2025 Fantasy Football: Top Running Back Prospects

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty emerged as a dynamic force for the Broncos, initially serving as a change-of-pace back his freshman year with just two starts in 14 games. He racked up 976 total yards, seven touchdowns, and 14 receptions. His production surged over the next two seasons, culminating in a 2024 campaign where he handled 397 touches with remarkable efficiency. Jeanty topped the nation in rushing attempts (374) and yards (2,601), while ranking second in rushing touchdowns (29, trailing QB Bryson Daily’s 32). His 7.0 yards per carry underscored his explosiveness, and he added 43 catches for 569 yards and five scores in 2023. Last season, he surpassed 100 rushing yards in every game and hit 200 combined yards in seven contests.

Jeanty’s running style is a masterclass in controlled chaos, earning him the nickname “Pinball Wizard.” He shrugs off defenders at the line with elite balance and leverage, using his vision to exploit creases and turn them into game-changing plays. His low center of gravity shines near the goal line, and he manipulates defenders with varied pacing and a slick slide-step to create space. With 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash and a three-down workhorse profile, Jeanty is a prime target for NFL teams. The fading trend of first-round running backs won’t apply here—teams like the Raiders and Cowboys are projected to vie for him in the 2025 draft.

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton has been a dominant force for the Tar Heels, leading the ACC in rushing attempts (253 and 281) and yards (1,504 and 1,660) over the past two seasons while piling up 30 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 67 receptions for 595 yards and three scores. In his final 20 starts, he eclipsed 100 rushing yards in 16 games, with seven standout performances (e.g., 25/210/3, 35/244/1).

At 6’0” and 220 pounds with a 4.46 40-yard dash, Hampton blends size, speed, and versatility. His smooth, multi-gear running style—power, burst, and vision—makes him more than a between-the-tackles bruiser. He glides through holes, overpowering defenders for extra yards after contact, and his goal-line prowess is undeniable. Hampton’s pass-catching ability adds a dimension reminiscent of Nick Chubb, but with a higher receiving ceiling. While projected as a second-round pick, his fit with a team like the Broncos (under Sean Payton, holding the 20th pick) could elevate their red-zone attack alongside a strong passing game.

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Henderson’s four-year Buckeye career saw him used as a rotational back, with injuries (a 2022 broken foot and 2023 rib issue) limiting his consistency. His freshman year hinted at stardom—1,560 combined yards, 19 touchdowns, and 27 catches on 210 touches. However, he never surpassed those marks, though he achieved a career-best 7.1 yards per rush in 2024. His final season yielded 1,300 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 27 catches on 171 touches, but Ohio State capped his carries at 12 per game, resulting in no 100-yard rushing performances.

With a 4.43 40-yard dash, Henderson matches Jeanty’s speed and projects as a strong pass protector with untapped receiving potential. He thrives outside, using quickness and jab steps to navigate tight spaces, though he lacks elite open-field moves or finishing power. Henderson suits an NFL team seeking a complementary back with RB2 fantasy upside in a pass-heavy system. The Chiefs (pick 31) could be an ideal landing spot, leveraging his change-of-pace skill set.

Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Judkins, nearly identical to Hampton in build (6’0” and 220 lbs.), brings a slightly slower 4.48 40-yard dash. His career began at Ole Miss with two high-volume seasons (289 and 293 touches), peaking as a freshman with 1,567 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 catches. After transferring to Ohio State, he split carries with Henderson, finishing with 1,221 combined yards, 16 touchdowns, and 22 catches on 216 touches. He hit 100 rushing yards in three games and scored multiple touchdowns in 16 career contests.

Judkins runs with physicality, bouncing outside with a stiff arm to fend off tacklers. He excels inside when lanes open, but can cut back for better opportunities. His pass protection and 59 college catches (442 yards, five touchdowns) enhance his three-down potential. Comparable to Najee Harris but with superior long speed, Judkins needs to refine his downfield setup of defenders. He’s projected as a second-round pick in 2025.

Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Sampson’s first two seasons at Tennessee were limited (164 touches, 1,001 yards, 13 touchdowns), but 2024 saw him take over as the lead back. He delivered 1,634 combined yards, 22 touchdowns, and 20 catches on 278 touches, surpassing 100 combined yards in 11 of 12 starts before a hamstring injury in his final game. His 4.42 40-yard dash (at Tennessee’s Pro Day) aligns with top prospects, though his 5’8”, 200-pound frame raises questions about his pass-catching and pass-protection skills.

Sampson thrives between the tackles, patiently following blocks to the second level with a knack for goal-line work. However, his lack of open-field elusiveness and third-down polish may limit him to early-down duties. NFL teams may view him as a rotational back, likely drafting him on Day 2 for a team with an established starter.

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Tuten began at North Carolina A&T, where his 2022 season (1,705 combined yards, 17 touchdowns, 31 catches) showcased his potential. At Virginia Tech, he maintained his role as a lead back, with 2023 yielding 863 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 27 catches, followed by a 2024 spike in efficiency (6.3 yards per carry, 1,159 rushing yards, and 15 touchdowns). His 23 receptions that year produced just 81 yards.

Tuten’s 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine highlights his game-breaking speed. At 5’9” and 205 pounds, he mixes inside toughness with the ability to slip through tight gaps and separate in space. His pass protection holds up, but his receiving skills need refinement. Tuten’s home-run ability could elevate his draft stock, likely landing him in the later rounds.

Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Johnson’s freshman year (779 rushing yards, six touchdowns) gave way to an injury-plagued 2023 (463 yards and three scores). In 2024, he rebounded with career highs: 240 carries, 1,537 yards, and 21 touchdowns, plus 22 catches for 188 yards. At 6’1” and 225 pounds, his 4.57 40-yard dash lags behind elite backs, positioning him as an early-down power runner with limited pass-game value.

Johnson’s patient, rhythmic style leverages vision and wide college lanes for big plays, excelling in short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, his lack of top-end speed and unpolished pass protection caps his ceiling. The Steelers, seeking to replace Najee Harris, could pair him with Jaylen Warren as a Day 2 pick in the third round.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Croskey-Merritt spent four seasons at Alabama State (1,496 combined yards, 14 touchdowns) before transferring to New Mexico (1,190 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns in 2023) and briefly Arizona (106 yards in one game). His Shrine Bowl MVP performance (97 yards, two touchdowns) boosted his profile. At 5’10” and 205 pounds with a 4.41 40-yard dash, he blends quickness and vision to exploit cut-back lanes.

His physical, inside running style creates big plays, but minimal pass-catching experience paints him as an early-down rotational back. Age (24) and injury risks are concerns, but his low mileage and return-game potential add value. He’s a late-round prospect with a change-of-pace profile.

Jordan James, Oregon
James amassed 2,215 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns over three seasons, with 42 catches for 347 yards. His 2024 peak (1,267 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 26 catches) came at 5.4 yards per carry. At 5’9” and 205 pounds, his 4.55 40-yard dash reflects a power-over-finesse approach, relying on agility to navigate traffic.

James presses the line effectively in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios but needs more patience to maximize NFL opportunities. His pass protection shows promise, though his receiving role will be limited initially. He’s a post-third-round pick in 2025 with a blue-collar profile.

Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Skattebo’s Sacramento State tenure (1,892 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, 43 catches) laid the groundwork for a workhorse role at Arizona State. In 2024, he exploded for 1,711 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 45 catches for 605 yards. At 5’9” and 220 pounds, his 4.55 40-yard dash belies his relentless style.

Skattebo plays with a chip on his shoulder, seeking contact and finishing runs with power. His stout lower body aids quick steps in traffic, and his pass-game feel and protection skills add versatility. For teams valuing toughness, Skattebo is a fourth- or fifth-round gem with a unique, hard-nosed profile.