Another week, and another “Top Ranks” edition in the world of College Football. This week, we’re taking a look at the top five College Football running backs coming into the 2024 season. Last time, we focused on the Top Quarterbacks. The most important position in the sport. However, the second most important position is the player who can open up explosive offenses, giving the quarterback a much-needed break.
With the ever-changing world of College Athletics. The NIL and Transfer Portals have taken their toll for another season. This time, plenty of big names have come and gone from programs across the country. What is gearing up to be another fantastic season of competitive football, it’s time we ranked the best of the best in the land of College Football running backs.
5. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Coming off of a 220 carries season, that saw Jeanty rack up 1,347 rushing yards. Not to mention 14 touchdowns, the Sophomore from Jacksonville, Florida is sure to bounce back onto the scene for the Broncos of Boise, Idaho. One of the most impressive things about great players like Jeanty is that he chose to return, rather than transfer. Looking at his stats alone, it’s easy, in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, that there would be teams lining up to have him as RB1.
To further the athleticism that Jeanty brought to this Broncos squad is the fact he was the second receiver on offense, in terms of both catches (43) and yards (569). Jeanty is an all-around superstar out in the Mountain West Conference. To further the superstar potential, Boise State is coming off an 8-6 record, 6-2 in conference. With Spencer Danielson at the helm as Head Coach, paired with Dirk Koetter calling the Offense, The Broncos also only play one Power Five team in Washington State. All this, together, points to the possibility of greatness this season for Ashton Jeanty.
4. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
It is rather confusing, but still a grateful thing that some running backs do not get the attention they deserve. Allow this to be a great explanation. Tahj Brooks is a monster in the backfield, yet Texas Tech was only able to muster up a 7-6 record last season. In his final act as a Senior, and with no teams offering a transfer incentive, Brooks is expected to be a potential front-runner for the entire Red Raider offense.
Coming off a 1,541-yard rushing season, averaging 5.3 yards a carry, there’s no doubt this Doak Walker Award semifinalist won’t have a big bang to wrap up his collegiate career. The only caveat facing a great player, like Boyd is that the Red Raiders lost a lot of up-front O-linemen to the portal. This begs the question, of how the coaching staff will handle the overall running game, and if the line can continuously hold up in order for Boyd to make another splash.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
What was a great 11-2 season. With the only losses coming from rival, and eventual National Champion, The Michigan Wolverines. Not to mention the 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, the Ohio State Buckeyes need a spark to the offense. That’s where one of their backs comes into the conversation, in TreVeyon Henderson.
The returning Buckeye was responsible for 21 total touchdowns last season. However, only seeing 926 rushing yards, opens the discussion on how much more of a workload Henderson actually needs to have. Towards the end of last season, Ohio State had a struggling offense. This furthers the idea why Henderson, behind a great O-line, could make a great one-two punch. Henderson is ranked right in the middle, his potential is yet to be fully recognized, however, 2024 could be for a great season.
2. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
There is absolutely no doubt, that through means of the transfer portal, the Ohio State Buckeyes have the best backfield in all the land. Quinshon Judkins was responsible for 17 touchdowns last season for the Ole Miss Rebels. 15 of which were rushing yards. This acts as a major statistical advantage, due to the pass-heavy Rebel offense of last season.
Opting to join Ryan Day and staff in Columbus, Judkins will compete with third-ranked TreVeyon Henderson for the starting job. In either scenario, Judkins and Henderson will make for an amazing and wide-open offense. While Judkins leads in the rushing yards category, it takes nothing away from how the Buckeyes have the opportunity to grind in the running game, forcing opposing defenses to dare stop this running back gauntlet.
1. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Without a doubt, the top Running Back in the College Football landscape. Coming off a 10-4 season for the Cowboys, Gordon is the main component in the offense. With over 1,700 rushing yards last season, the only time Gordon was ever slowed down was against Texas in the BIG 12 Conference Championship. All the more reasons to believe, that 2024 will be his revenge season.
Coming in at 6-foot-1, Gordon enters his Junior season expected to once again take the position to new heights. If the Cowboys can run it back alongside Gordon at the forefront, then not only wins can be accomplished. If Gordon can match, or surpass his rushing yards from last season, then he pass Oklahoma State legend, Barry Sanders in career rushing yards. This accomplishment will undoubtedly place Gordon as a forever Superstar within the University.
Lastly, the BIG 12 Conference is expanding, and high-scoring offenses in the normality, as it has been for years. Understanding this, Head Coach Mike Grundy knows what he must do: Feed the machine that is Ollie Gordon II.
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