As the 2025 college football recruiting cycle heats up, several talented running backs are emerging as top prospects. These athletes showcase exceptional speed, agility, and power, making them highly sought after by top programs across the country. Their impressive performances on the field have earned them widespread recognition and have positioned them among the most coveted recruits in the nation.
One standout running back in the 2025 class is [Running Back’s Name]. Hailing from a powerhouse high school program, [Running Back’s Name] has consistently dominated opposing defenses with his explosive running style. His combination of speed and strength makes him a formidable threat on the ground, as he can both outrun defenders and power through tackles. Additionally, [Running Back’s Name] possesses excellent field vision and an uncanny ability to find creases in the defense.
Another highly touted running back in the 2025 class is [Running Back’s Name]. A versatile athlete with a well-rounded skill set, [Running Back’s Name] excels both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. His exceptional balance and agility allow him to make quick cuts and change direction with ease, making him a nightmare for defenders to contain. Moreover, [Running Back’s Name] is a gifted pass-catcher with soft hands and a knack for finding the open space in the middle of the field.
Five-Star Phenom: The Rising Star of 2025
The college football landscape is abuzz with anticipation for the arrival of the 2025 recruiting class, which boasts an extraordinary talent at the running back position. Among the top prospects is a young phenom who has already generated immense excitement and hype.
Meet [Player Name], a five-star recruit who has taken the college football world by storm. Hailing from [High School Name], this electrifying athlete possesses a rare combination of speed, agility, and power. With his blinding acceleration and explosive bursts, [Player Name] leaves opponents in his dust on every carry. His ability to navigate through traffic with ease and shed tackles like they were flimsy cardboard has made him the most sought-after running back in the nation.
Off the field, [Player Name] is an exemplary student and a dedicated leader. His unwavering work ethic and determination have earned him praise from coaches and scouts alike. While he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the country, [Player Name] remains humble and hungry to prove himself on the collegiate level. With his exceptional skills and unwavering drive, he is poised to become one of the most decorated running backs in college football history.
Breaking Records: The Top Performers of 2025
Khalil Tate – Ohio State
Tate, a highly touted recruit from Chicago, has already made a name for himself in the college football world. In his freshman season at Ohio State, he broke the school record for rushing yards in a game with 326 yards against Rutgers. He finished the season with 1,484 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. Tate is expected to be even better in his sophomore season and could challenge for the Heisman Trophy.
Bijan Robinson – Texas
Robinson, a 5-star recruit from Tucson, Arizona, is one of the top running backs in the country. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in high school and was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Robinson is expected to make an immediate impact for Texas and could be the Longhorns’ leading rusher in his freshman season. He has the potential to be one of the best running backs in college football history.
TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
Henderson was also a 5-star recruit in high school and is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country. He rushed for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his high school career. Henderson will have a chance to make an immediate impact in Ohio State’s offense and could be a key part of the Buckeyes’ success in the upcoming season.
| Name | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Khalil Tate | Ohio State | 5.0 |
| Bijan Robinson | Texas | 5.0 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | Ohio State | 5.0 |
Rising Stars: Watchlist for the Future of Running Backs
Rising Seniors
Keep an eye on these rising seniors as they have already shown their potential on the field:
- Evan Hull, Northwestern
- Tank Bigsby, Auburn
- Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
- Devon Achane, Texas A&M
- Miyan Williams, Ohio State
Rising Juniors
These rising juniors are already making a name for themselves and could be the next generation of college football stars:
- Kyle McCord, Ohio State
- Cade McNamara, Michigan
- William Daniels, LSU
- Marcus Stokes, Florida
- Nick Singleton, Penn State
Rising Sophomores
Although they are still relatively new to the college football scene, these rising sophomores have shown flashes of brilliance:
- Domani Jackson, Southern California
- Shemar Stewart, Texas
- Adonai Mitchell, Georgia
- Evan Stewart, Texas A&M
- Tyler Booker, Alabama
Top Performers from the 2023 Season
The following table highlights the top running back recruits from the 2023 high school graduating class, based on their Rivals.com rankings:
| Rank | Name | Position | College Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rueben Owens | Running Back | Louisville |
| 2 | Richard Reese | Running Back | Baylor |
| 3 | Adam Randall | Running Back | Clemson |
| 4 | Dante Dowdell | Running Back | Texas A&M |
| 5 | Jaydn Ott | Running Back | California |
Game-Breakers: The Players to Stop in 2025
6. Darius Rush, Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.)
Rush is a 6’0″, 205-pound running back who is considered one of the top recruits in the country. He has been clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash and has a vertical leap of 36 inches. As a junior in 2022, Rush rushed for 1,800 yards and 25 touchdowns and helped lead Santa Margarita to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship. He is a physical runner who is difficult to tackle and has good vision and balance. Rush is also a good receiver out of the backfield and has the potential to be a three-down back at the college level.
Rush is a consensus five-star recruit and is ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals. He has received scholarship offers from all of the top college football programs in the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC. Rush is expected to make his college decision in the fall of 2024.
6. Donovan Green, Buchholz (Fla.)
Green is a 5’11”, 200-pound running back who is a rising star in the recruiting class of 2025. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2022 and helped lead Buchholz to the Class 7A state championship game. Green is a versatile runner who can make plays in a variety of ways. He has good speed, vision, and balance and is also a good receiver out of the backfield.
Green is a four-star recruit and is ranked as one of the top running backs in the country by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. He has received scholarship offers from several of the top college football programs in the country, including Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Ohio State. Green is expected to make his college decision in the fall of 2024.
| Player | Ht/Wt | Year | School | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darius Rush | 6’0″, 205 lbs | 2025 | Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.) | 1 |
| Donovan Green | 5’11”, 200 lbs | 2025 | Buchholz (Fla.) | 2 |
Next-Level Power and Strength: The Beasts of 2025
Natural Phenomenon: A Force of Nature
In a realm where genetic gifts reign supreme, a select few running backs emerge as true prodigies, blessed with an unparalleled blend of power and strength. These exceptional athletes possess the raw ability to shatter defenses and leave opponents in awe with their brute force.
Unstoppable Momentum: The Juggernaut
A hallmark of these extraordinary running backs is their relentless momentum. Once they break into the open field, they become unstoppable forces, steamrolling over defenders with each thunderous stride. Their ability to generate and maintain speed is truly astonishing, leaving opposing defenses trailing in their wake.
Dynamic Flexibility: The Human Swiss Army Knife
Not only do these running backs possess raw power, but they also exhibit exceptional flexibility and agility. They are capable of changing direction with astonishing ease, making them a nightmare for defenders to track and tackle. Their combination of strength and mobility allows them to evade tackles and find running lanes that others simply cannot.
Towering Presence: The Guardians of the Gridiron
Often towering over their opponents, these running backs use their imposing physical presence to intimidate and overpower defenders. Their massive frames and powerful legs allow them to absorb punishment and keep moving forward, even through the fiercest resistance.
Visionary Excellence: The Field General
It is not just physical prowess that sets these running backs apart; they also possess exceptional vision and field awareness. They have an uncanny ability to read defenses and find the holes and creases that will allow them to maximize their yardage. Their understanding of the game helps them make split-second decisions that lead to explosive plays.
Tenacious Determination: The Relentless Warriors
These running backs are not only physically gifted but also mentally tough. They possess a burning desire to succeed and never give up, no matter the obstacles they face. Their determination fuels their relentless running style, making them a constant threat to opposing defenses throughout the game.
The Elite of the Elite: The Seven Chosen
Among the ranks of these exceptional running backs, a select few stand out as the true elite. These seven prodigies represent the pinnacle of power and strength in the 2025 class. Their dominance on the gridiron is unmatched, and they are destined to leave an indelible mark on the game of football.
| Name | Position | School | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Anderson | Running Back | IMG Academy | Elite 11 Selection, MaxPreps All-American |
| Richard Reese | Running Back | Baylor School | Consensus five-star recruit, No. 1 running back in the 2025 class |
| Rueben Owens | Running Back | Elkhart High School | Indiana State Champion, Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year |
| Nicholas Singleton | Running Back | Governor Mifflin High School | Pennsylvania State Champion, MaxPreps All-American |
| Jeremiyah Love | Running Back | Ellenwood High School | SEC Championship MVP, Georgia State Champion |
| Dynami Brown | Running Back | North Gwinnett High School | Consensus five-star recruit, No. 1 athlete in the 2025 class |
| Justice Haynes | Running Back | American Heritage High School | National Champion, Florida State Champion |
Explosive Plays: The Home Run Hitters of 2025
8. Zach Rice
Hailing from the rolling hills of the Midwest, Zach Rice is a dynamic running back poised to leave his mark on college football in 2025. Blessed with exceptional speed and agility, he has the ability to explode through the line of scrimmage and leave defenders in his wake. His elusive footwork and quick bursts of acceleration allow him to cut and change direction with ease, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Rice’s statistics speak volumes: as a high school junior, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 25 touchdowns, leading his team to an undefeated season and a state championship. With his explosive playmaking ability and relentless determination, Zach Rice is a running back who will captivate college football fans and challenge the best of the best in the years to come.
| Height: 5’11” |
| Weight: 195 lbs |
| Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA |
| High School: Linn-Mar High School |
Impactful Playmakers: The Game-Changers of 2025
1. Jadon Perlotte (Bishop Alemany, Mission Hills, CA)
Perlotte is a dynamic playmaker who combines speed, agility, and power. He excels in open space and can break games with his game-changing plays.
2. C.J. Hicks (Martin Luther King Jr. HS, Detroit, MI)
Hicks is a versatile back with exceptional speed and vision. He can create opportunities for himself and others in both the running and passing game.
3. Walter Nolen (Powell HS, Powell, TN)
Nolen is a physical specimen with a rare combination of size, strength, and speed. He is a force in the trenches and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
4. Rueben Owens (Elkins HS, Missouri City, TX)
Owens is a shifty and explosive running back with great burst and acceleration. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
5. Dante Moore (Martin Luther King Jr. HS, Detroit, MI)
Moore is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs. He is a true game-changer and a nightmare for defenses.
6. Bryce Anderson (Duncanville HS, Duncanville, TX)
Anderson is a physically imposing running back with a rare combination of power and speed. He is a force in the open field and a key cog in Duncanville’s offensive attack.
7. Emery Jones (IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL)
Jones is a highly touted running back with excellent vision, patience, and balance. He is a complete back who can make plays in all phases of the game.
8. Dylan Edwards (Bishop Alemany, Mission Hills, CA)
Edwards is a versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field. He is a gifted receiver, runner, and returner who possesses exceptional athleticism.
9. Jeremiah Alexander, Jr. (Thompson HS, Alabaster, AL)
Alexander is a shifty and explosive running back with great burst and acceleration. He is a dynamic playmaker who can impact the game in a variety of ways.
| Rank | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jadon Perlotte | Bishop Alemany |
| 2 | C.J. Hicks | Martin Luther King Jr. HS |
| 3 | Walter Nolen | Powell HS |
| 4 | Rueben Owens | Elkins HS |
| 5 | Dante Moore | Martin Luther King Jr. HS |
| 6 | Bryce Anderson | Duncanville HS |
| 7 | Emery Jones | IMG Academy |
| 8 | Dylan Edwards | Bishop Alemany |
| 9 | Jeremiah Alexander, Jr. | Thompson HS |
Jaren Kanak (3-star, 6’1″, 200 lbs)
As an eighth grader, Jaren Kanak became an instant star at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. As a running back, he averaged 7.5 yards per carry for 628 yards, leading his team to a 9-1 record. He also saw time at wide receiver, hauling in 22 passes for 418 yards. In addition to his football prowess, Kanak is an outstanding student and a talented pianist. He is one of the most highly touted football recruits in the nation and has already received offers from several major programs, including Ohio State, Penn State, and Alabama. Kanak has been compared to former NFL legend, Edgerrin James, for his quickness and agility.
David Bailey (Unrated)
Despite being unrated by the major recruiting services, David Bailey is a player to watch. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 19 touchdowns in his sophomore season at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. Bailey is a physical runner who uses his strength and speed to his advantage. He also has good hands and can catch passes out of the backfield. Bailey has received offers from several smaller schools and is expected to generate more interest as his recruitment progresses.
Donovan Green (Unrated)
Donovan Green, a 3-star running back from Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania, has also received offers from several Division I programs. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his junior season. Green is a versatile running back who can make plays in a variety of ways. He is a good runner between the tackles, but he also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and make big plays. Green is a hard worker and has a great attitude, and he is expected to be a major contributor at the college level.
Jeremiah Alexander (3-star, 6’0″, 190 lbs)
Jeremiah Alexander is the highest-rated running back in the state of Texas for the 2025 class. He rushed for over 1,800 yards and scored 25 touchdowns in his junior season at Sachse High School. Alexander is a powerful runner who possesses excellent speed and agility. He is also a good pass catcher and can line up at wide receiver.
Jaydn Ott (4-star, 5’11”, 190 lbs)
Long Beach, California native, Jaydn Ott, is a 4-star running back who has received offers from most major programs. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in his junior season at St. John Bosco High School. Ott is a dynamic running back who can make plays in a variety of ways. He is a good runner between the tackles, but he also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and make big plays. Ott is also a good pass catcher and can line up at wide receiver.
Richard Young (4-star, 6’0″, 185 lbs)
Richard Young is a 4-star running back from Lehigh Acres, Florida who has received offers from multiple Power Five schools. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his junior season at Lehigh Senior High School. Young is a versatile running back who has the size and strength to run between the tackles, but he also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and make big plays. He is also a good pass catcher and can line up at wide receiver.
Mark Fletcher, Jr. (3-star, 5’10”, 185 lbs)
Mark Fletcher Jr. is a 3-star running back from Fort Myers, Florida, who has received an offer from the University of South Florida. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in his junior season at Fort Myers High School. Fletcher is a speedy running back with good agility and vision. He is also a good receiver and can line up at wide receiver.
George Pettaway (3-star, 5’11”, 215 lbs)
George Pettaway, a 3-star running back from Montgomery, Alabama, has received offers from several Power Five schools. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in his junior season at Robert E. Lee High School. Pettaway is a powerful running back who has good speed and vision. He is also a good pass catcher and can line up at wide receiver.
Walter Nolan (3-star, 5’9″, 180 lbs)
Walter Nolan is a 3-star running back from Pascagoula, Mississippi who has received offers from several Power Five schools. He rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his junior season at Pascagoula High School. Nolan is a speedy running back with good agility and vision. He is also a good receiver and can line up at wide receiver.
Justice Haynes (3-star, 5’11”, 200 lbs)
Justice Haynes is a 3-star running back from Nashville, Tennessee who has received offers from several Power Five schools. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 22 touchdowns in his junior season at Glencliff High School. Haynes is a versatile running back who has the size and strength to run between the tackles, but he also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and make big plays. He is also a good receiver and can line up at wide receiver.
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In addition to the players listed above, several other running backs are also making waves in the 2025 recruiting class. These include:
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Top College Running Backs 2025: A Comprehensive Outlook
The 2025 college football recruiting class is brimming with talented running back prospects who have the potential to make a significant impact at the highest level of competition. With a combination of speed, power, agility, and vision, these elite athletes are poised to become the next generation of stars in the backfield.
Amongst the top contenders for the title of top college running back in 2025 is CJ Hicks. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound running back from Dallas, Texas, possesses an electrifying blend of speed and agility that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to accelerate through the holes and break tackles in the open field makes him a potent threat in both the running and passing game.
Another highly touted running back who could make a splash in 2025 is Richard Reese. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound prospect from Baltimore, Maryland, is a physical specimen with exceptional power and balance. Reese’s ability to run through contact and churn out yards makes him a reliable workhorse who can carry the load for an entire team.
People Also Ask About Top College Running Backs 2025
What are the key attributes of a top college running back?
Top college running backs typically possess a combination of speed, power, agility, vision, balance, and durability. They should be able to accelerate through holes, break tackles, and run with power. They should also have good hands and be able to contribute in the passing game.
Who are some other top college running back prospects in 2025?
In addition to CJ Hicks and Richard Reese, other top college running back prospects in 2025 include:
- Daviontae Price (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) from Columbus, Georgia
- Rueben Owens (6-foot-0, 210 pounds) from Dallas, Texas
- Dante Dowdell (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) from Orlando, Florida
