Few running backs in the modern era have entered the NFL with as much hype as Saquon Barkley. From the moment he stepped onto the field at Penn State, it was clear he wasn’t just another prospect.
He was a generational talent.
His combination of power, speed, and elusiveness made him one of the most electrifying players in college football, and by the time the 2018 NFL Draft rolled around, Barkley was widely seen as one of the best running back prospects in years.
But while his draft status was never in doubt, Barkley’s career has been a rollercoaster filled with jaw-dropping highlights, frustrating injuries, and a fresh start in Philadelphia. Let’s take a look back at his journey from college superstar to top draft pick.
Saquon Barkley Becomes College Star at Penn State
Before Barkley became an NFL standout, he was the face of Penn State football. From the moment he arrived on campus in 2015, he looked like a future pro. As a freshman, he rushed for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns, with a staggering 134.5 rushing yards per game.
His sophomore season in 2016 was even more explosive. Barkley racked up 1,898 total yards and 22 touchdowns, leading Penn State to a Big Ten Championship and cementing himself as one of the most dominant backs in college football. He followed that up with another monster year in 2017, totaling 1,903 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns while showing off his rare ability as a runner and receiver.
By the end of his college career, Barkley had established himself as a top NFL prospect, finishing second in Penn State history in career rushing yards (3,843) and first for rushing touchdowns (43). He had the speed of a sprinter, the power of a linebacker, and the kind of highlight-reel plays that made scouts and fans alike believe he was destined for greatness.
Giants Select Barkley No. 2 Overall in the 2018 NFL Draft
Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, there was little debate that Barkley was the best non-quarterback prospect available. The real question was whether a running back should be taken at the top of the draft.
Despite the growing belief that teams should build around quarterbacks rather than running backs, the New York Giants didn’t hesitate. With the No. 2 overall pick, they selected Barkley, making him the highest-drafted running back since Reggie Bush in 2006.
The move was both celebrated and criticized. Some saw Barkley as a generational talent, while others questioned if a team coming off a 3-13 season should invest such a high pick in a running back instead of finding a long-term answer at quarterback. The Cleveland Browns had just taken Baker Mayfield No. 1 overall, and many believed the Giants should have done the same by picking a quarterback of their own.
Barkley Goes From Rookie Stardom to NFL Challenges
Barkley wasted no time proving the Giants right — at least initially. His rookie season in 2018 was legendary, as he rushed for 1,307 yards, caught 91 passes for 721 yards, and scored 15 total touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His mix of power, agility, and breakaway speed made him an instant fan favorite, and he looked poised to dominate the league for years to come.
However, the years that followed were not as smooth. Injuries, inconsistent offensive line play, and coaching instability in New York limited Barkley’s impact. A torn ACL in 2020 sidelined him for most of the season, and even after returning, he struggled to recapture his early-career explosiveness.
After six seasons with the Giants, Barkley’s time in New York came to an end. In 2024, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, hoping for a fresh start and a chance to chase a Super Bowl ring.
His 2024 season, his first in Philly, was nothing short of legendary. Through 17 games, Barkley had a shot at the all-time single-season NFL rushing record, though he sat out Week 18 to prepare for the postseason with the No. 2 seed locked up. It proved to be a sound choice, as Barkley and the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl.
Still, Barkley didn’t end up without accolades, recording the ninth 2,000-yard season in NFL history, setting an Eagles single-season record (in both rushing yards and scrimmage yards), and sitting within range of the cumulative single-season rushing record (including the playoffs) set by Terrell Davis in 1998.