Top Returning Running Backs in College Football for 2025 🏈

With the 2024 college football season wrapped up, it's time to shift our focus to the 2025 campaign by ranking the top returning players at each position. The running back position holds a wealth of talent as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, and many players are set to make their mark in the upcoming season. Let’s dive into the top ten returning running backs and recognize an honorable mention that stands out amongst the crowd.

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love stands out as one of the premier running backs heading into the 2025 season. The junior showed immense potential last year, proving critical to Notre Dame's success, which saw them reach the national championship game.

Love brought impressive stats to the table: he ranked as the second-most valuable running back in the nation, according to advanced metrics, and secured a commendable PFF grade of 91.0. Love forced missed tackles at an impressive rate of 38% and averaged 6.9 yards per carry. His agility allows him to navigate through defenses, turning him into a threat capable of scoring from any region on the field.

Jeremiyah Love is primed for a stellar season ahead! 🌟

2. Isaac Brown, Louisville

Isaac Brown, who wasn’t even a top-40 recruit out of high school, made waves in his freshman year and comes in as a strong candidate for the title of best running back in college football.

He rushed for 1,168 yards, leading all returning Power Four tailbacks, and his staggering average of 7.2 yards per carry also topped charts. Despite his smaller stature (5'9", 190 pounds), Brown compensates with astonishing speed and quickness, making him a dangerous player on the field.

Isaac’s 2024 performance underlines his potential as a game-changer! 💨

3. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Nicholas Singleton surprised fans and analysts alike by returning for his senior season at Penn State, especially given that he was previously seen as a probable Day 2 NFL Draft pick. In 2024, he recorded 1,106 rushing yards, placing him among the top returning backs alongside Love and Brown.

With a commendable average of 6.4 yards per carry, Singleton has demonstrated his versatility not just as a runner but also as a receiver from the backfield. With 682 receiving yards over the last two seasons, he offers a dynamic element to the Nittany Lions' offense, earning his stripes as one of the nation’s best halfbacks.

Keep an eye out for Singleton as he continues to shine on the field! 👀

4. Jonah Coleman, Washington

Jonah Coleman established himself as an efficient runner across his time at both Arizona and now Washington. His career PFF rushing grade of 95.4 ranks him fifth among FBS running backs.

At 5'9" and 229 pounds, Coleman is a compact powerhouse with surprising agility, evidenced by an outstanding average of 4.6 yards after contact. His ability as a receiver shouldn't be overlooked, providing a crucial asset to Washington's offense. Expect Coleman to play a significant role in the Huskies' backfield alongside their new quarterback.

Coleman is definitely one to watch this season! 🔍

5. Makhi Hughes, Oregon

After two standout years at Tulane, Makhi Hughes has landed with Oregon as a top transfer target. His total of 2,776 rushing yards since 2023 sets him apart as the leading returning FBS back.

Hughes’ remarkable strength after contact is reflected in his total rushes, and while he might not be a featured receiver, his potential to thrive in the Big Ten should attract attention. His two seasons of brilliance leave fans eager to see what he can do at a new level of competition.

Expect great things from Hughes as he transitions to the Ducks! 🦆

6. Kaytron Allen, Penn State

Teaming up with Singleton, Kaytron Allen creates the most formidable running back duo in college football. Returning for his senior season, Allen showcases a PFF rushing grade of 92.5 along with impressive overall statistics.

Over the last two years, he has accounted for over 2,000 rushing yards, demonstrating consistent ability to grind out tough yards, earning him significant recognition among Power Four backs. Although he may be less dynamic in the passing game, his effectiveness should not be underestimated.

Allen adds incredible depth to Penn State's already strong backfield! 💪

7. Darius Taylor, Minnesota

Darius Taylor has proven to be a multifaceted player for Minnesota, leading all Power Four halfbacks with a PFF receiving grade of 79.9. His physical presence (6'0", 215 pounds) combined with impressive speed elevates his game, making him a constant threat on the field.

With notable performances translating to 1,317 yards after contact, Taylor is equipped with both the speed and strength necessary to confront defensive backs head-on.

Taylor’s versatility is one of the highlights of Minnesota’s offense! 🚀

8. Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh

No other running back in college football comes close to beating Desmond Reid's skills as a receiver. After a successful stint at Western Carolina, where he led all running backs with 580 receiving yards last season, Reid has shown that he is a dangerous player out of the backfield.

Despite his smaller size (5'8", 175 pounds), he remains agile and difficult to contain, especially with his explosive quickness and ability to make big plays.

Get ready for some electrifying plays from Reid! ⚡️

9. Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech

Jamal Haynes has been a vital player for Georgia Tech over the past seasons. Having accumulated 2,005 rushing yards, he leads returning Power Four backs with remarkable efficiency. His ability to evade defenders with sheer speed has contributed significantly to his statistics.

Haynes continues to impress with his unique capability to break tackles and maneuver around the field, making substantial contributions to the Yellow Jackets' offense.

Expect Haynes to keep surprising defenses this season! 🔥

10. Jahiem White, West Virginia

While Jahiem White may not have had as many carries as some of his peers, he has made every carry count. With an impressive 35% forced missed tackle rate, he has the potential to shine as the main back for West Virginia, especially with teammates transitioning to NFL opportunities.

His outstanding athleticism paired with an average of 6.5 yards per carry makes him a player to watch.

White is set to elevate his game in the upcoming season! 🌟

Honorable Mention: Jaydn Ott, California

Despite a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries, Jaydn Ott demonstrated dominance in the seasons prior. Although he only rushed for 385 yards last year, he remains a force to reckon with based on previous performances that showcased his ability to break tackles and gain substantial yards.

As a fully healthy player, Ott is primed for a comeback and aims to reclaim his spot among the elite running backs.

Fans should be excited to see Ott bounce back this year! 🎉

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the running back position is filled with exciting talent. Players like Love, Brown, Singleton, and others are poised to make significant impacts and headline an exhilarating year of college football! 🌟