In an era dominated by the air raid, running backs have become somewhat overlooked. But they are still the workhorses that turn a good team into a great one. Michigan’s national title run in 2023, powered by Blake Corum and a punishing ground game, was the perfect reminder.
Here are the top 10 running backs in college football heading into Week 6.
1. Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
The best back in the country so far. Hardy has rushed for 100+ yards in every game, piling up 730 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has more yards after contact than most SEC backs have total yards, and he leads all of college football in missed tackles forced. If he keeps this up against SEC defenses, Hardy could be in line for a Heisman invite.
2. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Love’s stats don’t pop compared to others here, but his skill set is elite. Notre Dame splits carries between Love and Jadarian Price, so his totals are lower, but he still adds 160 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns through the air. He’s as versatile as any back in the nation.
3. Justice Haynes, Michigan
Haynes has climbed to 4th nationally with 654 rushing yards after torching Wisconsin. Against two top-five rushing defenses in Oklahoma and Wisconsin, he racked up 242 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving he can produce even against the toughest competition.
4. Robert Henry, UTSA
Henry has been the heartbeat of the Roadrunners’ offense, with 666 yards and 7 touchdowns on fewer carries than most of the other leaders. He opened with 177 yards and 2 scores against Texas A&M and hasn’t slowed since.
5. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
A transfer from Missouri, Lacy has been the steadying force in Lane Kiffin’s offense. With 445 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, he has been a reliable finisher while forming a strong tandem with Logan Diggs.
6. Waymond Jordan, USC
Jordan ranks 9th nationally with 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. He impressed even in USC’s lone loss to Illinois, piling up 94 yards and 2 scores. Lincoln Riley’s offense has leaned heavily on him, and he’s delivered.
7. Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
Raymond has been one of the few bright spots for Rutgers, tied for 2nd in the country with 9 rushing touchdowns. Even as the Scarlet Knights have stumbled, he’s produced, posting 224 yards and 4 scores in their last two games.
8. Hollywood Smothers, NC State
Smothers has been electric, now 2nd in the nation with 693 rushing yards. His 5 touchdowns feel low for his workload, but he’s been dominant against most ACC opponents. A tough matchup with Notre Dame looms in Week 7, and NC State’s upset hopes hinge on him.
9. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Price could start for most teams, but in South Bend, he splits carries with Love. Even with fewer touches, he has 356 yards and 7 touchdowns. Together, he and Love fuel one of the nation’s highest-scoring offenses at 41 points per game.
10. Bryson Washington, Baylor
Washington ranks 10th in rushing yards with 492 and has added 5 touchdowns. He’s been a perfect complement to Baylor’s explosive passing game. His status is uncertain due to injury, but if he plays against Kansas State, he remains a key weapon for the Bears and could have another big day.
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