2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 running backs

Only two running backs were selected in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL draft. Although the position is less coveted in the pass heavy league, there was plenty of talent spread out throughout the draft.

This year’s class has a couple high end backs who could slide into round one in 2025. Here is an early look at the top 10 running backs heading into the 2024-2025 season.

1- Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Last season: 1,732 yards 21 touchdowns

Ollie Gordon led the country in rushing last season at Oklahoma State. Gordon has an elite combination of size and speed, and his lateral agility makes him tough to wrap up. He has excellent vision and has the body to be a workhorse back in the NFL.

2- TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Last season: 926 yards 11 touchdowns

It will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes use both Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Both are elite running backs who can change a game on one run. We have Henderson ranked just ahead of Judkins because he is familiar with the offensive scheme in Columbus. Henderson has the vision to see the whole field and effective cutting ability and balance. Injury history has been a concern and a season of splitting time with Judkins should help him stay healthy. 

3- Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Last season: 1,158 yards 15 touchdowns

Judkins has already run for 2,725 yards in just two seasons at Ole Miss. He decided to transfer to Ohio State where he will team with TreVeyon Henderson to give the Buckeyes a formidable 1-2 punch. Judkins is lightning fast and does not need much to break through the line of scrimmage. His vision and balance should allow him to break some big plays in 2024.

4- Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Last season: 1,504 yards 15 touchdowns

Hampton is a violent runner who excels at breaking tackles. He is also fast enough to beat defenders to the corner and create big plays. His hands are strong, and he is versatile out of the backfield. Hampton could be the most complete back in this class.

5- Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Last season: 497 yards 5 touchdowns

After backing up Blake Corum the past couple of seasons, Edwards will now transition into the starting role. He's had had some big games in the past, including 216 yards in a big win against Ohio State in 2022. He is a strong back with the agility and footwork to make defenders miss. He is a weapon out of the backfield in the passing game. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the starting role.

6- Trevor Etienne, Georgia

Last season: 753 yards 8 touchdowns

Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia from Florida after totalling 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns. Etienne is a compact running back with low pad level, making him hard to square up. He has strong hands and is able to run wheel routes with smooth cuts on his breaks. He can run outside or between the tackles and at 5-foot-9 he has some power to his contact.

7- Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Last season: 752 yards 8 touchdowns

Singleton made Bruce Feldman’s 2023 Freak’s List at No. 31. At 228 pounds he ran a 4.39 in the 40 and power-cleaned 385 pounds and bench-pressed 425. He explodes through holes and has exceptional cut-back ability to continually change the angles of pursuit. He may be the most polished pass catching running back in the class and can be lined up wide as a receiver. 

8- Raheim Sanders, South Carolina

Last season: 209 yards 2 touchdowns

A transfer from Arkansas, Sanders suffered knee injuries and a torn labrum last season. In 2022, he ran for 1,443 yards and was considered one of the best running backs in the country. Sanders is nicknamed “Rocket” due to his explosiveness in the open field. He is surprisingly agile for a 242-pound back. He struggles at times with fumbles and will need to improve on that this season at South Carolina.

9- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Last season: 1,347 yards 14 touchdowns

Jeanty is explosive and shifty and has solid vision when it comes to finding the open space. He has the strength to run through contact. He added 43 receptions and 569 yards receiving last season, putting him just under 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He has a smaller frame and will have to prove he can withstand the transition to the size and power of the NFL.

10- Devin Neal, Kansas

Last season: 1,280 yards 16 touchdowns

Neal is athletic and agile and has the ability to beat defenders around the edge. He is effective at getting out in space and taking a swing pass to get positive yards. He is not a dominant power runner and struggles to move defenders in short yardage situations.