2025 NFL Draft: Ashton Jeanty solidifies RB1, re-ranking Quinshon Judkins, DJ Giddens, Ollie Gordon, and the rest of the 2025 running backs
Heading into the 2024 college football season, there was a strong debate that the running back class for the 2025 NFL Draft could have been the strongest overall group. Not only did it have tremendous top shelf talent, but the depth also looked silly on paper. There were some that argued it could be at […]
Heading into the 2024 college football season, there was a strong debate that the running back class for the 2025 NFL Draft could have been the strongest overall group. Not only did it have tremendous top shelf talent, but the depth also looked silly on paper. There were some that argued it could be at least on the level of the 2017 class, and maybe even better.
Now halfway through the college season, the class is beginning to really take shape, seeing some risers, fallers, and breakout stars. While it’s uncertain if it will white get to that 2017 level, the group does look excellent. Here are my current top 15 running backs in the 2025 class, with some definite surprises to note.
1. Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) – 5081v, 217v
At this point, there shouldn’t be much of a debate about who the best running back is in the 2025 class. Jeanty went into the season as one of the big front runners, and he has separated himself. A dense runner who plays low to the ground, the contact balance for Jeanty is phenomenal. He’s also a gifted pass catcher, and arguably the best pass blocker in the class. There really is no hole in Jeanty’s game.
2. DJ Giddens (Kansas State) – 6001v, 216v
When you talk about risers in the running back class, there might not be a bigger one than Giddens. He has a leggy stride, and does a tremendous job making second and third level defenders miss in small windows. In fact, there is no running back better at it in this class. Giddens is one of the more patient, and instinctive runners in this class who also catches the football well.
3. Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) – 6000e, 225e
Johnson is a tremendous combination of patience, instincts, and acceleration. He does a great job stringing moves together, and is very underrated making players miss on the second level. With how he runs, Johnson’s acceleration can be a bit underrated. Breaking tackles and creating second effort runs is the game of his game. Johnson has been tremendous this year so far, rushing 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games.
4. Damien Martinez (Miami) – 5117v, 241v
There are moments when watching Martinez that you think you are watching Steven Jackson. He has the high legged approach, but brings impressive physicality, foot quickness and patience. It’s been a slow start for Martinez since transferring from Oregon State, but we started to see him round back into form against Louisville. If he gets rolling, Martinez has a chance to assert himself near the top.
5. Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State) – 6020e, 225e
It has been a season to forget for Gordon and the Oklahoma State team. Gordon is coming off of his best game, so things could be trending in a better direction. It had been a struggle for the large part early in the season, appearing a bit banged up with offensive line issues in front of him. Gordon is a bigger back with some nice wiggle. He also is a nice contributor in the passing game when healthy.
6. Jaydn Ott (Cal) – 5105v, 208v
It’s been a rough season for Ott, who has been able to play just four games for Cal so far in 2024. When he is healthy, he’s lightning in a bottle. Whether it’s as a runner or pass receiver, Ott consistently creates chunk plays. Ott doesn’t break a ton of tackles inside, but in an outside zone heavy scheme, he has special upside.
7. Nicholas Singleton (Penn State) – 6000e, 226e
If you ask who the best athlete on this list is overall, Singleton is probably the easy answer. He has, however, needed to continue to develop as a pure runner. In a lot of ways, his game is reminiscent of Cam Akers coming out of Florida State. The upside is immense, but there is also a bit of a boom or bust feel to him. Singleton has looked like a different player so far this season, showcasing more patience and pace as a runner. The arrow continues to point up.
8. Kyle Monangai (Rutgers) – 5090v, 210v
There isn’t a runner who is more of a joy to watch than Monangai. He is a shorter and determined runner, who makes his living off of contact balance and extra effort running. There is nothing flashy about him, but it’s very efficient. Monangai is a very nuanced runner who clearly knows how to string together movers, and keep the chains moving.
9. TreyVeon Henderson (Ohio State) – 5100v, 214v
Past durability questions are going to be a major concern for Henderson, but he has been healthy so far this season for the Buckeyes. What really sets him apart is long speed, and has arguably the most big play potential of any running back in the 2025 class. Henderson doesn’t play through contact as well as you would like, but if you give him a crease, he has the juice to make you pay.
10. Omarion Hampton (UNC) – 5116v, 219v
If you want a powerful runner who consistently plays through contact, Hampton is the runner for you. He also has an underrated top gear, showing the ability to create some explosive plays. The major issue with Hampton is there is a lack of nuance in his game. His vision is very sporadic and he isn’t overly creative working to the second level. Hampton is a pure gap runner with very limited upside in zone schemes.
11. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) – 5111v, 219v
When you talk about players that I’ll be lower on than the consensus, Judkins is one of the first names that come to mind. He’s a super physical runner, and gets up to his top gear in a hurry. The former Ole Miss transfer just brings very spotty vision, as well as being below average from a change of direction perspective. Judkins also doesn’t bring a ton as a pass receiver, limiting his overall upside as an every down weapon.
12. Woody Marks (USC) – 5094v, 204v
His birth name is Jo’quavious but “Woody” is one of the more experienced running backs in this class overall. The former Mississippi State transfer has had a lot of experience as a pass receiver (239 career receptions), which will be a big help in the long run. Marks is a slippery runner who has tremendous change of direction skills. His size and lack of big play ability may limit his upside a bit, but there’s a good chance that Marks finds a niche as a part of a committee on the next level.
13. Raheim Sanders (South Carolina) – 6000v, 236v
If you flashback a year and a half, most people would have been talking about Sanders as a high selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Then injury ruined his final year at Arkansas, forcing Sanders to return to school and choose to spend his final year with the Gamecocks. It has been a mixed bag so far, but there have been flashes of the old “Rocket” Sanders. In order for him to get back to him old self, trimming down his frame will be big.
14. Jonah Coleman (Washington) – 5090e, 229e
The 5-9 listing for Coleman looks very generous. From a body type perspective, he looks very similar to former NFL running back CJ Anderson. He’s built very low to the ground, and has plenty of power to work with. Coleman is also a lot better of a lateral mover than you would anticipate. He has looked even more explosive for Washington than what he did with Arizona previously.
15. Jordan James (Oregon) – 5100e, 210e
James feels like the type of player who will return for his senior season, and try to maximize draft position on a lesser class. He’s a tough downhill runner who consistently runs behind his pads, but does lack an elite trait. So far this season, James has been stellar for the Ducks, rushing for 717 yards in just seven games. There appears to be a future as a change of pace runner in a committee, but probably not much upside as a lead ball carrier.
