This article covers ten 2025 draft eligible running backs to watch out for in the twilight of the college football season. With a loaded class incoming, it is never too early to start figuring out who you like among the many names of impact backs. SF draft ranges are based on 12 team leagues.
Ashton Jeanty – Boise State
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Early 1st
Best NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys
If all goes as expected, Jeanty will be the 1.01 in rookie drafts in 2025. Possessing just about every attribute you want in a running back, Jeanty will help struggling dynasty teams immediately.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Mid 1st
Nicholas Singleton – Penn State
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Mid 1st – Early 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
Singleton provides a rare combination of speed and strength. He also has great vision as a runner and has the potential to be a workhorse back.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Mid 2nd
Dylan Sampson – Tennessee
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Mid 1st – Early 2nd
Best NFL Fit: New England Patriots
Sampson is an underrated prospect who is not getting talked about enough in national media. Sampson is lightning fast and has big play ability every time he touches the ball.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Early 3rd
Omarion Hampton – North Carolina
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Mid 1st – Early 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Minnesota Vikings
Hampton is a fantastic downhill runner with great contact balance and strong finishing. Hampton has the build and skill for a potential workhorse role in the NFL.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Mid 2nd
Treveyon Henderson – Ohio State
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Late 1st – Early 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Houston Texans
Henderson is a great combination of downhill running and pass game presence that can keep him on the field often in the NFL.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Early 3rd
Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Late 1st – Mid 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Judkins is a physical back with a nose for the end zone. There seems to be at least a chance he stays in school, but if Judkins enters the draft he will be one of the top backs
Projected NFL Draft Position: Early 3rd
Ollie Gordon – Oklahoma State
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Late 1st – Mid 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Cleveland Browns
Gordon is having a down year compared to last year, but this could be more indicative of a tough year for Oklahoma State. Gordon still has elite speed and very good vision
Projected NFL Draft Position: Mid 3rd
Kaleb Johnson – Iowa
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Late 1st – Mid 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Los Angeles Chargers
Johnson is a big back who has fantastic footwork, allowing him to maneuver through lanes while also being able to bring the boom. Johnson is an intriguing prospect with a very high ceiling.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Late 2nd
Trevor Etienne – Georgia
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Early 2nd – Late 2nd
Best NFL Fit: Washington Commanders
Etienne figures to have the skill set to make plays in the NFL, but it would be an uphill battle for him to fall into a high touch role as he only has 95 rushes in 8 games and is on the smaller side.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Late 3rd
Jordan James – Oregon
Projected SF Rookie Draft Range: Mid 2nd – Early 3rd
Best NFL Fit: Denver Broncos
Jordan James is an exciting back who is getting his time to shine in a great Oregon offense. James still produced last year behind Bucky Irving but has taken part of the spotlight for the 11-0 Ducks. James possesses a good mix of physicality and finesse.
Projected NFL Draft Position: Early 4th
