There once was an era when running backs dominated Saturday afternoons in my lifetime. In the Eighties and Nineties, Marcus Allen, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Barry Sanders, and Eddie George left indelible memories for thousands of college football fans, and I fell in love with the position long before College Fantasy Football entered the lexicon.
From 1980-2000, ball carriers brought home 10 Heisman Trophies. Since 2001, only three runners have amassed enough votes to collect the coveted award. Alas, as football evolved with the advent of the spread offense, quarterbacks and receivers bombarded opponents with touchdowns and highlights, and a new generation of fans and Heisman voters delighted in the changes on the field.
As the game evolved on the gridiron, I had to update my draft strategy. When I first began playing College Fantasy Football, I kicked off countless drafts with a trio of ball carriers to anchor my rosters, searching for the next Melvin Gordon, Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Christian McCaffrey. The strategy worked well until around 2018, when fantasy points came more often from the passing game than on the ground. Of course, running backs still produced points, but not like in the past.
After Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty scampered for over 2,000 yards last year, will running backs once again rule Saturdays? CFF diehards seem convinced that the ground game is back (or at least hoarding backs with projected high volume), and running backs are flying off the boards in the first and second rounds of drafts. I have twice implemented a ‘Three-RB Strategy’ in early drafts and liked how the roster looked afterwards. Every CFF diehard must assess the player pool and determine their own game plan in 2025.
CFF RB Tiers
The preseason All-American CFF running backs are ranked 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… Enjoy, my fellow CFF diehards.
Summa Cum Laude
Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
Team Offense (Rank): 408 ypg. (44)
Rushing: 142 ypg. (85)
Scoring: 32.9 ppg. (31)
PFF Grade: 77.3
2025 FPPG: 23.6
Last year, the College Fantasy Football waiver wire provided many weekly starters in the backfield, and Desmond Reid instantly introduced himself to the nation. Formerly at Western Carolina (FCS), Reid shot up the Panthers’ depth chart when Rodney Hampton (likely starter) was announced as ineligible for the season. Within the first five minutes of the game against Kent State, Reid returned a punt 78 yards for a score. When the afternoon concluded, the Panthers’ new starter scored 24.6 FPs on 14 carries for 145 yards, three catches for 11 yards and a touchdown, finishing the day with 245 all-purpose yards.
When the 2024 campaign concluded, Reid finished with 260 Fantasy Points (FPs) in 11 games. He garnered 183 carries for 962 yards and five touchdowns and added 52 catches on 73 targets for 579 yards and four scores. He collected many accolades for his outstanding performance: First Team All-ACC (all-purpose), Second Team All-America (all-purpose,) and ACC Offensive Newcomer of the Year (CFN).
In 2022-23, Reid played in 18 games for the Catamounts, scampering for 1,723 yards and 17 touchdowns on 250 carries while averaging 6.9 yards per carry (ypc,). He also snatched 42 passes for 495 yards and a score. As a sophomore, he was named second team All-American (FCS) by the AFCA and transferred to Pittsburgh in January 2024. At 5-8 and 175 pounds, Reid is a dynamic game breaker, who will continue to earn the majority of touches in the Panthers’ backfield, producing a plethora of fantasy points.
Notebook: Reid is already in the spotlight by some members of the national media: “(ESPN’s Greg) McElroy described Reid as one of college football’s most underrated players—and one of his personal favorites. ‘Not only was he incredible [last year], but he beat you in so many ways. This guy is just a really well-rounded football player that I don’t think gets nearly enough attention—doesn’t get nearly enough credit—but pound for pound, is one of the best football players in the entire country.’” (pittsburghpanthers.com)
Bryson Washington, Baylor
Team Offense (Rank): 440 ypg. (20)
Rushing: 179 ypg. (42)
Scoring: 34 ppg. (19)
PFF Grade: 85.9
2025 FPPG: 20.4
Baylor is not a program to seek CFF ball carriers over the past 15 years. Yet, astute CFF coaches remain open-minded in regard to fantasy potential. If Bryson Washington runs for over 1,000 yards in 2025, he would rise into the Bears’ Top 10 ball carriers in the history of the program after just one season of production. It is remarkable considering how little Washington has played in Waco, TX.
In 2024, he did not earn a carry in the first two games of the campaign and remained available on the waiver wire in leagues. In the next four games, he finally saw playing time and accumulated 43 attempts for 186 yards. Against Texas Tech in the sixth contest, the sophomore scampered for 116 yards on 10 totes and scored twice. The 6-0 and 203-pounder took over the backfield chores for the remainder of the campaign: In the final seven outings, he eclipsed the century mark five times, including season-highs of 196 yards and four touchdowns versus TCU.
Amazingly, he concluded the year producing 224 FPs. He collected Second Team Freshman All-American, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year (Honorable Mention), Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (Honorable Mention), and Second Team All-Texas (DCTF). Coming off the best freshman season ever at Baylor for a running back, Washington is primed to shine in 2025 and climb up the Bears’ all-time rushing leader rankings.
Notebook: “I just love coming downhill and hitting somebody. It just makes me feel happy. I like to be the aggressor…Mentality-wise, I’m a defensive player, but I love to run the ball. That’s what I was thinking about coming out of high school. I was like, ‘Man, do I want to go play running back or defense?’ I love them both,” Byson stated last October (baylorlariat.com).
Deja vu 😵💫
Bryson Washington tallies his second 4️⃣ TD performance of the season!#Big12FB | @BUFootball pic.twitter.com/rqom1UWdcs
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 17, 2024
Darius Taylor, Minnesota
Team Offense (Rank): 338 ypg. (107)
Rushing: 116 ypg. (109)
Scoring: 26.2 ppg. (80)
PFF Grade: 82.5
2025 FPPG: 22.2
When coach P.J. Fleck commanded Western Michigan, the Broncos were a pass-happy offense that subjugated MAC opponents. Since he took over the program at Minnesota in 2017, Fleck’s scheme has not flown as high. The coach has transitioned to a ground-and-pound, run-based offense: From 2018-2022, Mohamed Ibrahim, the former Minnesota ball carrier, produced three 1,000-yard seasons and twice scored more than 15 rushing touchdowns in Fleck’s system.
It is clear that CFF diehards want to roster Fleck’s lead ball carrier, and Darius Taylor has earned the Summa Cum Laude tier. In 2024, he finished the season with 266 FPs on 205 carries for 986 yards and 10 touchdowns and secured 54 passes for 350 yards and two scores. In 2023, Taylor recorded 130 FPs with 799 rushing yards and five scores and 11 receptions for 92 yards. The 6-1 and 215-pounder has accumulated many awards in his first two campaigns in Minneapolis: All-Big Ten Academic, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, Big Ten Freshman of the Week (3x), and Quick Lane Bowl MVP
As a high school senior, Taylor recorded school records with 2,450 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. He also snatched 14 passes for 292 yards and a score, and set single-game school marks for rushing yards (438) and touchdowns (6). A multi-sport star, the four-star recruit also competed in track-and-field (100-meter dash, relay teams, and discus events) and was a state-qualifying wrestler with a 23-6 record. Taylor has been a CFF luminary during his first two seasons on campus, and another All-American campaign is in the cards for the Gophers’ bruising back.
Notebook: “The biggest thing is how I practiced this offseason. I made it my mission to go as hard as I can and not take any days off. Learning to just lead by example. In the running back room, the biggest thing is nobody can look at me and say, ‘Darius took this play off, so I can take one off,’” Taylor said in the spring (startribune.com).
Twitterverse on Fire!
Among the following transfer running backs, who will score the most college fantasy football points in 2025?
- Quinten Joyner, Texas Tech: 26%
- Waymond Jordan, USC: 17%
- Ahmad Hardy, Missouri: 36%
- Justice Haynes, Michigan: 21%
Scholar’s Selection: Given the four backs in the poll above, I would select Justice Hayes. The former Crimson Tide runner transferred north to Ann Arbor, MI, and landed in an offensive scheme that feeds its alpha back with carries. In 2022, Blake Corum earned 247, in 2023, he carried it another 258 times, and in 2024, Kalel Mullings collected 185. It is fair to project Haynes with 200 rushing attempts in 2025, and I will bank on the volume.
“My vote goes to Ahmad Hardy. Although I have Waymond Joyner ranked higher, it’s difficult to deny a running back in Hardy who can tote the rock 20 times per game and maintain a top-three elusive rating (over 100 attempts). Hopefully, he can maintain some of his momentum moving to the SEC.” @eliotmays
“I didn’t see Mizzou sign another running back to challenge Ahmad Hardy for carries, so I’m leaning Hardy despite the history of G5-to-P4 transfer ball carriers not being good.” @IUW_Purple_Reign
“Waymond Jordan for me. Good buzz this spring, but you could hit with any of these RBBCs.” @aceholesrule
“I view Waymond Jordan as the odd man out. Every year we see G5 studs like Ahmad Hardy transfer up and do worse. Michigan has split the carry load in their backfield. My answer has to be Quinten Joyner.” @CFBHeadgear
“Waymond Jordan will be one of the biggest DEVY risers by the end of 2025.” @fantasyfrawd
Magna Cum Laude
Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State
Team Offense (Rank): 391 ypg. (60)
Rushing: 189 ypg. (29)
Scoring: 24.2 ppg. (95)
PFF Grade: 77.4
2025 FPPG: 20.0
In 2024, Oregon State had to navigate tremendous change and challenges. The Beavers lost at college football’s musical chairs competition and remained in a two-team Pac-12 with a heavy emphasis on Mountain West opponents. Also, the school hired first-time head coach Trent Bray to guide the program into a new era.
A defensive-minded coach, Bray was Oregon State’s defensive coordinator for two seasons before being promoted, and he relied on his run game to move the football. In 2024, Anthony Hankerson had 232 carries for 1,082 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns and made 27 catches for 151 yards, scoring 240 FPs. In nine contests, he scored at least once and recorded five multi-score efforts. Hankerson closed the campaign with five games over 100 yards. Prior to last season, Hankerson played two years at Colorado: He totted the rock for 593 yards and four touchdowns on 143 attempts, adding 21 catches for 95 yards.
A three-star recruit, Hankerson was ranked as the No. 41 running back by ESPN and ended his high school career with 3,420 rushing yards while reaching the end zone on 43 occasions and surpassing 100 yards 20 times. He added 19 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in Broward County as a senior. The Beavers’ upcoming schedule is not daunting, and Hankerson should see plenty of open lanes to score an abundance of fantasy points this year.
Notebook: “(Anthony) is a talented player. He’s an extremely hard worker. He just grinds. He’s tough. He banged up both shoulders, his ankle, and he just continued to fight. He’s just the guy you’re looking to carry the football,” coach Bray expressed last fall (oregonlive.com).
83-YARDS TO THE HOUSE FOR @BeaverFootball! 🔥
Hankerson was MOVING 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/eWSdN7XSvD
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2024
Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Team Offense (Rank): 437 ypg. (22)
Rushing: 158 ypg. (72)
Scoring: 34.9 ppg. (17)
PFF Grade: 90.1
2025 FPPG: 19.9
I am an unabashed fan of the AAC, and Tulane emerged as one of the top programs over the past three seasons, posting a 32-10 mark and winning two Conference Championships. Over the past two campaigns, Makhi Hughes scorched foes and ignited the Green Wave run game, recording consecutive 1,000-yard seasons after redshirting as a freshman.
In high school, Hughes was a three-star recruit and the No. 85 running back in the nation. In 2023, he earned freshman All-American honors, First Team All-AAC, and AAC Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns. Last season, he set career-highs across the board with 265 carries for 1,401 yards and 15 scores. He collected First Team All-AAC honors and was named a Doak Walker semifinalist. At Tulane, he caught 30 passes for 243 yards and two scores. In 28 games, Hughes passed the century mark 14 times.
During the winter, Hughes (a four-star transfer) made the decision to move north to Oregon to suit up for coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks. In three seasons at Oregon, Lanning’s offense has produced a 1,000-yard rusher (Bucky Irving 2x and Jordan James). Lanning does employ a rotation; nevertheless, the lead back has been able to distance themselves from their teammates in regard to production. Reports from the Ducks’ offseason program indicate that Hughes is learning the system and will play a key role as a co-lead in the backfield. I am rostering the Ducks’ new ball carrier as often as possible in 2025.
Notebook: “…how physical of a runner (Makhi) is and his ability to break tackles, his contact balance, his striking in pass pro, his contact initiation, and obviously his productivity in a really good league against really good talent. He’s shown the same things here. Every day, he’s getting more and more comfortable with the playbook. You can see some of his natural ability starting to come out as he’s starting to play faster and think less,” running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples stated (duckswire.com)
Isaac Brown, Louisville
Team Offense (Rank): 449 ypg. (13)
Rushing: 185 ypg. (33)
Scoring: 36.5 ppg. (9)
PFF Grade: 83.2
2025 FPPG: 18.0
As a true freshman last year, Isaac Brown captured the lead role in the Cardinals’ backfield by the fourth game. Against Notre Dame, the explosive runner recorded 95 yards and a touchdown from scrimmage on 17 touches, scoring 19.5 FPs. In the next five games, he put together a string of games that propelled him into the national spotlight and CFF stardom. He scored over 19 FPs in every game, topped 100 rushing yards three times, and scored six touchdowns.
For the season, Brown registered 1,173 rushing yards, snagged 30 passes for 152 yards and reached the promised land 12 times, scoring 235 FPs. He became the first true Louisville freshman to reach 1,000 yards rushing, surpassing Lamar Jackson’s mark of 960. The ACC awarded Brown the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he was named Freshman All-American by the FWAA.
At 5-9 and 190 pounds, Brown graded out as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 19 running back in the nation. A sprinter, he ran track and field and was a state qualifier in the long jump as a sophomore. He posted a 10.97 in the 100 meters and was a member of the 4×100 team. Coach Jeff Brohm has guided the Cardinals to a 19-8 mark in his first two seasons, and the offense has averaged over 30 points each campaign. Brown is the centerpiece of the Cardinals’ offense and will continue producing fantasy points in bunches.
Notebook: “There’s more that we can achieve as (Isaac) puts on weight and gains mass and muscle strength. I think he can start to power through some of those tackles that may have resulted in four yards last year, and maybe now will result in 40 more. And now, we’re in the end zone,” said running backs coach Chris Barclay (courier-journal.com).
Al-Jay Henderson, Buffalo
Team Offense (Rank): 355 ypg. (95)
Rushing: 169 ypg. (52)
Scoring: 28.8 ppg. (59)
PFF Grade: 76.1
2025 FPPG: 16.2
One of the more important lessons that I have learned in 17 years playing CFF is that players can come from any program to help managers win championships. Two Buffalo Bulls competitors have assisted my CFF squads to win games and titles: WR Anthony Johnson and RB Jaret Patterson. In 2017, Johnson was named CFF Wide Receiver of the Year after catching 76 passes for 1,356 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2019, Patterson scampered for over 1,700 yards and 19 scores and exceeded 1,000 yards three straight years.
Last year, Al-Jay Henderson ascended to CFF starting lineups during an impressive second half of the season. In Week 6 versus Toledo, he rushed for 142 yards on 18 attempts, averaging 7.9 ypc. Down the stretch, Henderson exceeded 100 yards in five additional outings and amassed over 20 carries in each of the Bulls’ final four games. At 6-0 and 210 pounds, the senior became the 11th Bulls’ running back to rush for 1,000 yards and earned Third Team All-MAC.
In 2024, coach Pete Lembo took over the Buffalo program coming off a three-win season and immediately turned around the fortunes of the Bulls with a 9-4 mark while scoring 28.8 ppg. Buffalo concluded the campaign with five consecutive victories, which coincided with Henderson’s production. In the winning streak, Lembo’s offense scored 198 points, averaging an impressive 39.6 ppg. After an opening game at Minnesota, the Bulls’ schedule is very promising for Henderson and the ground attack.
Eastern Michigan 78-yard deep ball touchdown, and Buffalo responds one play later with a 75-yard touchdown to Al-Jay Henderson
THIS. IS. #MACtion. pic.twitter.com/Hmkw6ZZsQT
— By the Belt: A MAC Sports Blog (@bythebelt) November 21, 2024
Dylan Edwards, Kansas State
Team Offense (Rank): 427 ypg. (31)
Rushing: 216 ypg. (11)
Scoring: 31 ppg. (46)
PFF Grade: 73.0
2025 FPPG: 10.7
The Wildcats scheme relies on production from a spirited QB-RB combo: In 2023, the QB-RB duo combined for 19-of-32 rushing touchdowns (59%), and the Kansas State twosome scored 14-of-21 rushing touchdowns (67%) last year. QB Avery Johnson returns behind center while RB Dylan Edwards steps into the starting role in the backfield with DJ Giddens off to the NFL.
At 5-9 and 167 pounds, Edwards is an explosive pass-catching back who can score from any spot on the field. To close the campaign last year, the sophomore running back replaced Giddens in the starting lineup versus Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, rushing for a career high 196 yards and including a career-long scamper of 65 yards. He also added two catches for 27 yards, crossed the finish line three times, and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. For the season, Edwards sprinted for 546 yards and five touchdowns in addition to totaling 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 19 catches.
In 2023, Edwards enrolled at Colorado and played one season for the Buffaloes. As a freshman at Colorado, he scampered for 321 rushing yards and one touchdown and hauled in 36 receptions for 299 yards and four scores. In program history, he was the first true freshman with at least 275 rushing yards and 275 receiving yards in the same season. In high school, he was named Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year as a junior after sprinting for over 2,600 yards and 38 scores, and in addition, he played baseball. Under coach Chris Klieman, Kansas State deploys a pronounced and proven offensive scheme to roster the team’s starting running back in CFF, and Edwards is the next man up in Manhattan, KS.
Notebook: “(Dylan) has a hunger, and he has a desire to be the best player in the country. That’s how he works. That’s how he’s wired. He’s always had confidence in his ability, but having the success he had in the bowl game and knowing that he can play at a high level consistently, and continue to challenge himself to be the best player he can be in 2025,” Kansas State running back coach Brian Anderson voiced in the offseason (kstatesports.com).
Twitterverse on Fire!
Among college running backs from the G5 programs, who is most likely to land on your CFF roster?
- Robert Henry, UTSA: 17%
- Chip Trayanum, Toledo: 30%
- Gregory Desrosiers, Memphis: 43%
- Julian Gray, Liberty: 10%
Scholar’s Selection: Julian Gray has piqued my interest after spring reports. He transferred from North Carolina State to Liberty over the winter and will change positions to running back after playing special teams and receiver for the Wolfpack. Gray is a great option at current CFF ADP.
“I’m a big believer in Gregory Desrosiers.” @IUW_Purple_Reign
“Based on the system, Gregory Desrosiers is set up for the best success, but a lack of production makes me worry about how quickly the two will gel on the field. I want to be hopeful for Chip Trayanum, even at his third school, fighting for carries. Toledo also returns 95% of its production on the O-line.” @CFBHeadgear
“Robert Henry for me. I am doing my second CFF Best Ball draft and nabbed Henry in the fifth round. The other three could be Aceholes in upcoming drafts.” @aceholesrule
“In a 1-pt. PPR format, I would lean on Gregory Desrosiers. While I have Chip Trayanum ranked higher, I’m a little concerned about the quality of that offensive line. Toledo returns nearly everyone, but their rushing success and player ratings leave a lot to be desired.” @eliotmays
“Been in love with the ‘Memphis Mafia’ of RBs throughout the years…now that Gregory Desrosiers is presumably the starter, I am not hopping off the train now! Go back and watch the Tulane film from last year.” @RandUniversity
“I feel like I’m easily pressing Robert Henry here.” @FFsoup17
“Stop the hype on Gregory Desrosiers. He is all mine!” @sjjackso2
“Julian Grey could be a sneaky option now converted to RB from WR ala Tyrone Tracy…But for me, it’s Robert Henry, who improved in every statistical category except touchdowns. Henry was the lead RB for the Roadrunners as well as averaging over 5.0 ypc. last season. Kevorian Barnes is at TCU…so the road is clear for Henry to rise to success in 2025. I expect 200-plus carries for Henry, 1,000-plus yards and double-digit scores.” @_NinoBrown_
Caden Durham, LSU
Team Offense (Rank): 432 ypg. (25)
Rushing: 116 ypg. (107)
Scoring: 31 ppg. (47)
PFF Grade: 73.6
2025 FPPG: 14.7
One of the nation’s top high school running backs two years ago, Caden Durham was a four-star recruit, the No. 8 running back in the country and the No. 19 overall prospect in Texas. He helped lead his team to consecutive 6D Division State Championships, and as a junior in 2022, he rushed for 1,960 yards and 36 touchdowns. In track and field, Durham qualified for the state championships in the 100-meter and 4x 100 relay. He enrolled at LSU over Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and UTSA.
A true freshman in 2024, Durham did not get a carry in the opening loss against USC but opened coaches’ eyes in the third game of the season. Against South Carolina, the speedster saw 11 carries and rushed for 98 yards with two touchdowns. Thereafter, Durham took over the backfield duties for the Tigers. He led the team in carries (140), yards (753), and touchdowns (6) and garnered Freshman All-SEC honors.
As a pass catcher, he snagged 28 catches for 260 yards and two scores. With great vision and speed, he was one of only two players in the FBS to record a rush over 80 yards and a catch over 70 yards. Despite a difficult schedule, the Tigers’ offense will continue to pressure defenses and put points on the board with Durham as an integral component.
Notebook: In January, coach Brian Kelly extolled Durham’s abilities: “A freshman working through that transition of understanding the playbook and the nuances of playing the game. Just feeling more comfortable in everything we do. Through his play when he was given the opportunity in South Carolina, he made it happen. He’s earned it through an opportunity that was given to him,” (si.com).
Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
Team Offense (Rank): 371 ypg. (84)
Rushing: 131 ypg. (97)
Scoring: 25.7 ppg. (87)
PFF Grade: 75.2
2025 FPPG: 19.3
After posting consecutive 4-8 seasons, coach Dave Clawson was relieved of his duties after 11 years at the helm. Jake Dickert, who was previously at Washington State for four seasons, took over the Demon Deacons’ program. He led the Cougars to a 23-20 record and three bowl appearances. One of the first players Dickert spoke about during his press conference was Demond Claiborne, who the new coach wanted to prioritize on the team.
Claiborne debated between returning to Wake Forest or taking his skills elsewhere. After a personal discussion with Dickert, the senior decided to return to campus for one more season—both Demon Deacon and CFF fans rejoiced. In 2024, he rushed for 1,048 yards and 11 touchdowns while making 23 receptions for 254 yards and two additional scores. As a special teamer, Claiborne also had 12 kickoffs for 277 yards, averaging 25.1 yards, and a score, earning Third Team All-ACC (running back and all-purpose).
Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit, Claiborne was ranked as the No. 14 prospect in Virginia and the No. 38 running back in the nation. A sprinter on the track and field team, he won the 2021 Virginia Class AA 100-meter dash and finished runner-up in the 200 meters. If Dickert wants to turn around the program immediately, he likely will depend on the playmaking abilities of Claiborne, who is one of the best returning backs in the country.
Notebook: “Having a coach who carries that level of conviction—he wants us to win games—really sets a tone. He emphasizes that we’re going into games to dominate, not just to compete. Hearing a coach express that kind of passion makes you sit up and get excited for what’s ahead,” Claiborne remarked about new coach Jake Dickert (godeacs.com)
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Team Offense (Rank): 399 ypg. (55)
Rushing: 201 ypg. (19)
Scoring: 36.1 ppg. (10)
PFF Grade: 91.1
2025 FPPG: 17.4
As a lifelong Michigan fan, I looked forward to the Wolverines’ matchup versus the Fighting Irish for nearly 40 years until the rivalry ended in 2019. Some of the best Saturday afternoons in my life were spent watching Michigan-Notre Dame with so many unforgettable players and games. Michigan won the National Championship two years ago, and the Fighting Irish reached the National Championship Game before losing to Ohio State in 2024.
Jeremiyah Love excelled in Notre Dame’s ferocious ground game, subduing opponents and leading the program to the top of the mountain. A sophomore in 2024, Love paced the team in rushing yards with 1,125 on 163 carries, averaging a whopping 6.9 ypc. He tied QB Riley Leonard with 17 rushing touchdowns, and in the passing game, he contributed with 28 catches for 237 yards and two scores, scoring 278 FPs.
Many CFF managers prefer volume over efficiency when targeting runners: Drafting Love is an acknowledgement that he is an efficient ball carrier, not a volume hog. He never earned over 16 carries in any game but exceeded 20 FPs in 7-of-13 games (54%) and produced double-digit points 11 times (85%).
At 6-0 and 212 pounds, Love is a home run hitter with 24 carries over 10 yards (15%), including a 98-yard touchdown versus Indiana, which is the longest touchdown in CFB playoff history. I am comfortable drafting efficiency in a great running attack, and Love is one of my preferred targets in the second round of drafts.
Notebook: After the NFL Draft, ESPN’s Jordan Reid surveyed the 2026 prospects and stated that “Love was electric for the Irish in 2024…He’s an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-0 and 206-pound frame through coin slot-sized running lanes.”
Jeremiyah Love is the most Dynamic & Explosive Athlete Notre Dame has had since Rocket Ismail‼️☘️ pic.twitter.com/xNSfkQOBVK
— Ryan Fravel (@Fravel_Ryan) September 19, 2024
Jahiem White, West Virginia
Team Offense (Rank): 404 ypg. (53)
Rushing: 193.7 ypg. (27)
Scoring: 29.2 ppg. (53)
PFF Grade: 69.9
2025 FPPG: 12.6
Coach Rich Rodriguez returns to West Virginia, where he coached from 2001-2007. Digging deep into Rodriquez’s career, he has coached some monstrous CFF campaigns by his running backs: Avon Cobourne (2002), Steve Slaton (2006), Ka’Deem Carey (2012-13) and Tre Stewart (2024). Last year, CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White shared backfield duties for the Mountaineers. Donaldson transferred to Ohio State in the offseason, and White ascends to the top of the pecking order in Rodriquez’s run-based scheme in 2025.
At 5-7 and 190 pounds, White earned carries for West Virginia as a true freshman in 2023. He led the team with 1,086 all-purpose yards: 842 rushing, 125 receiving, and 119 kickoff returns. He scored six total times but only caught five passes. On the field for 262 snaps, White started three games while earning Freshman All-American honors.
Last year, the sophomore collected more touches, but his efficiency dropped. He scampered for 844 yards on a career-best 148 carries with seven touchdowns, averaging 5.7 ypc., which was two yards less than the year before. As a pass-catcher, White significantly increased his role with 19 receptions for 122 yards and a score. For years, I have drafted running backs in Rich Rod’s scheme, and there is no reason to stop in 2025.
Notebook: On his recent Podcast, ESPN’s Greg McElroy asserted that “Part of what I’m really bullish on with Jahiem White—he was this close to making our top 10—is the opportunity that he’s gonna have to run in an offense that’s going to put running backs in great situations to accumulate great production. Rich Rodriguez, he loves running backs. That’s going to help an awful lot when (considering) White’s skill set and how he’s gonna likely be the lead back in a heavy, run-heavy attack.” (on3.com)
