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The Big 12 is a conference known for its high-powered offenses, and last season, the conference was dominated by incredibly talented running backs.
Look no further than the seven running backs that the conference sent to the NFL, a mark that is tied with the Big Ten for the most running backs drafted from a single conference. However, with such a significant exodus of talent, it leaves a substantial void in offenses that many teams now have to fill.
Some teams didn’t lose their top rusher, while others are making big bets on transfers and a few might have floundered in their attempt to replace NFL-level talent. As we continue our 2025 season preview at Buffaloes Wire, here are our rankings of the Big 12 running back rooms heading into the season.
Our other 2025 unit rankings: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
Replacing Ollie Gordon III was never going to be an easy task, but Oklahoma State heads into 2025 with a very unproven backfield. Spearheaded by former Indiana transfer Trent Howland, the Cowboys’ running back room is filled with good players, but they haven’t shone too much. In Howland’s best season, he rushed for 354 yards on 75 carries, and that was two years ago in 2023. This untested backfield lands the Cowboys with the worst running back room in the conference.
With the Horned Frogs’ starter from last season, Cam Cook, leaving for Jacksonville State, TCU’s running back room is in poor shape. They responded by bringing in Kevorian Barnes, a long-tenured UTSA Roadrunner, whose best season saw him eclipse over 800 yards in 2022.
Barnes should split time with fellow senior and former quarterback recruit Trent Battle and emerging talent Jeremy Payne. While a combination of those backs could match Cook’s output from last season, there are no stars in Fort Worth.
The Red Raiders lost Tahj Brooks to the NFL and will lean on…
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Publish date : 2025-07-04 14:01:00
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