Top College Football RB Rankings: Penn State, Notre Dame
Dominate your college football season with our definitive 2025 RB rankings, spotlighting the elite running back rooms poised to explode. Penn state, fueled by Singleton and Allen, and Notre Dame with Jeremiyah Love, are just the start. Oregon’s addition of Makhi Hughes and Texas’s hopes for a healthy C.J. Baxter also shake up the competition. These squads’ ground games will be pivotal in their quest for glory. News Directory 3’s deep dive reveals the teams with the most talent and the potential to make waves during the season. Understand the key players and evaluate each team’s chances. Find out which backfields will carry their teams to the playoff and beyond. Discover what’s next.
college Football’s Top Running Back Rooms Primed for 2025
Updated June 11, 2025
The resurgence of star running backs in the NFL, exemplified by saquon barkley and Derrick Henry, has sparked
renewed interest in the position.While the NFL debates the running back’s value, the importance of a strong
running game remains a constant in college football. Although passing offenses may dominate Heisman Trophy
contention, elite teams almost always feature a standout running back or stable of backs.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, several teams boast remarkable depth and talent in their running back
rooms, positioning them for potential postseason success. Here are some of the top contenders for the best
college football running back rooms.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen both surpassed 1,000 rushing yards last season, propelling
the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Their decision to return for another season
makes Penn State a formidable contender for the Big Ten and national titles. The Nittany Lions’ potent rushing
attack is a primary reason for high expectations surrounding the team.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame features Jeremiyah Love, supported by Jadarian Price, who added 746 yards and seven touchdowns last
season. Aneyas williams and Kedren Young also impressed as freshmen, contributing to a deep and talented
backfield. The Irish’s depth might limit individual Heisman consideration for Love, but the overall strength of
the running back room is undeniable.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s acquisition of Makhi Hughes via transfer from Tulane significantly strengthens their running game.Hughes, who rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, will lead the Ducks’ rushing attack,
complemented by Noah Whittington and Da’Jaun Riggs.
Texas Longhorns
Texas’s ranking is slightly impacted by uncertainty surrounding C.J. Baxter, who missed last season due to knee
injuries. while anticipation is high for his full recovery, the true impact of the injury remains to be seen
until he returns to the field.
What’s next
As the 2025 college football season approaches, these teams will rely heavily on their talented running back
rooms to drive their offenses and compete for championships. The performance of these backs will be crucial in
determining their teams’ success.