The 2025 NFL Draft will have one of the strongest running back classes in recent memory. Up to five could go in the top 50. One of these backs will be displayed when #12 Utah visits Stillwater to face #14 Oklahoma St. Both teams are undefeated and set their sights on winning the Big 12.
Ollie Gordon II was one of the best running backs in the country last season and won the Doak Walker Award for the country’s top back. He rushed for 1732 yards and 21 touchdowns and added 39 catches for 330 yards. If the Cowboys want to win the division and get into the playoff, Gordon will need to put up similar numbers.
Statistically, Gordon is off to a slow start. After 126 yards against South Dakota St, he only rushed for 49 and 41 yards in the last two weeks against Arkansas and Tulsa. Gordon will need to be better than this to not only beat Utah but also get back into the Heisman discussion.
Ollie Gordon as a Draft Prospect
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 28: Running back Ollie Gordon II #0 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys sprints for a 75-yard touchdown against defensive back Kalen Carroll #21 and safety Kendal Daniels #5 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Gordon had 271 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Oklahoma State won 45-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Gordon is listed as 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, so he has the ideal frame to handle an NFL workload. The first thing you notice about Gordon is his patience and vision. He waits for the play to come to him and has the short-area quickness to hit the cut-back lane. Gordon also is a strong finisher and will fight for every yard.
He reminds me a little of Nick Chubb (drafted 2nd round in 2018) the way he bounces off defenders to get extra yards. He also rarely fumbles and only had two last season. Gordon has soft hands and should be a threat in the receiving game at the next level. He is the classic “good at everything but not great at anything” running back.
Utah Linebacker Landon Barton
One of the Utes that will be trying to contain Gordon will be junior linebacker Landon Barton. Listed at 6-foot-4 236-pounds, Barton looks like an old-school football player. He has above-average instincts and flies to the ball. He looks comfortable in space and possesses the fluid hips and agility needed to cover tight ends and running backs. NFL teams are always looking to draft linebackers who can cover. Barton will need to make some plays in the running game to prevent a big game from Gordon.
Final Thoughts
Gordon is a versatile back that NFL draft evaluators are looking for. He could fit in zone or power schemes and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He is #27 on the consensus big board which is the #2 RB behind Ashton Jeanty of Boise St. You can read about him here. Barton looks like a three-down linebacker at the next level. He is #59 which is 4th among off-ball linebackers. Utah and Oklahoma play Saturday at 4 Eastern on FOX.
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