If it comes to pass, extend thank you’s to Barkley, Jeanty, and Hampton. But who’s next?
The stock value of running backs had dipped from the era when teams often built teams around the running game. But things seem to be changing. Saquon Barkley rushed for 2,000 yards and 13 TDs in an era in the NFL where running backs weren’t highly valued. In the same season (2024), six months prior, no running backs were drafted in the first round. The following year (2025), two running backs, Ashton Jeanty from Boise State (2,601 yards, 29 TDs) and Omarion Hampton (1,948 yards, 39 TDs) from the North Carolina Tar Heels, were picked in the first round.
With Saquon Barkley’s superlative season fresh in the mind of National Football League general managers/coaches, and two running backs picked in the first round for the first time since 2021, what college running backs would we look to lead their team deep in the College Football Playoff and to a national championship, as well as, pique the interest of NFL franchises?
NOTRE DAME: I would be remiss to start a list of the best RBs in the land and possibly the best player in college football if I didn’t start in South Bend, Indiana, with Notre Dame Junior, Jeremiyah Love (1,125 yards, 17 TDs, 6.9 yds., avg., 4.4 40 yd., dash). Despite a knee injury sustained late in the playoffs, Love was still able to help lead the Irish to the championship game, but they lost to Ohio State, 34-23. The Irish open on the road at Miami (FL), Sunday, August 31, 7:30 PM, at Hard Rock Stadium on ABC.
Nicholas Singleton (photo courtesy ABC)
PENN STATE: Nicholas Singleton (1,099 yds., 12 TDs., 6.4 yds. avg., 4.3, 40 yd. dash) Penn State Nittany Lions running back comes as part of a dual package with backfield mate Kaytron Allen (1,108 yds, 8 TDs, 5.0 yds. avg.). The Nittany Lions made a strong playoff run in 2024, losing to Notre Dame on a last-second field goal, 27-24. Penn State will open its season at home against the Nevada Wolfpack on Saturday, August 30th, at 3:30 PM, at Beaver Stadium, PA.
GEORGIA TECH: Shades of Hall-of-Famer, Pitt Panther, and Dallas Cowboy, Tony Dorsett come to mind when I witness Georgia Tech running back, Jamal Haynes (944 yds, 9 TDs, 5.6 yds. avg., 4.4 40 yd., dash) reverse field, or execute a 360 to escape a sure tackle at the line of scrimmage then jab step the safety in the open field and move by him as if the DB is frozen in time. The Yellow Jackets open their 2025 season on the road Friday, August 29, 8 PM on ESPN in Folsom Field versus the Colorado Buffaloes.
WASHINGTON: A punishing runner when necessary, Washington Huskies junior, Jonah Coleman (1,053 yds., 10 TDs, 5.5 yds avg., 5’9” 229 lbs) displays excellent open field quickness and deceptive speed that allows him to run away from as many defenders as he runs through. Highlights…You’ll be glad you did. The Huskies open their season on Saturday, August 30th at 11 PM EST on the Big Ten Network (BTN) at home in Husky Stadium against the Colorado State Rams.
Graphic courtesy Rivals.com
OKLAHOMA: Sooner running back, Senior, Jaydn Ott (6’0” 210 lbs., 4.4-40) amassed 385 yards rushing 4 TDs, and 222 yards receiving 1 TD in four games his junior year for the Cal’ Bears before an ankle injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2024 season. An impressive showing for a short number of games. And to think what might have been, especially when you consider that in Ott’s sophomore season he rushed for 1,305 yds., 12 TDs with a 5.3 yds average and 196 yards receiving and two TDs. The Sooners open their season on Saturday, August 30th, at 6 PM vs. Illinois State, on ESPN /SECN+.
TEXAS: All Eyez On Me. While the country will be watching to find out if teammate Arch (QB) is the second coming of uncles Eli and Peyton (Manning) rolled into one, Longhorns running back, Quintrevion Wisner (1,064 yds., 5 TDs, 4.7 yds avg.) will bring a balanced attack to bear on a tough Southeast Conference (SEC) schedule versus the likes of Florida, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas A&M. If Wisner and company are to return to the playoffs, a good start would be a win versus the Ohio State Buckeyes, the team they lost to 28-14 in last year’s semi-final playoff game. The Longhorns open their season against Ohio State on Saturday, Aug. 30, at noon on FOX in the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio.
