College football: Top 10 running backs after 2025 regular season

Troy vs. Jacksonville State — Salute to Veterans Bowl
Jax State's Cam Cook tries to evade the tackle of Kennesaw State's Isaac Paul during the C-USA Championship at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama December 5, 2025. Credit: © Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Here are the top 10 rushers in college football for the 2025 regular season by total rushing yards. These players consistently produced big performances and were critical to their teams’ offensive success.

1. Cam Cook

1. Cam Cook
Jax State’s Cam Cook tries to evade the tackle of Kennesaw State’s Alexander Ford during the C-USA Championship at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama December 5, 2025. Credit: © Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • 1,666 YDS
  • Cam Cook led the nation with an impressive ground game, consistently finding positive yardage and showing excellent vision between the tackles. He was the central piece of his team’s offense, delivering big runs and controlling the tempo. Cook’s workload and effectiveness kept defenses on their heels all season.

2. Ahmad Hardy

2. Ahmad Hardy
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
  • 1,560 YDS
  • Ahmad Hardy had a breakout season, combining power and explosiveness to wear down defenses. He delivered multiple high-yardage games and was one of the most dynamic backs in the country. Hardy’s ability to break long runs turned short gains into momentum-swinging plays.

3. Emmett Johnson

3. Emmett Johnson
Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
  • 1,451 YDS
  • Emmett Johnson was a workhorse for his offense, regularly posting 100-yard games and shouldering a heavy carry load. His balance and toughness helped sustain drives throughout the season. Johnson’s performance provided stability and consistent production on early downs.

4. Jeremiyah Love

4. Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
  • 1,372 YDS
  • Jeremiyah Love delivered one of the most efficient rushing seasons in the country, consistently breaking big runs and producing explosive plays. He was a key offensive weapon for his team and earned national recognition for his performance. Love’s vision and acceleration made him a threat every time he touched the ball.

5. Evan Dickens

5. Evan Dickens
Liberty Flames view of their logo on their shorts open a time out against LSU Tigers during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
  • 1,325 YDS
  • Evan Dickens quietly put together a very productive season, showing strong physicality and dependable ball security. He consistently moved the chains and provided balance to his team’s offensive attack. Dickens was a reliable contributor in all phases of the ground game.

6. LJ Martin

6. LJ Martin
BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs with the ball during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
  • 1,305 YDS
  • LJ Martin paced his team’s rushing attack with a sturdy blend of power and agility. He averaged over 100 rushing yards per game and helped establish offensive rhythm. Martin’s consistency made him one of the most dependable backs in college football.

7. Kaytron Allen

7. Kaytron Allen
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
  • 1,303 YDS
  • Kaytron Allen showcased his explosiveness and breakaway ability throughout the season, generating several long runs. He was a key factor in his offense’s success, forcing defenses to account for his speed. Allen’s production came against both conference and non-conference competition.

8. Kejon Owens

8. Kejon Owens
FIU Panthers running back Kejon Owens (5) runs the ball against UConn Huskies defensive lineman Brandon Kelley (50) in the third quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
  • 1,283 YDS
  • Kejon Owens consistently turned carries into positive yardage and was a focal point of his team’s offense. He showed good vision and strong finishing ability on runs. Owens’ contributions were crucial to sustaining long drives and controlling possession.

9. Kewan Lacy

9. Kewan Lacy
Mississippi Rebels running back Kewan Lacy (5) reacts after a touchdown run during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
  • 1,279 YDS
  • Kewan Lacy mixed physical running with a willingness to fight for extra yards after contact. He produced solid yardage against tough competition and helped keep his team competitive in key games. Lacy’s consistency made him a reliable offensive option.

10. Wayne Knight

10. Wayne Knight
James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
  • 1,263 YDS
  • Wayne Knight rounded out the top ten with a season marked by steady production and big-play potential. He frequently flipped field position with long runs and provided a spark for his offense. Knight’s combination of power and speed made him a constant threat on the ground.

Conclusion

Conclusion
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

These top rushers defined the 2025 regular season with their consistent performances and ability to generate yards on the ground. Their contributions not only filled stat sheets but also helped shape the outcomes of key games throughout the season.

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