Nichols should get much more attention in 2022 but he finished top-five on this list. 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. It seemed like Vaughn made play after play for the Wildcats, who knocked off LSU in the Texas Bowl to end the season. But it seems like Alabama has one every year. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Of his 280 carries on the year, only 13.6% resulted in a 10-plus-yard gain, 86th of 140 qualifiers. However, be under no illusion theyre among the best in the nation. The heir apparent to Najee Harris has waited his turn. The 6-foot-4 . Yes, there are other backs in Buffalo. When it came to those inside-zone runs that Kentucky loves so much, Rodriguez jumped to first in rushing grade nationwide. 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. Jarquez Hunter, Auburn And Jaret jetted for D.C.. As Haskins went, the Wolverines went. AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of . A full offseason of work with the Longhorns vast array of resources renders Robinson a real threat this fall. Best Returning RBs 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. 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. So who are those game-changing types of running backs going to be in the 2021 college football season? 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. Find out where your favorite Runningbacks stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. As we approach the mid-point of the 2021 college football season, the lack of dominant individual running backs is readily apparent. Oklahoma should afford him the opportunity to unlock that. He was definitely a Top 10 running back this season. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans. He should be in the Heisman Trophy conversation next year, if not one of the favorites to bring home some hardware. The Sermon is over. The 2022 NFL Draft prospect has been in sensational form so far this season. Here are the top-25 running backs in college football during 2021. 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. 10: Dameon Pierce, Florida Florida running back Dameon Pierce (27) looks for a way past Georgia defensive. Zach Evans was the RB2 of the 2020 recruiting class behind Texas Robinson, and were finally getting to appreciate why this season. 5. News Bot. Breece Halls defense of his rushing title got off to a dangerously slow start. Sure, it was not a 2,000 yard season, but Hall proved to be one of the best again. The Wildcats love the inside zone, and the inside zone appears to love Rodriguez. Brooks had a fantastic 2021, finishing with nearly 1,300 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. As a result, theyve consistently relied on the freshman running back, and boy has he delivered. 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. 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. The 2021 running back prospects are an interesting mix, and are likely slightly worse than average. 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. We rank the Top 25 of em heading into 2021. 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. The former three-star prospect put up those numbers despite sharing the load in Iowa's backfield. 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. But the Longhorns couldve been lost without him offensively. Like Robinson above him, TreVeyon Henderson has been the savior of his teams offense. 2018 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2018 . 13. 17. 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. Despite this, we cant forget about the running backs. He was good all season long but thats where he shined brightest. 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. But playing behind one of the countrys best offensive lines, he earned Pro Football Focus No. Trey Sermon carried Ohio State down the stretch until the Buckeyes ran into Najee Harris and Alabama. It was tough to contain Haskins on any given day, making him one of the most dangerous backs in college football this season. So without further ado, here are my top five college running backs for the 2021 NFL draft. Minnesota was one of the sports hardest-hit teams by COVID, but Ibrahim did it all while playing behind a makeshift offensive line. Watch out for the dreadlocks. Robinson gives Texas an all-around offensive threat, as hes currently sitting second on the team with 16.7 yards per reception. 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. Rasheen Ali, Marshall After putting up 222 yards and 2 touchdowns against Tulane, Mitchell features in the top 10 for yards per game and total yardage. TANK BIGSBY, AUBURN (Photo: John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports) A true freshman in 2020, Bigsby. 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. Meanwhile, hes found the end zone 6 times in five games. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma. Lets start with a breakdown of my top 10 running backs in college football so far this fall. 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. September 12, 2021. Good luck catching him from. 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. Hall had a quiet year compared to the preseason expectations but he still finished No. You can say hes way too high. Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. 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. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Mateo Durant - Duke 23. Brooks ran for over 1,000 yards in 2019 but opted out of last season. He has breakout written all over him for the 2021 season. 19. Jahmyr Gibbs 4. Jashaun Corbin, Florida State, 21. Gray doesnt leave defenders in the dust in a straight line but hes incredibly elusive and has tremendous balance. 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. 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. Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State . Baylor had a banner year in 2021, winning the Big 12 and the Sugar Bowl over Ole Miss to conclude the year. 25. 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. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Before that, he was catching passes out of the backfield in Mike Leachs Air Raid offense. 2. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in just 7 games. The majority of programs especially the elite ones in the country have shifted to a more pass-centric offensive approach. But despite the discrepancy between the box score and the play-level production, Hall still lands comfortably into this top 10. 3 player from Texas and a top 10 passer in . Broussard was right there with Jefferson last season; the pair ranked Nos. Yet, hes already stamping his dominance over college football defenses this year. He owned one of the 10 highest rushing grades in the Power Five from Week 10 on (82.9). As we head into the 2021 season, though, that has changed dramatically. 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. 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. Rodriguez nearly made the top 10 but that doesnt discount his season. He averaged 105.6 yard per game last season. Roberts actually finished No. For those who dont know, running backs actually do matter in college football. Four QBs named Heisman finalists. For those who dont know, running backs actually do matter in college football. The 2021 college football season kicks off in just over 100 days, and we at PFF are here to get you ready for it. You wont find Spiller among the top 25 running backs in terms of total yardage, yards per carry, or even touchdowns. Teams now generally undervalue the position and have . He should turn even more heads during a full fall season. 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. 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 . RUNNING BACK RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT. Jaylen Warren - Oklahoma State 24. 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. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. He had 153 yards per game last year, 2nd in the land behind Patterson. Badie declared for the draft and the Tigers are certainly going to miss the former three-star prospects presence in the backfield in 2022. Tank Bigsby is a created player in NCAA 14, PFF Draft (@PFF_College) October 10, 2020. If the answer is no, thats because your team isnt BYU, and your running back isnt Tyler Allgeier. Bijan Robinson (Texas RB 5) you have my attention sir. 12. I certainly didnt he wasnt included in the initial rendition of my College Football Top 25 Running Backs. Hall finished with 1,572 yards and his 21 TDs were topped only by Najee Harris 26. Theres an active NFL running back whose son is a top-15 collegiate athlete playing the same position. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Well save the realignment-related jokes for another time. The sophomore running back is the heart and soul of the Texas Longhorns offense. Rodriguez is one of the best power-backs in college football. Find the rest of PFFs top returning college players series here: Thank elite defense and Smith for the trophies this year. 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. With Rhamondre Stevenson out, Brooks will be back as the featured runner for Oklahoma - who . 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. A dream prospect for both a kitschy headline writer and a running backs coach. 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 Cyclones star was an All-American and should bode well in the NFL with whoever selects him in the draft. 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. 1 running back in 2021. It was no accident, Allgeier was that good and had a knack for crossing the goal line, becoming BYUs biggest weapon. Even as offenses move to more high-powered passing attacks, running back remains a key position in college fantasy football. Good luck finding a better backfield in FBS this fall. 1 Overall Pick, Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia | NFL Draft Scouting Report. DVonte Price, FIU He rushed for 1,378 yards in 2021, helping Kentucky to win 10 games. 5-11 / 190. . 2023 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2023 . Breece Hall Last season, Breece Hall has quickly become very successful and led the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in rushing yards. 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. Analyze 2022 football recruiting and running back scouting reports by clicking the buttons below and visiting the 2022 top RB recruit scouting database! Devon Achane 5. 3 and 4 in FBS in rushing yards per game. 3-graded ball-carrier from 2018-19. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Kenneth Walker III was an underrated, under-appreciated running back during his time at Wake Forest. 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. 1. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 Gore finished with the 18th-best rushing grade in the FBS (86.8) as a true freshman this past season. Rachaad White, Arizona State Here are the top-25 running backs in college football during 2021. These rushers just missed out on the top 10 of my college football running backs. 8. 20. Badie ended as the No. Ohio State does not have to worry about its backfield in 2022 with Henderson coming back. Perhaps the biggest sleeper on this list, Allgeier walked on at BYU in 2018 and was a linebacker till last season. 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. Hes been injured but the talent is undeniable. Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State (Photo: Scott. FBS Football. Borghi was only able to play in one game this past season due to injury. And remember, this has nothing to do with pro potential. His career has been more about quality than quantity to this point, but expect plenty of both during Rodriguezs redshirt junior season. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. As a freshman, Henderson showed off bursts of speed that were unfathomable. And that plays into why Gray makes the cut of these rankings. Allen emerged as the No. 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. 1) Bijan Robinson, Texas No single rusher embodies the phrase "running backs do matter" more than Bijan Robinson. Robinson exploded in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati. He is the clear favorite to claim the title of No. This was an especially hard list to make. But he helped the Beavers to a 7-6 record and an LA Bowl appearance. 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. His 6.5 yards per carry are significantly more than any previous season of his career. 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). If he played in the Armed Forces Bowl, perhaps the Tigers wouldve taken down Army. There's a long list of powerful running backs to come through Ohio State, and if 2021 was a glimpse of what is still . Dye was great for the Ducks, despite the less than pleasing finish to the season. Here are the top 15 running backs in college football 1. Below is a list of PFFs top 10 returning running backs. Deuce Vaughn took some souls yesterday pic.twitter.com/MARSIbptuA, Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) December 6, 2020. 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? 10 rusher in terms of yards per game (116.2) in 2020. He and Borghi will duke it out for the title of college footballs best dual-threat running back in 2021. Yes, Robinson played just 10 games after suffering an injury. Not yet. Read on to know more! Take a look at PFF's top ten running backs for the 2021 college football season below. 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%). 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. While a team like Michigan State had success without Walker, he was impactful immediately after transferring in from Wake Forest. His overall stats should better match his speed and shiftiness as Ole Miss top back for an entire 12-game slate. Allgeier was dominant for the Cougars. 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. 1. Jake Chisholm, Dayton 22. His impact is bigger than most, so he earns a spot in the Top 10 this year. 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. Camar Wheaton Lakeview Centennial (Garland, TX) RB. 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. While there are a number of factors influencing Michigan States incredible start to the campaign, Walker is surely among the biggest. 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 . 14. Zonovan Knight, NC State Robinsons 652 rushing yards and 130.4 yards per game are both second among all college football running backs. And FBS No. Niko Duffey, Alcorn State 20. At 5-5 but sometimes impossible to bring down, Vaughn conjures images of Darren Sproles and John Hubert in Manhattan, Kansas. Oklahoma (22 commits). Rightfully so. Its tough to accidentally score 23 touchdowns in one season on the ground. Brooks opted out of last season but was Pro Football Focus No. I have a feeling that the running backs around college football will be something remarkable to watch this year. Between injury and sharing the backfield with guys like Sermon, Teague has sometimes been a man of the shadows. 22. Every day, get free NFL updates sent straight to your inbox! Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State 24. New head coach Steve Sarkisian ought to have a lot of fun incorporating Robinsons skills into his offense. Every time this man touched the football, he was a threat to score. 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). Both rank in the top 10 in the nation, despite only rushing for 27 yards in his first game of the year against Duquesne. Then look at his numbers. Texas looks like a completely different team when he isnt being utilized to the best of his ability. Brad. Those, of course, were all three backs who played a pivotal role for College Football Playoff teams as game-changers at an evolving position. 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. There has been nothing meager about Walkers performance so far this season. Weve ranked the 10 best, starting with perhaps a shocking name out in Norman, namely because its probably not the guy you think. K-State sure loves it some perceivably undersized backs. If he gets that opportunity, he could make ranking him even 10th look quite silly. Furthermore, hes averaging 6.21 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns. Mr. Harris has left the building. (Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images, 247Sports) 25. 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. Valladay averaged 110 yards per game in an abbreviated 2020 season. Before the season, I expected Sincere McCormick to break 1,500 rushing yards this fall. 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. Pro Football Focus ranks Frank Jr. as the No. Some, youve heard of. Underrated return game, had over 500 kick return yards in 2018. 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. 2019 Best College Running Back Players (0) 2019 . Ford was key to getting Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff for the first time. 34 3 6. Tyler Goodson, Iowa: The Georgia native is one of the best returning running backs in the Big Ten. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 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). Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky Wildcats. Once the Badgers found their groove, Allen was a monster. McCormick earned second-team All-America honors after finishing No. The Sun Devils sure could use some positive headlines these days. Stroud will make for a deadly backfield duo in year two together next season. Although Keaton Mitchell flashed signs of potential as a freshman, no one could have predicted his explosion as a sophomore this season. 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. Others, perhaps not. Preseason Pac-12 power rankings: Will anyone challenge Oregon and USC at the top. In 4 games during a COVID-shortened season, he averaged a nation-leading 10 yards per carry. Evans didnt have the same consistently explosive start to his career as Robinson. 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. 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. Pro Football Network, LLC. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. The back-to-back reigning rushing champion tops the list of best running backs in the NFL. SEC QB Power Rankings, regular-season wrap: Should Anthony Richardson stay or go? He ended the year with the sixth-highest rate of runs that resulted in a gain of 10-plus yards (21.5%). Copyright 2019-2022. The B1G Running Back of the Year might not score the highest on advanced analytics charts, but hes the real deal. The 2020 season was his best yet, as he recorded an 89.5 rushing grade 11th-best in the FBS on 91 carries. Having a back with Borghi's receiving chops and speed is a huge plus. 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. 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. 23. Hes right there with Allgeier for the best non-Power Five running back in the country. 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. 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. Borghi tied for first in the nation with 26 first down/touchdown receptions in Mike Leachs Air-Raid attack in 2019. From the college perspective, the top running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft are Despite having Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, the passing offense for the Ohio State Buckeyes has struggled with its inexperienced QB situation. Hes exactly what new coach Steve Sarkisian needs. Since then, however, Hall appears to be back to his devastating form. We'll start by ranking the top 10 returning players at each position and naming one sleeper who could make some noise this season. 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. Robinson is a home run threat every time he touches the football and can do it in the passing game as well. Bijan Robinson headlines the top college football running backs in 2021, but who else should you be watching out for this fall? 10 returning back in FBS. Hell go down as a school legend. The rich get richer cliche has become so overused because its true. DeAndre Torrey, North Texas 2. Sean Tucker, Syracuse However, the Aggies RB has been a lone bright spot in a frankly turgid offense. 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). However, if you watch him on film, you see a player whos much more talented than those stats. Bijan Robinson 2. He had less than 200 carries, but every single one was impactful. Kind of. Through Week 5, hes averaging 7.77 yards per carry while generating 110.75 yards per game. 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. His lateral quickness was insane and he was also a good pass catching back. Mr. Harris has left the building. 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. The offensive line in front of him was exceptional in 2020, but so was Allgeiers vision. He leads all college football running backs in rushing yards, yards per game, and ranks fourth for rushing touchdowns through Week 5. The state of Texas plays host to two top 25 college football running backs, which should come to the surprise of absolutely nobody. 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. pic.twitter.com/lufl0TX2gH, Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 9, 2021. We support responsible gambling. 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. 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. Vaughn can take defenders' souls in the open field with his blend of quickness and agility. At some points, Tucker and Ali were in the lead or near it for rushing in the country. White is primed to provide plenty. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Its always an adventure in Columbia, S.C., these days, but Harris is Mr. Ranking the Top 25 running backs in college football in 2021 Phil Ervin | 1 year ago 2022 Rankings Presented by The Sermon is over. Harris was a breakout star last season. 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. Times are changing in (the other) Athens with longtime coach Frank Solich retiring, but Tuggle should provide some continuity between the white lines. The Rebels offense should be one of the most entertaining once again, and Ealy is a big reason. 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. Andy Katz's latest Power 36. And remember, this has nothing to do with pro potential. 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. The freshman was the leading rushing nationwide. Only Vaughn and North Carolinas Michael Carter earned grades above 85.0 as both a runner and receiver in 2020. 2 nationally in rushing yards (1,467) last year as a true sophomore. Visit ESPN to view College Football stat leaders for the current and previous seasons He wasnt on the radar at first, but Walker emerged as the best running back in college football this season. 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. Yes. Durant has averaged at least 6.0 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. Even if Brooks has experience with the Sooners, the incoming transfer is the better player and better-suited back for the offense. 2 rushing grade last year. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest on your team today. 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. Ranking the 10 best college football running backs of 2021 - Page 10. The sophomore was hard to bring down on first contact and was tough up the middle or he could beat you to the outside. Plus, adding 20 touchdowns is never a bad thing. 8 in the country in rushing. 11. After ranking the top-25 quarterbacks this season, we took a dive into the best rushers this fall. The list is based on a bevy of factors, including PFF grade and other advanced metrics available to CFB Premium Stats+ subscribers. 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. Robinson was a five-star recruit in the 2020 class, according to 247Sports, and dazzled down the stretch of his true freshman campaign. Say it. We rank the top 10 SEC running backs for 2021 by production and overall ability: No. Hell be called upon a lot more as the feature back for Bama this year. Derrick Henry is the undisputed workout king as well as the league's top stiff-arm threat entering 2021. Some teams could not function without their running backs on offense, making them that much more valuable. Deuce Vaughn. 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. 2005-2022 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State Height: 6'1 Weight: 207 Strengths: Great at getting through the line of scrimmage. He doesnt have electrifying speed, but he is elusive and fights through contact as well as anyone. 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. Teams will fight over three prospects at the top, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams. Home Scores Rankings Standings. The Panthers only played 5 contests last season; can Price extrapolate his performance across a full campaign? No FBS running back churned out 10 or more yards on a higher rate of carries over that period than Brooks (23.4%). Phil Ervin is a veteran college football writer with experience covering both the SEC and Big Ten. While they all have a good chance at being a team's #1 back, there isn't a transcendent talent among them. Furthermore, hes found the end zone 7 times while showcasing big-play ability with 2 rushes of 50+ yards. 8. Blake Corum, Michigan List of Military Colleges and their Academies in 2021 Trident University 2021: Acceptance rate, Admission, Courses, Tuition fees, Aid Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State 21. College Football's Top 25 Breakout Running Backs for 2021 25. 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. Game film: Video High school coach: Jon Simoneau Teddy is back to run the show for the third year in a row. 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. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014 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%). Through Week 5, weve already seen some incredible performances, but who are the top college football running backs so far this season? Pattersons gone, and theres a new coaching staff in town, but Marks is no slouch. 2022-2023 cfb bowl schedule. 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. 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. But Bigsby is as solid an option as they come. He topped 1,000 yards last season in just 10 games. One of the sports top freshmen a year ago, Bigsby ranks No. 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. 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. 1. Go ahead. Him and quarterback C.J. Maybe. Spiller already projects as a 1st-round pick in 2022 heading into his junior season. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Kennedy Brooks returns to Oklahoma after opting out in 2020 but Grays arrival should push Brooks to a backup role. Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State, Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bryce Young in Pole Position for the No. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. 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). 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. both a runner and receiver in 2020. Weaknesses: In fact, the Bulls had 2 of FBS top 20 rushers last season. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. No longer. However, through Week 5 of the college football season, the East Carolina RB has been astounding. 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. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. 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. Read Time: What's up Tailgaters! 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). Need a big run? The running back position has always made a difference in determining your league champion. Vaughn can take defenders' souls in the open field with his blend of quickness and agility. 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