Last year’s running back class was decent, but it doesn’t compare to the 2025 RB class. The star power set to enter the NFL next April will bring the position back into more relevance after fading over the last decade. Several playmakers should push to make the first round.
Top 10 Running Back Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
With running backs en vogue again and the 2025 quarterback class looking shaky, it’ll be a fun year to see the top athletes in the nation competing for some of the best teams. The 2024 top back, Jonathon Brooks, likely would’ve landed around RB6 in this class.
We’re using the combined rankings of myself and A To Z Sports’ College Football Managing Editor Travis May to present our top 10 2025 NFL Draft RB prospects.
10. Damien Martinez, Miami (FL)
Watching Damien Martinez at Oregon State over the last two years often led to more drooling over their elite offensive line than seeing just how nuanced the tailback’s game is. The Beavers gave Martinez huge running lanes more often than not, and he did well to maximize what was available. Going to the ACC with Miami is a good opportunity to see other parts of his game outside of athleticism.
A bit of an upright runner who relies more on his burst and agility than power and balance, Martinez gets to the second level in a hurry. He effectively evades direct contact behind the line of scrimmage, and that’s his best superpower as a ball carrier.
Getting skinny through the hole and maximizing angles is highly valuable. We want to see how he plays when he’s dealing with contact earlier and has less-than-elite blocking. He projects as a high-end No. 2 at the next level and a capable short-term starter in the right situation.
: Exploring NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds for 2024 (Dailymotion)
9. Devin Neal, Kansas
It was surprising to see Devin Neal return to Kansas for 2025. He would’ve landed on Day 2 after a phenomenal 2023 campaign. Now, he can break school records and further solidify his projection to the NFL.
Neal’s physical frame concerns some. He stands 5-foot-11 but weighs only around 210 pounds. He’s a slasher who fits perfectly into zone concepts, showing off sweet feet, angle creation, and a top-notch burst. Last year was the first time he totaled more than 200 carries, but his efficiency skyrocketed as his footwork and vision improved.
Most backs are more scheme-dependent than not, but Neal’s limitations are more about handling volume than fitting into certain situations. I liken him to Rachaad White, who has been solid with decent blocking, and probably undervalued because he’s not had an amazing surrounding cast.
8. Jaydn Ott, Cal
In terms of doing more with less help, Jaydn Ott has an argument that he’s carrying a bigger weight than most. With two straight seasons over 1,240 total yards and 25 combined touchdowns, Ott is undoubtedly a stud. He just doesn’t look the part due to his 6-foot, 210-pound build that is more wiry than powerful.
A straight-line speedster who has quick, choppy feet and good contact balance to continue pushing upfield, Ott is tough to bring down without a gang of defenders to help. Giving him a crease leads to home run plays, and he’s equally as capable to punish defenders who take a step in the wrong direction or hesitate to fill a gap.
The sum of his parts is better than some individual traits, though. He’s patient but will take negative plays because he’s not super bursty or twitched up. His power is good, but he isn’t overly flexible enough to win leverage battles.
Putting Ott into a gap or inside zone scheme bodes well for his outlook, including being a good starter throughout his rookie deal.
7. Trevor Etienne, Georgia
The brother of Jaguars star Travis Etienne, Trevor fled the Gators to join forces with Carson Beck at Georgia. Though some backs on this list enter 2024 with more production in one season than Etienne’s two-year totals, his raw traits are very promising. Expect a huge 2024 season for Etienne.
The 5-foot-9, 205-pounder is stocky, naturally strong, and bursty with quick sidesteps and cuts. His burst ramps up into a good but not great deep speed, so he’ll create chunk plays in a hurry. He’s not like his brother, who is fast and quick, but quicker than fast and powerful.
His ability to generate and beat arm tackles is where he really wins most often. He won’t bulldoze defenders head-on but does well to follow his keys and attack while making small adjustments that don’t compromise the scheme in the meantime.
6. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Few running backs will beat out Nicholas Singleton’s blend of size (6-foot, 220 pounds) and 4.39 speed. The high school track star has the physical traits that project to being a high-end NFL star. But the production drop from 2022 to 2023 was concerning, as his yards per carry plummeted from 6.8 to 4.4.
Obviously, that’s not all about Singleton’s abilities. He wins in the open field as well as any back, showing off tremendous movement ability and converting power to speed. However, it was clear that his effectiveness was usurped in 2023 with a less functional offensive line.
Singleton is a bit too willing to cut outside of his assigned gap and look to chase grass, and he won’t break a ton of tackles in the backfield. It’s a tough line to toe, as taking direct hits isn’t a viable strategy or something he should just be good with. At times, there’s a lack of desire to cut upfield and bulldoze opponents when he’s as capable of using his incredible frame to enforce his will as outrunning them.
5. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
There are some clear parallels between Ashton Jeanty and New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara. The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder is a reliable receiver, powerful but fast runner, and super efficient in his touches. It’s hard to imagine he won’t be successful in the NFL because of the way he fights through contact and shakes defenders off his frame.
Quick to accelerate, creative enough to utilize a variety of moves in the open field, and showing good field vision after the line of scrimmage, Jeanty can be an absolute star at the next level. He could see himself rise into the class’ top two backs.
4. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Another monstrously impressive athlete on this list, Omarion Hampton was arguably the best player on the Tar Heels last year. The sophomore tallied 1,504 yards and 15 scores on the ground. Time and again, he showed off good vision, quick reaction ability, and pure strength when defenders approach.
The 6-foot, 220-pounder plays to his size and has good downhill speed. Reminiscent of Leonard Fournette, Hampton has similar limitations when going horizontal and isn’t the most patient when pressing the line of scrimmage. But he’s difficult to slow down and embraces the physicality of the game, punishing defenders who get in his way.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
There’s not a better home-run threat in the nation than TreVeyon Henderson. He would’ve been the RB1 in the 2024 class, and his return to Ohio State was even more shocking after Quinshon Judkins joined the program. Now, Henderson and Judkins will headline a devastating running attack led by Chip Kelly.
The big question with Henderson has more to do with health and durability than on-field ability. His vision and decision-making can be questionable at times, but Henderson’s also dealt with a mediocre blocking unit for years. Putting him in more positions to simply execute and hit the second-level of the defense will generate consistent explosive plays.
Some NFL teams may favor someone able to generate consistent positive yards on each touch, but Henderson has flashed the ability to be a workhorse who mixes in chunk plays. This fall is a big opportunity for Henderson to show off a well-rounded skill set with a great surrounding cast.
2. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
A Heisman Trophy candidate in 2023, Ollie Gordon II truly gives viewers an experience to enjoy every week. With 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, the junior is a feared presence on every touch. The Oklahoma State Cowboys rode his back to a surprisingly good 2023 campaign.
There’s a ton to love about Gordon’s game. He’s powerful, quick, has excellent vision, is a proven receiver, and has the feel for the game that most backs lack. He’s polished and nuanced, maximizing his traits and opportunities.
There aren’t many knocks on Gordon’s game. At 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, Gordon has what it takes to be a featured weapon in the NFL. He’s a bit stiff and upright as a runner, which isn’t surprising with his tall frame, and going horizontal shows stiffness that can be problematic.
That said, Gordon can be a first-round pick in 2025 for gap teams needing an immediate impact addition.
1. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
No Power 5 running back has outproduced Judkins over the last two years. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound star was dominant at Ole Miss, totaling 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first two seasons. It was a stunner to see him head to Columbus over running it back with Lane Kiffin.
Nevertheless, Judkins will bring his rare contact balance and power to an offense perfectly built for his presence. Judkins is lightning quick and top-tier agility and foot speed. He’s a wrecking ball who closes the gap on defenders and erases tackling angles with ease.
There’s not much Judkins can’t do. We prefer his flexibility, quick reaction ability, passing down value, and consistency over his peers’ strengths. It’s hard to imagine he won’t be a superstar once again this fall.
2025 NFL Draft RB Watchlist
Raheem Sanders, South Carolina
Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Phil Mafah, Clemson
Jordan James, Oregon
Roman Hemby, Maryland
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
CJ Donaldson, West Virginia
Gavin Sawchuk, Oklahoma
Jamarion Miller, Alabama
Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
DJ Giddens, Kansas State
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