Top Colleges for Aspiring Running Backs: A Comprehensive Guide

For a high school running back with dreams of playing college football and potentially making it to the NFL, choosing the right college is a crucial step. While individual performance, talent, and luck with injuries are paramount, attending a college with a strong football program can provide exposure and opportunities. This article examines which college programs have historically produced the most successful running backs, considering factors beyond just NFL production.

The Doak Walker Award

The Doak Walker Award, established in 1990, honors the top running back in United States college football. It is named after Doak Walker, a former SMU Mustangs running back (1945-1949) who also played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL (1950-1955). The award's National Selection Committee, comprising sportswriters, commentators, analysts, and former All-America and NFL All-Pro players, selects the recipient. The winner receives a bronze sculpture of Doak Walker, designed by artist Blair Buswell.

Wisconsin running backs have won the award four times between 2012 and 2019.

Key Considerations for Aspiring College Running Backs

While the allure of playing for a program with a history of producing NFL running backs is strong, several factors should be considered during the college admissions process:

Fit with the Team and Coaching Staff: A player's development significantly depends on their relationship with the coaches and how well their system fits the player's style. Meeting the coaches and current team players can provide valuable insights into the program's environment.

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Academics and Campus Culture: It's essential to consider life after football. Ensuring a fulfilling and successful college experience, regardless of professional football aspirations, is crucial.

Colleges with a Strong History of Producing NFL Running Backs

Several colleges have consistently produced NFL running backs. Here are some notable examples:

University of Alabama

Alabama has earned recognition as a top "Running Back University" due to its consistent production of NFL talent. The Crimson Tide have had three running backs drafted in the first round since 2010: Mark Ingram (2011), Trent Richardson (2012), and Josh Jacobs (2019). Overall, Alabama has had ten running backs drafted over the past decade. Notable Alabama running backs include:

Mark Ingram: Drafted in the first round in 2011 with 78 starts.
Trent Richardson: Drafted 3rd overall in 2012 with 37 starts.
Eddie Lacy: Drafted in the second round in 2013 with 51 starts. He was also named Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY).
Kenyan Drake: Drafted in the third round in 2016 with 24 starts.
Derrick Henry: Drafted in the second round in 2016 with 31 starts.
Josh Jacobs: Drafted in the first round in 2019 with 13 starts.
T.J. Yeldon: Drafted in the second round in 2015 with 30 starts.
Jalston Fowler: Drafted in the fourth round in 2015 with 7 starts.
Damien Harris: Drafted in the third round in 2019.
Bo Scarbrough: Drafted in the seventh round in 2018 with 5 starts.

University of Georgia

Georgia boasts a strong running back legacy, including Todd Gurley, one of the most accomplished running backs of the past decade. The Bulldogs have produced two first-round picks: Todd Gurley and Sony Michel (2018). Notable Georgia running backs include:

Todd Gurley: Drafted 10th overall in 2015 with 72 starts. He was also a two-time All-Pro, Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY), and Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY).
Sony Michel: Drafted in the first round in 2018 with 22 starts.
Nick Chubb: Drafted in the second round in 2018 with 25 starts.
Shaun Chapas: Drafted in the seventh round in 2011 with 1 start.
Keith Marshall: Drafted in the seventh round in 2016.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

LSU has consistently produced NFL running backs, with 13 players drafted in the past decade. This includes Leonard Fournette, a top-5 pick. Notable LSU running backs include:

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Leonard Fournette: Drafted 4th overall in 2017 with 36 starts.
Jeremy Hill: Drafted in the second round in 2014 with 43 starts.
Stevan Ridley: Drafted in the third round in 2011 with 27 starts.
Spencer Ware: Drafted in the sixth round in 2013 with 19 starts.
Alfred Blue: Drafted in the sixth round in 2014 with 16 starts.
Derrius Guice: Drafted in the second round in 2018 with 1 start.
Kenny Hilliard: Drafted in the seventh round in 2015.
Charles Scott: Drafted in the sixth round in 2010.
Keiland Williams: Undrafted in 2010 with 3 starts.
Terrance Magee: Undrafted in 2015.
Richard Murphy: Undrafted in 2011.
Darrel Williams: Undrafted in 2018.
Michael Ford: Undrafted in 2013.

University of Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a strong tradition of producing successful running backs. Wisconsin standouts include Melvin Gordon, who ranks second for his impressive 2,587-yard season in 2014. Jonathan Taylor found himself there twice after rushing for 2,194 yards as a sophomore and 2,003 as a junior. Taylor also won back-to-back Doak Walker Awards, joining Gordon, Montee Ball, and Ron Dayne as Badger backs to win the award since 1998.

University of Southern California (USC)

Historically referred to as "Tailback U," USC has produced numerous high-caliber running backs. The Trojans' resume includes 34 pro backs, six first-rounders, and five Heisman Trophy winners since 1965. Notable USC running backs include Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, and O.J. Simpson.

University of Oklahoma

The Sooners have produced a mind-boggling 39 pro rushers and six first-rounders. Their trophy case is bolstered by three Heisman trophies. Iconic names like DeMarco Murray and Adrian Peterson lead Oklahoma’s impressive history of successful running backs.

Other Programs with Notable Running Back Production

Ohio State: The Buckeyes have cranked out 28 backs, nine first-rounders and five Heisman trophies.
Miami (FL): The Hurricanes offer up a super set of backs and all in all have provided pro football with 29 rushers, six first-rounders.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions have flooded the pro ranks with 30 rushers and nine went in the first round.
Auburn: Just one rusher shy of two dozen have made the pros from Auburn and a sizzling five of these athletes have been first-rounders.
Florida State: At present, 19 Seminole backs have made it to the NFL and three of these went via the tasty first round.
Michigan: Michigan's notable list might not knock your socks off, but the Wolverines have sent 28 running backs pro-wards and five of these guys have first round honors.
Notre Dame: In terms of running backs, Notre Dame has cranked out 31 professionals and three were nabbed in the first round.
Nebraska: Those beefy Cornhusker linemen have led 30 Nebraska rushers to the NFL and three of these were selected in the coveted and oh, so lucrative first round.
Texas: Though the Longhorn's total numbers are the lowest among the elite teams on our listing (18 total drafted and only four first-rounders), quality makes up for quantity for Texas.

Top Running Backs in College Football (2025)

ESPN's college football reporters voted for their top 10 running backs for the 2025 season. Here's a look at their picks:

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: Love emerged as Notre Dame's top offensive playmaker during his sophomore season with 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State: Singleton has put up a combined 4,673 all-purpose yards over the past three seasons, second most among all FBS backs behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, and 41 career touchdowns.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State: Allen carried 220 times and finished with 1,108 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a junior in 2024.
Makhi Hughes, Oregon: The Tulane transfer ran for 1,401 yards last fall, ninth most nationally and more than any other returning running back.
Isaac Brown, Louisville: Brown led all power-conference backs in yards per rush (7.11), had the fifth-most explosive runs (12 yards or more) with 33 and forced 41 missed tackles.
Ahmad Hardy, Missouri: Hardy rushed for 1,351 yards, including eight 100-yard games, and scored 13 touchdowns.
Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh: Reid put up 1,704 all-purpose yards and scored 10 total touchdowns in an All-America debut season.
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas: Wisner had 1,064 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, adding 311 yards and another touchdown through the air.
Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech: Haynes has 2,003 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns since 2023.
Bryson Washington, Baylor: Washington racked up 127 carries for 818 yards and 11 touchdowns over the next six games.

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