The dust has settled in the college football recruiting class of 2025 and Rivals is putting a bow on the cycle by looking at the top programs by position. Up next is running back where several teams had hauls worth taking a look at.
Here are five programs that stood out above the rest with the ball carriers heading to their programs.
MORE 2025 NSD: Ranking the QB classes | Big Ten winners | SEC winners | Comparing 2025 five-stars to NFL stars | Texas assistant Chris Jackson wins Rivals National Recruiter of the Year | Top recruiters in each Power Four conference | How Texas won the 2025 recruiting title | Texas' 2025 class | National Signing Day Announcement Guide
NSD INTERVIEWS: Cal coach Justin Wilcox | UNLV coach Dan Mullen | TC Lewis, father of Colorado QB commit Julian Lewis | Florida State coach Mike Norvell | South Carolina coach Shane Beamer | SMU coach Rhett Lashlee | Maryland coach Mike Locksley | Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith | USC coach Lincoln Riley | Iowa general manager Tyler Barnes | Indiana coach Curt Cignetti | West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez | Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire | Arch Manning's HS coach Nelson Stewart
1. LSU
Coach Brian Kelly’s haul at running back would have been in discussion for the No. 1 spot on the list even if the team had only signed Harlem Berry. The Louisiana native is the only five-star running back in the 2025 cycle. Berry has drawn comparisons to former USC star Reggie Bush because he’s that special. He’s a dynamic playmaker that can be used in the backfield and the slot.
But the Tigers also landed JT Lindsey, who racked up nearly 2,800 yards from scrimmage this year. He’s a one-cut slashing running back who is a threat to score a touchdown at any time.
2. CLEMSON
Gideon Davidson shot up the rankings after he was impressive at multiple offseason events. The Clemson signee followed up a strong offseason with another great fall. He rushed for 2,341 yards, averaging nearly nine yards per carry, and scored 37 rushing touchdowns. He should be able to adjust to the increased level of competition quickly.
Marquise Henderson is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. He’s fast – a 10.86-second 100-meter dash – and his speed translates to the football field. He catches the ball well enough out of the backfield to see some time in the slot so he makes for a great complementary piece. Henderson rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior.
3. OREGON
The Ducks got a lot of attention for the defensive backs and wide receivers that joined the class but don’t overlook the haul they had at running back. Jordon Davison is a top-100 prospect when at his best can compete with any running back in the class. He took a step back as a senior but still managed a 1,000-yard season and double-digit touchdowns.
Dierre Hill has been one of the more overlooked running backs in the class. He’s a bruising back that in two years as a full-time starter had 4,376 yards and 76 total touchdowns. That type of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Davison and Hill should fit the Big Ten perfectly and have the upside to be a pair of the conference’s best at the position down the line.
4. OHIO STATE
Anytime you add a running back with the nickname “Turbo” that’s going to get some attention. Anthony “Turbo” Rogers certainly lives up to his nickname. He’s fast but his acceleration and ability to make cuts is what sets him apart from other running backs. He’s also a versatile player and we’ve seen him perform very well while running routes at Rivals Five-Star last summer.
Bo Jackson also has a famous name (no relation) but he was one of Ohio’s best this cycle. He was banged up for much of his senior season but his combination of size and speed could get him on the field early in Columbus if he can stay healthy.
5. PENN STATE
Jabree Coleman was a one-time Georgia commit but ended up with Penn State. The 6-foot-1, 201-pounder provides solid size as a running back and shows patience and vision. He can beat defenders in multiple ways with his speed, power and elusiveness. He can also be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver and make an impact on special teams.
Tiqwai Hayes is not a burner but is a dependable back that is needed in the Big Ten. The Pennsylvania native has the look of a back that isn’t very flashy but ends up averaging five YPC and is a solid contributor to the team.
