Draft season always feels like a gamble, doesn't it? You spend months watching tape, checking box scores, and trying to figure out which college star is actually going to handle a 20-carry workload on Sundays. But honestly, the top 10 running backs in 2025 draft might be the most fun group we've seen in a hot minute. It’s not just about one superstar. It's a deep, gritty class.
I’ve been obsessed with these guys lately. If you’re looking for the next game-changer, you’ve come to the right place. We aren't just looking at 40 times here. We're looking at vision, contact balance, and who can actually pick up a blitzing linebacker without getting their quarterback killed.
The Big Dog: Ashton Jeanty
Basically, Ashton Jeanty is a cheat code. The Boise State product put up numbers that feel like they belong in a video game. 2,601 rushing yards. 29 touchdowns. He’s 5'8" and 215 pounds of pure muscle, running with a low center of gravity that makes him nearly impossible to bring down on the first hit.
Most people compare him to LaDainian Tomlinson. That’s high praise, but when you watch him force 100+ missed tackles in a single season, you start to see why. He’s the undisputed RB1 for almost every scout I talk to. If a team needs a centerpiece, he’s the guy.
The Power Surge: Omarion Hampton
Hampton is different. He’s built like a tank at 6'0" and 220 pounds. While Jeanty wiggles, Hampton mostly just runs through your soul. At North Carolina, he was a workhorse, racking up over 1,600 yards and 15 scores in 2024.
He’s got that classic "bell-cow" frame. Scouts love his 4.46 speed at that size. It’s rare to find a guy who can punish you for three quarters and then outrun your secondary in the fourth. He’s a lock for the early rounds.
📖 Related: White Sox vs Reds: What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
The Ohio State Duo: Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson
It’s kinda wild that one team had two of the top 10 running backs in 2025 draft.
Judkins is the hammer. He transferred from Ole Miss and didn't miss a beat. He’s got incredibly quick feet for a 220-pounder. He finished 2024 with over 1,000 yards despite sharing the ball. He’s got that "pro-ready" feel—nothing seems to rattle him.
Then you have Henderson. He’s the lightning. He averaged over 7 yards per carry last year. When he’s healthy, he’s arguably the most explosive back in the country. The only concern? Injuries have nagged him. But man, when he hits the hole, he’s gone.
📖 Related: Green Bay Packers Score: The Reality Behind the Numbers and Why It Changed Everything
The Sleeper Who Isn't a Sleeper: Kaleb Johnson
Iowa’s offense was... well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a high-flying circus. That makes Kaleb Johnson’s 1,537 yards and 22 touchdowns even more impressive. He did that while every single defense knew he was getting the ball.
He’s 6'1" and 225 pounds. He doesn't just run; he pummels. He faced stacked boxes on over 50% of his runs. That’s insane. If you put him behind a decent NFL offensive line, he’s going to be a problem. He’s got that Derrick Henry-lite vibe that coaches drool over.
Why Everyone is Talking About Dylan Sampson
Sampson might be the most underrated guy on this list. At Tennessee, he was a touchdown machine, breaking school records with 22 scores in 2024. He’s a bit smaller, around 200 pounds, but he’s got a track background.
He’s slippery. You think you have him wrapped up, and then he’s five yards downfield. The Cleveland Browns actually scooped him up in the 4th round (in our 2025 projections), and he’s already making waves. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is what really sets him apart.
The Rest of the Elite Pack
- Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State): He won the Doak Walker in 2023 and, even though his 2024 stats dipped a bit, the talent is undeniable. He’s a massive 6'1" back who pass-protects better than almost anyone in the class.
- Nicholas Singleton (Penn State): A former five-star recruit who finally put it all together. He caught 41 passes in 2024, showing he’s a true three-down threat.
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech): A bowling ball of a runner. 5'9", 230 pounds. He won't outrun many people, but he will break five tackles on his way to a first down.
- Kyle Monangai (Rutgers): The definition of "Jersey Tough." He’s a high-IQ runner who always finds the right lane. He’s the guy you want on 3rd-and-2.
What scouts are actually looking for
It’s easy to get caught up in the highlights. But if you want to know who will succeed, look at their "success rate" on gap runs versus zone schemes. Teams like the 49ers or Dolphins want guys who can read a zone block and cut. Teams like the Steelers want a guy like Kaleb Johnson who can just hit the hole hard.
📖 Related: What Channel Is The Pittsburgh Steelers On: How To Find Every Game
There’s also the "tread on the tires" argument. Judkins has a lot of career carries, while Henderson has fewer but more injury concerns. It’s a balancing act.
Misconceptions about the 2025 Class
A lot of people say the running back position is dead. That’s just wrong. Look at how the league is shifting back toward heavy personnel and power running. These guys aren't just "replacements." They are offensive engines. Jeanty is going to be a first-round pick because he changes how a defense has to line up.
Moving Forward: What to watch
If you’re a fan of a team needing a spark, start watching the tape on these guys. Pay attention to their pass-blocking reps. That's usually the difference between a rookie who starts Week 1 and one who sits on the bench.
Go watch Ashton Jeanty's highlights against Washington State. Then watch Kaleb Johnson against Nebraska. You’ll see two completely different ways to dominate a football game. This class is deep, it's talented, and it's going to reshape some NFL backfields very soon.
Focus on the fit. A great back in a bad system won't do much, but the right pairing—like Sampson in a creative offense—could lead to an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and Combine jumps, as those will finalise the order for the top 10 running backs in 2025 draft.