Now that we are a few weeks into the season, we can start focusing on these players’ bodies of work that build over the course of the season and have people hold their spots and climb, or fall, as the season progresses. This list factors in their stats, how they move on the field, and how they perform relative to the quality of the defense they are up against. We have consistently seen names like Jonah Coleman, Cam Cook, and Hollywood Smothers on the top 25, but can anybody else threaten the top spot?
25) Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.15 (B-)
Emmett Johnson has been stellar in his three games this season, and the most recent two games have been dominant against inferior opponents, resulting in this placement on the list. He ran for 78 yards, and it was his second straight week with a pair of touchdowns on the ground.
He will find an opportunity to climb this list next week, with 21st-ranked Michigan coming to town and the Huskers listed as slight underdogs for the game. If that doesn’t fire Johnson and the rest of Nebraska up, nothing will.
24) Ismail Mahdi, Arizona
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.27 (B-)
Ismial Madhi made a loud debut on our list. He was our top-ranked back for Week 3 in Arizona’s 23-17 win over Kansas State. After very minimal usage in two blowout wins to start the year, Madhi was strong with 189 yards on 22 carries, and helped Arizona get an imposing win against a Big 12 team, even though it won’t count to their conference record, due to the game being scheduled years before Arizona’s move.
Look for this to be more of what we should expect from Madhi, and the Wildcats have a real chance to show the world who they are this weekend, taking on 12th-ranked Iowa State in Ames.
23) Star Thomas, Tennessee
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.33 (B-)
Star Thomas was extremely efficient again in Week 3, against defensive powerhouse Georgia. He ran for 60 yards on nine carries, for 6.7 yards per carry, which was right on par with his season average of 6.7 yards per carry, which is a career high.
Clearly, the Volunteers had a good plan as they put 41 points on them, but it wasn’t enough as Georgia came away victorious 44-41. Look for him to approach 100 yards against UAB next weekend, and for him to gain more carries as the season goes on if he holds that average, or even stays near it.
22) Raleek Brown, Arizona State
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.35 (B-)
In Week 3, Raleek Brown and the Sun Devils responded strongly to their close loss in Week 2. He was far from the reason they lost in Week 2, but he responded nicely, looking motivated and ready to go. Brown ran for 144 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, and they beat Texas State 34-15.
Next up, they have Baylor in what should be one of the week’s games, and I expect Brown to be a significant factor in why the Sun Devils stand up to the challenge and compete.
21) Justice Haynes, Michigan
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.50 (B-)
Justice Haynes was stellar yet again for Michigan last time against Central Michigan. He ran for 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in a lopsided 63-3 win. If Central Michigan’s offense could keep up, I am confident that he could have put up video game-type numbers in this one, but Michigan has to be pleased with the output they continue to get from Haynes heading into conference play.
20) Jo Silver, Delaware
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.60 (B-)
A masterful performance in Week 3 has vaulted Jo Silver into the top-25 overall. He was efficient on limited carries in weeks 1 and 2, and exploded in Delaware’s Week 3 performance vs Connecticut. He ran for 179 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, leading the Blue Hens to a 44-41 overtime win. Look for him to stay aggressive in what should be another shootout vs FIU this weekend, and keep up this momentum.
19) Seth McGowan, Kentucky
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.91 (B-)
Increasing your touchdown total in each of the first three weeks is an impressive feat, and Seth McGowan did just that. He ran for 104 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns in Kentucky’s 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan last weekend. McGowan has amassed a 5.4 yards per carry average this year, precisely what he averaged in a limited role, and if he can keep it up in the SEC, he will not only climb this list, but start to get NFL consideration.
18) Kaytron Allen, Penn State
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.93 (B-)
Once again, Penn State looks like one of the best teams in the country, and they have a steady, reliable running back leading the charge in Kaytron Allen. He has a touchdown in the first three games and averages a strong eight yards per carry on the young season.
The Nittany Lions have their first Big Ten game with the Oregon Ducks coming to town after the Bye, and we could see a sharp incline in Allen’s spot on the list if he performs well there.
17) Devin Mockobee, Purdue
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 81.96 (B-)
Devin Mockobee has been solid overall, but his Week 2 performance against Southern Illinois, which earned him a spot on our list, is his only notable performance. He was a non-factor against an excellent USC team last week, and has a hungry Notre Dame team looking to prove that they are better than their 0-2 record shows. It will be tough for him to stay in the top-25, but if he does after this week, the sky is the limit
16) Robert Henry Jr., UTSA
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 82.28 (B-)
UTSA won its first game last week; another monster performance from Robert Henry Jr. was a big reason for this. He has run for at least 140 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games of the season.
Last week against Incarnate Word, Henry ran for 144 yards, a season low, and two touchdowns, and made it three straight games with a rush of 74 yards or more. Look for one of the nation’s most explosive players to continue rumbling along against Colorado State this weekend and be a top transfer portal target next season.
15) Waymond Jordan, USC
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 82.51 (B-)
In his first real test of the season, Waymond Jordan showed that he is someone that the Trojans can rely on in demanding road environments, as USC took down Purdue 33-17 last week. Jordan ran for 77 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. This performance decreased his yards per carry to 7.3, but that is far from a worrisome number. The Trojans travel home to take on 3-0 Michigan State in their second Big Ten game, and I think a win here would get the Trojans and Jordan some more national respect.
14) Hollywood Smothers, NC State
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 82.69 (B-)
One of our favorites on this year’s list has been impressive week in and week out: Hollywood Smothers. A Bye week this past week was the only thing that could slow him down, as he has run for 380 yards on 63 carries, which is suitable for six yards per carry.
He has three touchdowns and should continue to lead the charge on the ground for the Wolfpack next week as they travel to Duke. Look for him to be a standout player week in and week out and climb from this 14th spot.
13) Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 82.72 (B-)
Le’Veon Moss is a senior who has been with Texas A&M his whole career and has improved every season on campus. A lot of backs would take his 5.1 yards per carry and be happy with it, but this is a decrease for him, as he averaged 6.3 yards per carry last year.
Even with this fact, he came up huge for the Aggies last week against Notre Dame with three touchdowns in an impressive road win to bring the team to 3-0. He will use the bye week coming up to focus on how to attack Auburn in their next game, and I think he will continue to stand out as he has done his whole career.
12) Tory Blaylock, Oklahoma
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 83.12 (B)
As a freshman, Tory Blaylock has carved out a solid role in this Oklahoma offense, as he just had his first 100-yard game at Temple last week. He also scored two touchdowns in the game, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
His carries have increased from 8 to 9 to 14 over the first three games, and with him performing and the Sooners continuing to win, there is no reason that he can’t continue expanding his role as the season goes on, especially with the SEC schedule starting next week with a home battle with Auburn.
11) Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 83.16 (B)
Make it back-to-back 100-yard games for Jeremiah Cobb now, as he ran for 119 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. He has scored in all three games this season, leading Auburn to a 3-0 start.
His yards per carry are up 1.4 yards per carry over his career high, and the Tigers would love it for him to keep this up as the SEC schedule begins next week with a challenging task of traveling to Norman to take on the Sooners. If he can perform like his first three in this game, I expect him to climb a few spots on this list.
10) Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 83.35 (B)
Ahmad Hardy, a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, has balled out since becoming a Tiger with an exceptional performance in a 52-10 rout of Louisiana-Lafayette last time out. He ran for 250 yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns in a standout performance that landed him third among all running backs in Week 3.
So far this season, he has run for 462 yards and five touchdowns and will look to stay dangerous and climb this list with South Carolina coming to town this weekend.
9) NaQuari Rogers, Utah
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 83.38 (B)
Sometimes, making this list doesn’t take gaudy numbers; hard work and consistency do the trick. NaQuari Rogers has been solid running the ball and a stellar pass blocker for the Utes this season. There is more to the position than just running the ball, but by no means is Rogers evil, as he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored in every game this season.
It should come as no surprise that with this effort, Utah is 3-0 to start the year. However, they may need more from him, scoring next week with Texas Tech coming to town, if they want to stay undefeated.
8) Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 84.47 (B)
Rutgers has a bell cow at running back, and his name is Antwan Raymond. Raymond has been nothing short of spectacular in his three games this season and has scored five touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry.
In Rutgers’ last game, a 60-10 beatdown of Norfolk State, Raymond was a force with 79 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. He has scored in every game this year, and twice in the last two games. Look for them to lean on him against a stout Iowa defense in their first test of the season this weekend.
7) Adam Randall, Clemson
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 84.54 (B)
After limited usage in a tough Week 1 loss to LSU, Adam Randall seems to have shown why he belongs on the field. After his second straight solid performance, he has found his way to the seventh spot on our list. In the two games since, he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and has scored a touchdown in each of the first three games to start the season.
While Clemson is performing below expectations to start the year, the blame should not be on Randall, and in fact, they should probably lean on him a little more.
6) Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 85.24 (B)
The senior transfer from New Mexico State has shown a nose for the end zone in his career, but it seems like the SEC coaching at Arkansas may have unlocked something for Mike Washington Jr.’s game. Averaging 8.4 yards per carry in the early going, Washington played fantastically in a tough road loss at 17th-ranked Ole Miss last weekend.
He ran for 65 yards on 13 carries, scored two touchdowns, and had 53 yards recieving on just two receptions. He has made the most of this opportunity, and we expect this great season to continue in their next game @ Memphis this weekend.
5) Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami (FL)
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 86.28 (B)
With two ranked opponents in the first three games for Mark Fletcher Jr. and the Miami Hurricanes, he and the team have improved as each game has passed. Fletcher Jr. was stellar last time out against 18th-ranked South Florida.
MARK FLETCHER JR. SHOWS OUT 🚀
Miami’s running back was relentless in the 49-12 win over South Florida. 16 carries, 120 yards, 2 rushing TDs, plus 2 catches for 25 yards@CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | #ItsAllAboutTheU @DrPepper pic.twitter.com/EQo80vpZ0r
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 14, 2025
He ran for 120 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns. This is his second straight week on our list, and his consistency makes me think he is another one to focus on this year, as he will have all the opportunity to build on this great start and get on some awards watchlists.
4) Sedrick Alexander, Vanderbilt
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 86.44 (B)
Sedrick Alexander is someone whose name we have called this season, but after his Commodores made a statement in their win over 11th-ranked South Carolina, he earned a prominent spot on this list.
Seddy runs it in 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2huI2a38ap
— #20 Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) September 14, 2025
The true freshman back ran in a touchdown, caught a touchdown, and had 67 total yards in the game, continuing to be a key piece to Vanderbilt’s undefeated season. I like his odds of continuing with some strong performances in the future, and he has the chance to help Vanderbilt continue this storybook season, as they are one of three undefeated teams left in the SEC.
3) Sam Brown, Houston
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 87.14 (B+)
Sam Brown has been solid all season, but Week 3 was a week to remember. Brown ran for 250 yards on 24 carries, averaging over 10 yards per carry, with three touchdowns in a game where Houston beat up on Old Dominion, 60-16.
After that performance, Brown is now the highest-graded Group of 5 running back this season, and his spot on this list is very well deserved. Look for him to remain a substantial focal point in this offense.
2) Jadan Baugh, Florida
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 87.32 (B+)
Sophomore back Jadan Baugh has been the lone bright spot for the Gators to this point of the year, and to finish in the upper third of our Week 3 rankings, against a legitimate LSU team that was ranked third in the nation, is an impressive feat. He ran for 46 yards on ten carries and caught seven passes for 59 yards
Jadan Baugh is averaging 6.6 YPC through 3 games and has 37 total carries. Has yet to have more than 18. Had 4 in the second half last night despite averaging 7 YPC on them.
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) September 14, 2025
Clearly, the fans at home feel like Baugh can be the answer to turn this season around, and with his placement on this list, it is hard to argue that point. Florida threw the ball 49 times in their 20-10 loss last week, even with Baugh averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
With a gauntlet of a schedule coming up, starting with a road game at fourth-ranked in-state rival Miami next week, it remains to be seen how they will use him, but when he has the ball, we expect him to make a difference regardless of the opponent.
1) Jonah Coleman, Washington
- PFSN College RBi Season Grade: 89.68 (B+)
A perfect start to this list is Washington standout Jonah Coleman. The Huskies’ running back is among the nation’s best and has been a standout in each game this season. Against Colorado State, he ran for 178 yards and two touchdowns, continuing the best start to a season he has had in his young career. He is currently our top-ranked running back for the season.
College Football RB Rankings | 26-109
26) Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss (80.93, B-)
27) Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (80.34, B-)
28) Kevorian Barnes, TCU (80.06, B-)
29) Adam Mohammed, Washington (79.67, C+)
30) Kejon Owens, Florida International (79.27, C+)
31) Rashod Dubinion, Appalachian State (79.25, C+)
32) Lincoln Pare, Texas State (79.04, C+)
33) TJ Harden, SMU (78.87, C+)
34) Cam Cook, Jacksonville State (78.14, C+)
35) Bryson Washington, Baylor (77.35, C+)
36) Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (77.32, C+)
37) Dontae McMillan, Eastern Michigan (77.28, C+)
38) Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech (77.12, C+)
39) Jai’Den Thomas, UNLV (77.05, C+)
40) Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech (76.54, C)
41) Carson Hansen, Iowa State (76.34, C)
42) Lucky Sutton, San Diego State (76.15, C)
43) Alex Tecza, Navy (75.93, C)
44) Kendrick Raphael, California (75.80, C)
45) Yasin Willis, Syracuse (75.67, C)
46) Myles Montgomery, UCF (75.49, C)
47) Gemari Sands, Florida Atlantic (74.94, C)
48) Micah Ford, Stanford (74.76, C)
49) Nate Frazier, Georgia (74.27, C)
50) Caden Durham, LSU (74.22, C)
51) Tae Meadows, Troy (73.90, C)
52) Kaden Feagin, Illinois (73.39, C)
53) CJ Donaldson, Ohio State (73.10, C)
54) Daniel Hishaw Jr., Kansas (72.91, C-)
55) Darius Taylor, Minnesota (72.85, C-)
56) Makhi Frazier, Michigan State (72.22, C-)
57) Scottre Humphrey, New Mexico (72.14, C-)
58) Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State (72.07, C-)
59) Dominic Richardson, Tulsa (71.94, C-)
60) Dante Dowdell, Kentucky (71.83, C-)
61) Jevon Jackson, UAB (71.80, C-)
62) Roman Hemby, Indiana (71.78, C-)
63) Kaelon Black, Indiana (70.88, C-)
64) Turbo Richard, Boston College (70.87, C-)
65) Bryson Donelson, Fresno State (70.75, C-)
66) Cam Edwards, UConn (70.67, C-)
67) OJ Arnold, Georgia Southern (70.55, C-)
68) Caleb Komolafe, Northwestern (70.29, C-)
69) Kentrel Bullock, South Alabama (70.13, C-)
70) Jay Ducker, Temple (70.07, C-)
71) Miles Davis, Utah State (70.06, C-)
72) Jalen Dupree, Colorado State (69.88, D+)
73) Sire Gaines, Boise State (69.61, D+)
74) Will Nixon, Syracuse (69.58, D+)
75) CharMar Brown, Miami (FL) (69.44, D+)
76) Sutton Smith, Memphis (69.11, D+)
77) Makenzie McGill II, North Texas (68.93, D+)
78) Quinton Jackson, Rice (68.14, D+)
79) Qua Ashley, Ball State (67.97, D+)
80) Dean Connors, Houston (67.87, D+)
81) Chavon Wright, Northern Illinois (67.63, D+)
82) Evan Dickens, Liberty (67.62, D+)
83) Jordan Marshall, Michigan (67.57, D+)
84) J’Mari Taylor, Virginia (67.32, D+)
85) Chip Trayanum, Toledo (67.28, D+)
86) London Montgomery, East Carolina (67.20, D+)
87) D.J. McKinney, New Mexico (66.90, D)
88) Kanye Udoh, Arizona State (66.89, D)
89) Sam Scott, Wyoming (66.88, D)
90) Al-Jay Henderson, Buffalo (66.52, D)
91) Sieh Bangura, Ohio (65.92, D)
92) Bill Davis, Louisiana (65.78, D)
93) Zylan Perry, Louisiana (65.35, D)
94) Kalib Hicks, Oklahoma State (64.42, D)
95) DeJuan Williams, Maryland (64.27, D)
96) Sean Patrick, Akron (64.06, D)
97) Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan (63.42, D)
98) Daelen Alexander, Rice (62.61, D-)
99) Rocko Griffin, UMass (62.02, D-)
100) Herschel Turner, Nevada (61.41, D-)
101) Jekail Middlebrook, Middle Tennessee (60.96, D-)
102) Shomari Lawrence, Missouri State (60.88, D-)
103) Coleman Bennett, Kennesaw State (60.00, D-)
104) Kenyon Clay, Arkansas State (59.48, F)
105) Hayden Reed, Army (59.01, F)
106) CJ Stokes, Charlotte (58.89, F)
107) Gavin Garcia, Kent State (58.47, F)
108) Trey Cornist, Central Michigan (56.11, F)
109) Telly Johnson Jr., Northern Illinois (53.19, F)
