When drafting a College Fantasy Football team, I am a little old school and like to employ the Triple-Option RB Strategy, selecting three-ball carriers among the first five picks. It does not assure a championship; nevertheless, the Triple-Option provides a great foundation for a CFF roster.
In my most recent CFF Best Ball Draft, I drafted Devin Neal, Kansas, Jordan James, Oregon, and LeQuint Allen, Syracuse in rounds 2, 3, and 4. With three great runners, I did not grab another one until round 12 when I selected Cameron Cook, TCU. Of course, the strategy works well if a CFF diehard is comfortable finding productive wide receivers in the middle rounds, which I am as a veteran in the hobby.
The Triple-Option Strategy is not the only way to draft a CFF team. I have had success passing on building a running back corps with quantity and working the waiver wire hard in September. When drafting a CFF backfield, be open-minded and follow the value that is presented by opponents’ selections and ADP. When other drafters take players in my queue, I do not panic and immediately pivot. Clever fantasy managers understand the intersection of ADP and player value in drafts.
Examining the current ADP on Fantrax, it is apparent that CFF drafters are selecting elite runners early and often. Eleven of my Top 12 ball carriers are being selected in the first two rounds of CFF drafts and only Jordan James is a third-round pick. Astute CFF diehards will be watching the running back pool closely in order to build their rosters in 2024.
CFF RB Tiers
I have placed the top running backs in tiers—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude—to provide flexibility for CFF managers based on their league’s scoring format, roster construction and starting lineup requirements. I have also provided fantasy projections for all the players.
Summa Cum Laude
Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
Team Offense (Rank): 432 ypg. (30)
Rushing: 155 ypg. (67)
Scoring: 29.6 ppg. (53)
2024 FPPG: 26.9
Fantrax ADP: 2.0
I will always have fond memories of Ollie Gordon after he led my CFF King’s Classic team to the league championship last year. But that is not the reason why he ranks atop the CFF running back rankings in 2024.
After a sluggish first three games last year, the coaching staff finally placed the ball into Gordon’s hands, and he rewarded their confidence. The Cowboys’ runner surpassed the 100-yard mark in nine of the team’s final 11 games, including back-to-back performances with over 250 yards. For the season, Gordon earned 285 carries for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 39 receptions for 330 yards and a score. A unanimous All-American, he was also named the Doak Walker Award winner, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big 12.
Oklahoma State is loaded on the offensive side of the ball: All five offensive linemen return as well as quarterback Alan Bowman and receivers Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens. The Cowboys lost to Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game last year and are the early favorite to win the Conference in 2024. At 6’1” and 211 pounds, Gordon has very good vision, patience and lateral agility—making the Oklahoma State runner worthy of all the praise bestowed by the CFF community—and the key cog in one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. He is an easy top two overall pick.
Scouting Notebook: Gordon inked a NIL deal with Mcdonald’s and immediately posted on Instagram: “My ultimate McDonalds Southern Plains (McDouble, Spicy McChicken, Medium Fries and Ranch for Dipping) order always hits the spot…This is the perfect McDonald’s experience in one meal. I call it the OGII. I also grabbed a McFlurry since it’s heating up in Oklahoma! What’s your go-to order?”
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Team Offense (Rank): 436 ypg. (26)
Rushing: 215 ypg. (6)
Scoring: 32.1 ppg. (31)
2024 FPPG: 29.1
Fantrax ADP: 1.0
Few runners in the nation equaled Ashton Jeanty’s outstanding 2023 campaign. He sprinted for over 1,300 yards and 14 scores. Spectacularly, he recorded 43 catches for 569 yards and five additional scores. He twice surpassed 200 rushing yards—at San Diego State and at Colorado State—and four times surpassed 100 yards on the ground. The Broncos’ home run hitter also recorded over 100 yards receiving twice—at Washington and Air Force.
As a true freshman in 2022, Jeanty rushed for 821 yards and seven scores. After two seasons on campus, the elusive speedster has earned honorable mention All-Mountain West (2022), First Team All-Mountain West (2023), and First Team All-America (ESPN and USA Today).
Boise State hired Dirk Koetter—formerly head coach with the Buccaneers and offensive coordinator with the Jaguars and Buccaneers in the NFL—as the offensive coordinator, and he has big plans to take advantage of new quarterback Malachi Nelson and the All-American runner. At 5-9 and 215 pounds, Jeanty excels in space on the outside, using his vision and quickness to explode upfield. Jeanty should always be selected in the first three picks in CFF drafts.
Scouting Notebook: “I was able to really sit down and really think about things. Not just the money, but every single detail. The common theme was this was the right place. The best opportunity was for me to stay here,” Jeanty stated over the off-season on his decision to remain on campus (idahopress.com).
Devin Neal, Kansas
Team Offense (Rank): 507 ypg. (3)
Rushing: 182 ypg. (34)
Scoring: 41.7 ppg. (4)
2024 FPPG: 21.3
Fantrax ADP: 16.0
In 2021, I plucked Devin Neal off the waiver wire in a CFF keeper league, and he is still rostered on my team. He has registered back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns and will open training camp as the leading returning rusher among P4 teams with 3,534 yards.
Neal garnered Second Team All-Big 12 last year and honorable mention All-Big 12 two seasons ago. In three campaigns, Neal has snatched 52 passes for 457 yards and three scores. At 5-11 and 215 pounds, the senior playmaker has the size, speed and elusiveness to subjugate opponents and produce fantasy points.
In three years leading the Jayhawks, coach Lance Leipold has posted a 17-21 mark and guided Kansas to a 9-4 record last year. Leipold designs an excellent ground game which features multiple ball carriers. Yet, Neal has led the Jayhawks in rushing and carries all three seasons at Lawrence, KS with an increased workload each year. I have drafted Leipold runners since he coached at Buffalo and am bullish on Neal’s CFF upside in 2024.
Scouting Notebook: Neal announced his return to Kansas on a “X” video: “I’ve never shied away from anything, especially a challenge. Growing up in Lawrence, I was always looking up to KU legends. They gave the program everything, and now it’s my turn. I could say I’ve done what I came to do, but there’s still more to make this dream come true for the fans, the community, for everyone.”
Phil Mafah, Clemson
Team Offense (Rank): 403 ypg. (50)
Rushing: 174 ypg. (42)
Scoring: 29.8 ppg. (50)
2024 FPPG: 15.8
Fantrax ADP: 11.4
I heavily rostered Will Shipley last season. Luckily, I drafted Phil Mafah as a backup on many of the teams, locking up the Clemson backfield. While the strategy did not provide early returns, it did once Shipley was injured and Mafah stepped into the lead role for the Tigers against North Carolina State in late October. The bulldozing ball carrier earned 19 opportunities for 92 yards from scrimmage and two scores. Over the next five games, Mafah produced double-digit fantasy points each week and twice surpassed 30 (Notre Dame and Kentucky). His 13 rushing scores gave the Tigers at least one player with double-digit rushing touchdowns for nine consecutive seasons.
With Shipley off to the NFL in Philadelphia, Mafah inherits the backfield all by himself in Clemson, SC. A punishing runner at 6’1” and 230 pounds, the senior enters his final crusade with 345 career carries for 1,772 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as well as 37 receptions for 206 yards in 36 games with only seven starts.
Off the field, Mafah is a two-time ACC Honor Roll selection (2021-22) and twice was named All-ACC Academic Team (2022-2023). He also completed a micro-internship at NFL headquarters in the spring of 2022 and earned a degree in management in May. Mafah profiles as a lock for well over 200 carries and double-digit scores: He provides CFF managers a great RB anchor on a roster.
Scouting Notebook: “Mafah is a unique running back. Standing at 6-1 and 230 pounds, he is an imposing force for defenders. He has the size and skill to be a workhorse-type running back for Clemson…with the lack of depth in the backfield this year, Clemson fans should not be surprised to see Mafah receive about 80% of the work,” noted Evan Cooley (allclemsontigers.com).
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Team Offense (Rank): 491 ypg. (7)
Rushing: 192 ypg. (19)
Scoring: 34.5 ppg. (20)
2024 FPPG: 22.9
Fantrax ADP: 10.4
In college fantasy football, change is the norm. The Tar Heels have lost QB Drake Maye and many key members of the offensive line after last season. It will be intriguing to see how the upcoming campaign plays out in Chapel Hill, NC. Will the changes impact the production of Omarion Hampton?
In 2023, the sophomore ball carrier earned Second Team All-America, First Team All-ACC, and Doak Walker Finalist after rambling for 1,504 yards on 253 carries and scoring 15 times. He also grabbed 29 passes for 222 yards and a score. As a true freshman in 2022, he scampered for 401 yards on 88 carries, grabbed six passes for 40 yards, and accumulated seven scores.
A four-star recruit in high school, Hampton was ranked as the 148th player, the No. 12 running back and the No. 3 player in North Carolina. At 6-0 and 220 pounds, the junior is an aggressive competitor, who runs with low pads between the tackles and utilizes impressive vision and contact balance to maneuver through traffic. Despite the changes on the Tar Heels’ roster, Hampton should still thrive with plenty of opportunities in 2024.
Scouting Notebook: Hampton signed a NIL deal with Heels4Live during the offseason: “I want to thank my coaches for their help in developing me as a player and also to thank Heels4Life for believing in me,” the Tar Heels runner said (247Sports.com).
Twitterverse on Fire!
Among the following four transfer running backs, who will score the most college fantasy football points this season?
- Trevor Etienne, Georgia: 33%
- Mario Anderson, Memphis: 40%
- Ja’Quinden Jackson, Arkansas: 11%
- DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum, Kentucky: 16%
Scholar’s Selection: I am a huge AAC fan. Over the past decade, Memphis has been one of the best offenses for running back fantasy production. Mario Anderson transfers to Memphis from South Carolina after a season in which he gained 707 yards and three touchdowns, adding 22 catches for 153 yards and a score. Anderson and Memphis is a perfect match of talent and scheme for CFF diehards in 2024.
“I went with Trevor Etienne. Georgia tends to run the ball more than Memphis, which is my second choice, Mario Anderson.” @PlobascoLuke
“Mario Anderson for me. He’s got the talent and size. With Memphis’s multiple offensive assets, it should open things up for him to take advantage. Add in an easy schedule, and it’s a recipe for success.” @eliotmays
“DeaMonte ‘Chip’ Trayanum could have a Ray Davis type explosion in 2024. New Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan did wonders with Ashton Jeanty at Boise State last season…both on the ground and through the air!” @_NinoBrown_
“Mr. Mario Anderson for me. He is a big fish in a small pond on a team with a history of churning out great fantasy backs. All day, baby!” @aceholesrule
“As a Florida fan, I hated to see Trevor Etienne transfer away but it’s even worse to see him in our arch-rival’s uniform. But the talent is undeniable. Like many running backs at Florida lately, he was not used as the weapon he could be on the field. Going to Georgia, I can’t help but think he will excel in that offense. He has a lot of tools and is very versatile in both the run and pass game.” @FantasyJay77
Magna Cum Laude
Jordan James, Oregon
Team Offense (Rank): 531 ypg. (2)
Rushing: 185 ypg. (29)
Scoring: 44.2 ppg. (2)
2024 FPPG: 12.6
Fantrax ADP: 28.9
Coach Dan Lanning orchestrates a fantasy-friendly offense that constantly puts a plethora of points on the board—the Ducks finished second in Total Offense, averaging 531.4 yards and 44.2 points per game last year…Yum, Yum! At the end of the season, QB Bo Nix, RB Bucky Irvin, and WR Troy Franklin jettisoned campus to begin their professional careers. Yet, Lanning’s club is still projected to be one of the best teams in the nation as a new member of the Big Ten.
In the backfield, Jordan James steps to bat with Irving now in Tampa Bay. As a sophomore, he garnered 107 attempts and averaged 7.1 yards per carry, which ranked eighth in the country and first in the PAC-12. In a backup role, James gained 759 yards and scored 11 times.
In the Green-White Spring Game, the Dynamic Duck touched the ball 12 times for 124 yards and a rushing touchdown. Additionally, he caught five passes for a game-best 73 yards, which cemented his high ranking in 2024. At 5-10 and 205 pounds, he is ready for the increased workload and likely to propel himself among the best in the nation this year. In early CFF drafts, James is my most rostered running back.
Scouting Notebook: “Jordan’s running like an angry guy, which is exactly how you want your running back to run. He’s out here really improving this spring,” coach Lanning declared (registerguard.com).
Darius Taylor, Minnesota
Team Offense (Rank): 301 ypg. (122)
Rushing: 158 ypg. (65)
Scoring: 20.9 ppg. (108)
2024 FPPG: 21.7
Fantrax ADP: 8.3
As a true freshman last year, Darius Taylor only played in five full games, starting four and posting spectacular numbers when called upon. He surpassed 190 yards in three games and even logged a 200-yard effort versus Bowling Green. For the season, he averaged 5.8 ypc, while rushing for 799 yards—one of only four freshmen to exceed 700 yards on the ground—with five touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 92 yards.
In CFF, Taylor produced 28.6, 23.3, 36.6, 11.4, and 29.9 Fantasy Points (FPs) in the five games he saw significant carries. Unfortunately, Taylor suffered a leg injury against Iowa on October 21, which sidelined him for the rest of the season before returning versus Bowling Green (208 yards rushing) in the Quick Lane Bowl. When the year ended, he earned All-Big-Ten honorable mention and three times was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
As a high schooler, Taylor was a three-star prospect from Michigan. As a senior, he dashed 268 times for 2,450 yards and 36 touchdowns and seized 14 passes for 292 yards and a score. He set single-game school records for rushing yards (438), touchdowns (6), and points (36), and the Detroit Free Press named him First Team All-State. The Golden Gophers return four starters along the front five, and coach P.J. Fleck loves to pound the rock. Despite bringing in a trio of transfer backs at Minnesota, the offense will revolve around Taylor.
Scouting Notebook: “Obviously what I went through last season was unfortunate, but I knew what I needed to go into the offseason thinking about and working on myself. I had to better myself like getting into the training room, stretching, and making sure I was ready to go in every warm-up. Before I get out and practice, make sure I’m warming up in the training room…and obviously mentally, figuring everything out and all the things that we’re working on,” Taylor stated during the spring (247Sports.com).
DJ Giddens, Kansas State
Team Offense (Rank): 445 ypg. (23)
Rushing: 204 ypg. (11)
Scoring: 37.1 ppg. (10)
2024 FPPG: 20.1
Fantrax ADP: 12.4
Growing up in the late Seventies and early Eighties, the Wildcats were at the bottom of the college football hierarchy. When former coach Bill Snyder took over the program in 1989, Kansas State had not won a game in the previous two seasons, and the new coach only won a single contest during his first year. By 1993, Snyder led the Wildcats to a 9-2-1 record and Copper Bowl appearance, which was the first of 11 consecutive bowl game invites.
Since I started playing CFF in 2008, Kansas State has been an under-the-radar program for fantasy producers: QB Josh Freeman (2008), RB Daniel Thomas (2009-10), QB Colin Klein (2011-12), WR Tyler Lockett (2013-14) and RB Deuce Vaughn (2020-22) to name a few. DJ Giddens is the next great fantasy CFF scorer in Manhattan, KS.
Last year, Giddens dashed for 1,226 yards, snatched 29 passes for 323 yards and crossed the finish line 13 times. He concluded the season as CFF RB8, scoring over 260 FPs. At 6’1” and 212 pounds, Giddens was named All-Big 12 honorable mention and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week versus UCF.
In school history, the Wildcats’ runner kicks off training camp third in rushing yards per carry (5.59) and tenth in rushing yards per game (64.6). Giddens needs 256 rushing yards to become the twelfth player with 2,000 rushing yards and is close to reaching many career top-10 rushing categories. Giddens will be a household name by the end of the 2024 campaign.
Scouting Notebook: “He looks really good. Coach (Trumain Carroll) and his crew did a good job building his body back up after the long season and taking a lot of hits. So now it’s delivering more blows instead of him taking more blows. And I think once he understands his leverage because he’s a taller back and (needs to learn) how to get his pad level down a little bit more, you’re going to see a different running back than you saw even last year,” running backs coach Brian Anderson stated (themercury.com).
Damien Martinez, Miami
Team Offense (Rank): 431 ypg. (31)
Rushing: 173 ypg. (44)
Scoring: 31.5 ppg. (38)
2024 FPPG: 16.3
Fantrax ADP: 21.6
In 1979, I initially glimpsed Ottis Anderson, who was the first of many talented Miami running backs to become NFL stars, and fantasy producers, in my lifetime. In the late Nineties, Edgerrin James was a must-watch competitor, and Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, and Frank Gore continued the Hurricane’s dominance after the turn of the century. Sad to say, the last truly impactful CFF runner at Miami was Duke Johnson in 2014.
CFF diehards have waited patiently for another bell cow in Miami, FL and it appears that the wait is finally over. When the PAC-12 folded and Oregon State did not join a P4 conference, the Beavers settled for a modified schedule against Mountain West opponents. Alas, Damien Martinez, the team’s star runner, made a business decision and jumped ship, joining the Hurricanes.
Over two seasons in Corvallis, OR, Martinez rambled for 2,167 rushing yards on 355 attempts (6.1 ypc.) and scored 16 times. In 2022, he earned PAC-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year, and last year, he was named First Team All-PAC-12. He exceeded the century mark six times and failed only twice to surpass 80 yards. With stupendous vision and patience, the bulldozing runner joins a backfield in need of a dominant ball carrier in order to pound opponents. Martinez is poised for a monster season and ascend to CFF All-American status.
Scouting Notebook: “Martinez will bring a blend of size, strength and speed to Miami. The 6’0” and 232 pound running back also has great vision and patience and knows how to wait for his blocks to set up so he can hit the hole and hit the cutback lane if nothing is there. Then, in the open field, he can drag defenders along for every extra yard possible or make them miss. Last year, he ranked in the top 12 nationally both in yards after contact and missed tackles forced,“ penned Shea Mcdonald (themiamihurricane.com).
Twitterverse on Fire!
Among underrated college running backs, who is most likely to lead the nation in receptions out of the backfield?
- Malik Sherrod, Fresno State: 30%
- Dean Connors, Rice: 35%
- LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: 25%
- Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech: 10%
Scholar’s Selection: In March, I identified Dean Connors as an underrated CFF runner. Since then, he has continued to climb up draft boards. Therefore, based on current ADP, Bhayshul Tuten earned my vote in the poll. After bolting for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, Tuten was named Second Team All-ACC all-purpose back and Third Team All-ACC running back. I project an even more productive season for the senior Hokie.
“Malik Sherrod for me. I think the Fresno coaching staff and quarterback will find him early and often in the passing game.” @aceholesrule
“I went with LeQuint Allen here because even during a season of nonsense, he was productive. Not only did he have 1,000 yards rushing, but close to 40 receptions with over five YPC. All while dealing with three different quarterbacks. Bhayshul Tuten getting no love is wild as well…58 catches over the past two seasons.” @_NinoBrown_
“Dean Connors for me. In 2023, he was third in the G5 in running back targets per game. I don’t think it would be a stretch to expect more with Luke McCaffrey off to the NFL.” @PlobascoLuke
“It is close between Malik Sherrod and Dean Conners, but I would expect Conners to be more ‘needed’ in the passing game. Add a great arm in EJ Warner, and targets should come naturally.” @eliotmays
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Team Offense (Rank): 387 ypg. (64)
Rushing: 163 ypg. (59)
Scoring: 27.4 ppg. (62)
2024 FPPG: 19.3
Fantrax ADP: 24.7
In the halcyon days of Texas Tech football, CFF diehards gobbled up Red Raiders under pass-happy coach Mike Leach. The historical numbers by QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree reverberate across time in the minds of college fanatics. In two seasons (2007 and 2008), Graham passed for 10,816 yards and 93 touchdowns while Crabtree tallied 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 42 scores.
Regrettably, there is no equivalent runner in the program’s history. Tahj Brooks could be the “dude” CFF players remember. He might end his college tenure as the most prolific runner at Texas Tech. Brooks trails the Red Raiders’ all-time leading rusher Byron Hanspard by only 1,083 yards. He also has 12 career 100-yard games, which ranks sixth all-time at the school.
Last year, Brooks galloped for 1,538 yards—fifth 1,500-yard campaign at Texas Tech—and averaged 5.3 ypc, finishing as CFF RB12. He was named to the First Team All-Big 12 and semifinalist for both the Doak Walker and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Awards. At 5’10” and 230 pounds, Brooks smashes opponents and will produce substantial alternative-reality numbers once again.
Scouting Notebook: “Really just sitting down with (coach Joey) McGuire, (James) Blanchard and (Brian) Nance, where they see me and things with the NFL, how it lines up and things like that…I felt like I had another year in me, especially with this team. This group of guys, me being a captain and all, taking on that role, and just leading them some more,” Brooks disclosed on his decision to return (texastechrivals.com).
Jaydn Ott, California
Team Offense (Rank): 391 ypg. (61)
Rushing: 173 ypg. (45)
Scoring: 30.2 ppg. (47)
2024 FPPG: 21.2
Fantrax ADP: 13.2
Over the past year, I have enjoyed watching NFL games on YouTube from my formative years. I have seen many San Diego Chargers games of the early Eighties, and former California running back Chuck Muncie (1973-75) is so much fun to watch. Marshawn Lynch (2004-06) just missed the cut of my CFF fandom, and Jahvid Best (2007-09) furnished many memorable plays during my first two seasons playing CFF. In 2024, Jaydn Ott will leave his mark on the all-time leading rushers for the Golden Bears, among college football fans and CFF players.
A junior, Ott has played in 24-of-25 games with 22 starts and accumulated 2,212 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. With 71 receptions for 514 yards and five scores, he is also a very good pass catcher. After rushing for over 1,300 yards last year, Ott was named First Team All-PAC-12. He concluded the campaign third among active FBS players with an average of 92.2 rushing yards per game. His 119.58 all-purpose yards per game were fourth in the nation. At 6’0” and 210 pounds, Ott is a three-down back with great balance and lateral movement. California will rely on Ott to help the transition to the ACC and CFF coaches will rejoice.
Scouting Notebook: Ott played a prank on the California fan base last winter: “I actually entered the transfer portal this morning, and then I jumped back in and pulled it out. Nah, I’m playing…I posted that video saying how I was leaving, scaring people like this (media). Then I said I was just joking,” he uttered in an interview after the joke was rescinded (lubbockonline.com).
Ismail Mahdi, Texas State
Team Offense (Rank): 458 ypg. (15)
Rushing: 187 ypg. (26)
Scoring: 36.7 ppg. (11)
2024 FPPG: 18.9
Fantrax ADP: 22.2
The casual college football fan does not likely know Texas State or its head coach GJ Kinne. However, CFF diehards are familiar with the Bobcats’ coach. In 2022, Kinne guided Incarnate Word to a 12-2 record, a Southland Conference championship, a No. 7 national ranking, and an FCS Playoff appearance, reaching the semifinals.
In his first year at Texas State, Kinne and the Bobcats doubled their victories from 2022. Kinne’s offense boosted its average per game by 15 points from the season before. The Bobcats scored 40-plus points six times, including three times in Sun Belt matchups. Two players ignited the improvement on offense: QB TJ Finley, who left via the transfer portal, and Ismail Mahdi, who earned First Team All-Sun Belt.
In 2022, Mahdi played at Houston Christian University and was named a Jerry Rice finalist. As a true freshman, he posted 901 all-purpose yards and scored five total touchdowns in eight games. Afterward, Mahdi transferred to Texas State and continued to dominate on the gridiron. Last year, he played in all 13 games, starting 10, and paced the nation in all-purpose yards with 2,169: 1,331 rushing on 223 attempts, 275 receiving on 20 catches, and 563 kick return yards on 22 attempts with 12 total touchdowns. He earned First Team All-American (all-purpose) and is one of the most exciting playmakers in the nation.
Scouting Notebook: “I wanted to stay in Texas, and Texas State was closer to home. I liked the coaching staff, coach G.J. Kinne and the offense. I felt like I could fit into this offense. (Breaking records) is something I anticipated. My pops and I talked about reaching those goals. I did surpass some of them. I wanted to get 1,000 rushing yards. I surpassed the goal that I set,” Mahdi stated after the season concluded (universitystar.com).
2024 CFF Rankings and Projections
| Player | Rush Yards | Recs. | Rec. Yrds | TDs | Points | Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ollie Gordon | 1,500 | 30 | 220 | 18 | 310 | 25.8 |
| Ashton Jeanty | 1,200 | 40 | 440 | 16 | 300 | 25.0 |
| Devin Neal | 1,350 | 28 | 200 | 18 | 291 | 24.3 |
| Phil Mafah | 1,150 | 30 | 230 | 16 | 264 | 22.0 |
| Omarion Hampton | 1,250 | 25 | 180 | 15 | 258 | 21.5 |
| Jordan James | 1,100 | 40 | 300 | 15 | 270 | 22.5 |
| Darius Taylor | 1,300 | 15 | 100 | 15 | 245 | 20.4 |
| DJ Giddens | 1,200 | 35 | 300 | 15 | 275 | 22.9 |
| Damien Martinez | 1,300 | 20 | 150 | 17 | 267 | 22.3 |
| Tahj Brooks | 1,300 | 38 | 250 | 11 | 259 | 21.6 |
| Jaydn Ott | 1,400 | 35 | 200 | 15 | 285 | 23.8 |
| Ismail Mahdi | 1,400 | 18 | 150 | 12 | 245 | 20.4 |