Top 10 running backs to watch out for in 2025 NFL draft ft. Trevor Etienne
The 2025 NFL draft will feature the top running backs in college football over the last few seasons. These backs will attempt to continue to build their NFL resumes by putting up big numbers in 2024.
With no running backs taken off the board in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, these young stars will look to change things next year and prove themselves as a first-round selection.
Here is a look at the top 10 running backs to watch out for in next year's NFL draft.
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Top 10 running backs to watch out for in 2025 NFL draft
#10. Jo'Quavious Marks, USC
Jo'Quavious Marks will be wearing a new uniform next season at USC after transferring from Mississippi State in January. Marks spent four seasons at Mississippi State, where he ran for over 1,800 yards and had over 1,200 yards receiving.
His running and pass-catching ability make him a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft. He will have a chance to emerge as a top back in college football with the new-look USC offense.
#9. Raheim Sanders, South Carolina
Sanders has transferred to South Carolina after three seasons as an Arkansas Razorback. Sanders has great size for his position and can navigate his way through small spaces with ease.
He has been working his way up the 2025 NFL draft boards and has a chance to boost his draft stock with South Carolina as a former 1,000-yard rusher in 2022.
#8. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Boise State back Ashton Jeanty ran for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career last season after finishing with 821 rushing yards in 2022. He is an aggressive back with excellent footwork and pass-catching ability. He can be hesitant at the line of scrimmage, which could drop his 2025 NFL draft stock. However, he has the skill set to be a top back this season.
#7. Devin Neal, Kansas
Neal will head into his fourth season with the Kansas Jayhawks, having run for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. He could be selected in the 2025 NFL draft by a team searching for a solid third-down back.
Neal has exceptional hands and can be dominant in the screen game. He doesn't have the highest top speed, but his vision can make up for his lack of speed.
#6. Trevor Etienne, Georgia
After back-to-back 700-yard rushing seasons at Florida, Trevor Etienne will transfer to Georgia in 2024. Etienne had nine total touchdowns last season as Florida's utility back. He added 172 yards receiving for the Gators last season and will now compete for the top running back spot at Georgia this season.
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#5. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
With last year's starting back Blake Corum on his way to the NFL, Donovan Edwards will take over as the lead ball carrier for Michigan this season. He has excellent vision and is a capable blocker. He's lacking an elite speed burst but will still be considered in the 2025 NFL draft as a solid all-around back with good hands.
#4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Judkins is on his way to Ohio State in 2024 after being a 1,000-yard rusher in both of his seasons with Ole Miss. Judkins flew onto the scene in 2022, leading the SEC in rushing yards with 1,567. He is an aggressive runner with a nose for the end zone, scoring 34 total touchdowns over the last two seasons.
This season will be Judkins' chance to cement himself as a first-round 2025 NFL draft prospect.
#3. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
North Carolina's Omarion Hampton is returning for his third season with the Tar Heels after rushing for 1,504 yards last season. He led the ACC in rushing yards and had 15 rushing touchdowns.
Hampton is extremely versatile and elusive with his great balance and speed. He has room for improvement with his pass-catching, but his aggressive style of running makes him a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft.
#2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Henderson returns to Ohio State for a fourth season to team up with Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins in the backfield. He's struggled with injuries, calling his durability into question, but he is an intelligent runner with outstanding balance and explosiveness.
#1. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
After leading the nation with 1,732 rushing yards last season, it was a bit of a shock when Ollie Gordon II announced he was returning to Oklahoma State in 2024. Gordon will attempt to return to his form from last season and earn his spot as a must-have back in the 2025 NFL draft.
He has great size for his position and is a better-than-average pass catcher. When Gordon is patient and waits for spaces to open up, he can navigate running lines with creativity and precise accuracy.
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Which running back do you think will be selected first in the 2025 NFL draft? Let us know in the comments below.