Top College Football RBs: West Coast Rankings
Get the inside track on the top college football running backs in the SuperWest for the electrifying 2025 season! This complete ranking spotlights the explosive talents of Makhi Hughes (Oregon), Jonah Coleman (Washington), and other dynamic players from BYU, USC, UNLV, and Arizona State. News Directory 3 delivers the definitive guide to the region’s premier rushers. We analyze their strengths, predict their impact, and examine what makes them stand out. Discover what’s next for these gridiron stars as they charge toward a season of potential records and unforgettable plays.
Ranking the SuperWest’s Best Running Backs for 2025
Updated June 17, 2025
Last year, Ashton Jeanty set a high bar for running backs in the SuperWest. This year, while ther are standout players, the depth at the position is particularly notable. As we approach the 2025 college football season, here’s a look at the region’s best running backs.
1. Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Oregon is loaded at running back this season, and Makhi Hughes tops that list. He had 265 carries for 1,201 yards at Tulane last season. While his touches may decrease due to the Ducks’ depth, he could be even more productive as he stays fresh.
Hughes has been a top back for two seasons. Previously, he was the primary focus. This season, with Oregon’s offensive weapons, he won’t be the center of defensive attention, potentially leading to increased production.
2. Jonah Coleman,Washington
coleman is a strong, difficult-to-tackle runner. The Big Ten has many good running backs this season, and Coleman will likely be recognized as one of the best.
If Demond Williams progresses as hoped, UW could have a strong backfield duo.
Coleman woudl benefit from that, as a lack of surrounding weapons in Seattle has somewhat limited his production. He still managed a 1,000-yard season, averaging 5.5 yards per carry in 2024.
3. LJ Martin,BYU
Martin averaged 5.24 yards per carry in 2024, leading the Cougars with 718 rushing yards.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Martin is a powerful back who fights for tough yards. Last season, 468 of his rushing yards came after contact, representing 65.2% of his total.
The BYU offence should be explosive this fall, and the surrounding weapons will create space for the junior to run.
4. Eli Sanders, USC
Sanders arrived in Southern California after starting at iowa State and spending last fall at New Mexico.
He ran for 1,063 yards for the Lobos in 2024 on just 147 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.Sanders is an explosive back capable of breaking off long runs.
Last season,his nine runs of 30+ yards were the fifth most in the nation and the fourth most among running backs.
5. jai’Den Thomas, UNLV
With dan Mullen now coaching in Las Vegas, a potent offense is expected. Jai’Den “Jet” thomas is likely to be the most explosive part of that unit in year one under Mullen.
Thomas has 1,421 yards and 19 touchdowns through two seasons with the Rebels and led the team in rushing last season with 918 yards.
He averaged 5.6 yards per carry last season and had five games with double-digit carries, averaging 6+ yards per carry.
6. Kanye Udoh, Arizona State
What’s next
The 2025 college football season promises exciting performances from these talented running backs. Keep an eye on their progress as they compete for conference titles and national recognition.