2025 College Football's Elite Running Backs: Top 10 Rushers, Breakout Transfers & Future Stars

The 2025 RB Power Rankings: Who Will Dominate?

College football's most explosive position is set for another standout season. After surveying ESPN's panel of experts (with 1st-place votes worth 10 points), these rushers rose to the top:

1. Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) [96 pts]

2024 Stats: 1,125 rush yds (6.9 YPC), 17 TDs | 28 rec, 237 yds
The 6'0", 212-lb junior combines brute strength with breakaway speed – his 8 touchdowns of 30+ yards led all Power 5 backs. Expect increased usage as a receiver after lining up wide during spring drills.

2. Nicholas Singleton (Penn State) [82 pts]

2024 Stats: 1,099 rush yds, 12 TDs | 41 rec, 375 yds
Returning for his senior campaign, Singleton's 4,673 all-purpose yards since 2022 trail only Boise State's Jeanty among active backs. The Nittany Lions' Swiss Army knife also averages 26.1 yards per kick return.

Key Themes Emerging:

• Transfer Triumphs: Oregon's Makhi Hughes (1,401 yds at Tulane) and Missouri's Ahmad Hardy (Sun Belt breakout) demonstrate portal value
• Freshman Phenoms: Louisville's Isaac Brown (7.11 YPC) and Baylor's Bryson Washington (818 yds in final 6 games) signal youth movement
• Backfield Duos: Penn State's Singleton/Allen combo remains CFB's most potent 1-2 punch

Underrated Gem: Desmond Reid (Pitt)

The FCS transplant averaged 154.9 all-purpose yds/game – fifth nationally – while showcasing rare versatility as a rusher, receiver, and return specialist.

Full rankings with detailed analysis continue through No. 10, including Texas' Quintrevion Wisner and Georgia Tech's Jamal Haynes.

The Next Wave

Keep tabs on Washington's Jonah Coleman and West Virginia's Jahiem White, who just missed the top 10 but could explode in new offensive systems.