Outstanding seasons from Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry sparked discussion about the “return of running backs” during the 2024 NFL season. While there has long been an existential crisis surrounding the position at the pro level, the importance of running backs has remained steady in college football.
They might not win the Heisman Trophy as often as they used to — thanks to the rise of passing offenses — but the position remains essential. If you look at the best teams in the country each year, you might find a team without an elite quarterback. Nearly all of them, however, have stars at running back.
So, which teams have the best running back rooms heading into the 2025 season? Considering all that, it should come as no surprise that the list is made up almost entirely of teams hoping to make noise in the postseason.
Last year, I listed Penn State as an Honorable Mention and received plenty of heat for it. Consider this an apology of sorts to Nittany Lions fans. Both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen eclipsed 1,000 yards last season, leading Penn State on a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Both had the chance to leave for the NFL following the season but opted to return to make another run at a Big Ten and national title with the Nittany Lions. Their presence is one of the primary reasons so many are high on Penn State entering the season.
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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-footballs-top-rb-rooms-penn-state-notre-dame-battle-for-top-spot-behind-loaded-backfields/
Author : Tom Fornelli
Publish date : 2025-06-10 13:15:00
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