring down on first contact and was tough up the middle or he could beat you to the outside. Just hand it off to Smith, who made plays all over the field. Donovan Edwards West Bloomfield (West Bloomfield, MI) 10 returning back in FBS. Below is a list of PFFs top 10 returning running backs. Bigsby was one of the most impressive true freshmen of the 2020 class, finishing as the fifth-most valuable first-year non-quarterback in the country, per. Pro Football Focus ranks Frank Jr. as the No. Hes right there with Allgeier for the best non-Power Five running back in the country. Gray suited up for 22 games in Knoxville and rushed for 1,311 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and eight scores while also catching 43 balls for 369 yards and three touchdowns. Top College Football Running Backs in 2021 Let's start with a breakdown of my top 10 running backs in college football so far this fall. Before the season, I expected Sincere McCormick to break 1,500 rushing yards this fall. Gray doesnt leave defenders in the dust in a straight line but hes incredibly elusive and has tremendous balance. Badie declared for the draft and the Tigers are certainly going to miss the former three-star prospects presence in the backfield in 2022. Rasheen Ali, Marshall Nick Rolovichs run-and-shoot offense produces one of the highest pass-play rates in college football (67%, though 14 percentage points lower than Leach's Air Raid). Badie ended as the No. There are a few excellent prospects up top, too. Robinson runs violently and will be one of the toughest guys to bring down in 2021 he averaged over 4.0 yards after contact per attempt and broke 23 tackles in 2020. We rank the Top 25 of em heading into 2021. Ramon Jefferson,. RUNNING BACK RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT. 11. The offensive line in front of him was exceptional in 2020, but so was Allgeiers vision. 24. Hall proved his durability as well as his skill, carrying the ball 28 more times than any other back last season. If he played in the Armed Forces Bowl, perhaps the Tigers wouldve taken down Army. Plus, adding 20 touchdowns is never a bad thing. And remember, this has nothing to do with pro potential. 2 rushing grade last year. Although Keaton Mitchell flashed signs of potential as a freshman, no one could have predicted his explosion as a sophomore this season. Who are the next great running backs in this great game of ours? Furthermore, hes been a constant threat as a receiving back, totaling at least 100+ receiving yards and a touchdown in each of the last three seasons. Visit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons Furthermore, hes averaging 6.21 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns. Him and quarterback C.J. 1 running back in 2021. As we head into the 2021 season, though, that has changed dramatically. The 2020 5-star recruit was a man-child down the stretch last season, breaking tackles, catching passes and grading high per Pro Football Focus advanced analysis. Discover the current NCAA Division II Football leaders in every stats category, as well as historic leaders. Yes. Teams will fight over three prospects at the top, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams. Analyze 2022 football recruiting and running back scouting reports by clicking the buttons below and visiting the 2022 top RB recruit scouting database! Not yet. Brooks opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, but he will be back for the 2021 campaign very good news for the Sooners. These are fun times in Ames at the moment, and the countrys leading rusher in 2020 is a big reason. And Jaret jetted for D.C.. Niko Duffey, Alcorn State 20. Borghi tied for first in the nation with 26 first down/touchdown receptions in Mike Leachs Air-Raid attack in 2019. Even if Brooks has experience with the Sooners, the incoming transfer is the better player and better-suited back for the offense. The strength of schedule for Central Michigan goes against Nichols compared to some other big names, but he could very well be the best running back in the country by next season. Is very good in the open field at making defenders miss. 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