2025 NFL Draft: Top five running backs

The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and there are so many players who will have a major impact in the NFL.

Many people like to see the quarterbacks and wide receivers go off the board, but there is another offensive powerhouse that some people forget about: The running back.

This year’s running back class is one of the deepest classes in recent years, with many prospects being considered in the first, second and third rounds.

While there is a lot of agreement on the top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is a lot more argument for the running backs who will be taken on Day 2 and in the next few rounds after the first.

So, here are my top five running backs of the 2025 NFL Draft.

No. 5: Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Judkins is one of two Ohio State running backs in the top five running backs of this draft class. Judkins ran for 1,060 yards on 194 carries for 14 touchdowns this past season.

He had a very impressive combine, being the only running back to jump 11 feet on the broad jump and run the second-fastest 10-yard split at 1.51 seconds.

While he doesn’t have elite speed and only averaged 5.5 yards per carry, he can still break free easily, as he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and ran for the longest run of his college career this past season at 86 yards.

No. 4: TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Henderson is the other Ohio State running back in my top 5 running backs in the 2025 draft class. Henderson ran for 1,016 yards on 144 carries for 10 touchdowns this past season.

While Henderson ran for 44 fewer yards and four fewer touchdowns than Buckeye teammate Judkins, Henderson had 50 fewer carries than Judkins.

Henderson is more known for his bigger runs as he averaged 7.1 yards per carry this past season, the 8th best in FBS.

No. 3: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Johnson had a breakout year this past season, more than tripling his total rushing yards from last season. Johnson ran for 1,537 yards on 240 carries for 21 touchdowns this past season.

Johnson is one of the taller running backs in the draft class, standing at 6-foot-1, but that doesn’t take away from his game.

While Johnson didn’t test as well as he probably wanted to at the combine, he is a lot quicker in-game than people may think.

No. 2: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Hampton has been one of the best running backs in College Football over the last two seasons, almost replicating his productivity in 2023 and 2024.

Hampton ran for 1,660 yards on 281 carries for 15 touchdowns this past season. He led the ACC in rushing yards and carries and was third in FBS in rushing yards and rushing yards after contact.

Hampton’s combine numbers were very solid, running a 4.46 40-yard dash at 221 pounds, doing 18 reps on the bench press and finishing in the top eight in vertical jump.

No. 1: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Jeanty is the best running back in this year’s NFL Draft. Jeanty ran for the most rushing yards in FBS last season with 2,601 yards, which is the 2nd best all-time in a single season behind Barry Sanders.

He also led FBS in total carries with 374, the only running back with over 300, and led running backs in rushing touchdowns with 29.

Jeanty’s greatest superpower is his balance and his ability to break tackles. All it takes is one missed tackle and Jeanty can take it to the house.

He’s not just known for this running game, but he can catch the ball very well. He led all running backs in receiving yards with 569 in FBS in 2023, which was more than many star receivers, including Emeka Egbuka, Ladd McConkey and Tyler Warren.

Massimo Buonagurio is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mkb6750@psu.edu.