College football: Top 15 leading rushers in college football after Rivalry Week

College football: Top 15 leading rushers in college football after Rivalry Week
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

Rivalry Week brought out the best from the top running backs in college football, and many of them delivered huge performances when it mattered most. Here’s a clean and simple look at the top 15 rushers and how they’ve been carrying their teams this season.

Cam Cook

Cam Cook
Jacksonville State Gamecocks running back Cam Cook(4) dives in for a touchdown against the UTEP Miners defense at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, Saturday, November 8, 2025. The touchdown was negated by a penalty. Credit: © Ivan Pierre Aguirre/Special to El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Jacksonville State
  • YDS: 1,588
  • His latest performance showed how explosive he can be, especially with his three-touchdown outing. He continues to be the heart of Jacksonville State’s ground game.

Ahmad Hardy

Ahmad Hardy
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
  • Team Name: Missouri
  • YDS: 1,560
  • Hardy has been extremely reliable, picking up steady yards throughout the season. His consistent production keeps Missouri’s offense moving.

Emmett Johnson

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
  • Team Name: Nebraska
  • YDS: 1,451
  • Johnson keeps proving he’s Nebraska’s most dependable weapon on offense. Even when the team struggles, he continues to deliver strong rushing numbers.

Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs with the football during the first quarter against Stanford Cardinal safety Che Ojarikre (22) at Stanford Stadium. Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Notre Dame
  • YDS: 1,372
  • Love continues to be efficient and explosive on the ground. His big-play ability always gives Notre Dame a spark when they need it.

Evan Dickens

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
  • Team Name: Liberty
  • YDS: 1,325
  • Dickens has quietly been one of the most consistent backs in the country. His steady rushing keeps Liberty’s offense balanced and effective.

Kaytron Allen

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
  • Team Name: Penn State
  • YDS: 1,303
  • Allen recently delivered a dominant showing with 160 yards and two touchdowns. He also became Penn State’s all-time career rushing leader, highlighting his impact.

Kejon Owens

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
  • Team Name: FIU
  • YDS: 1,283
  • Owens’ toughness and consistency have been key for FIU. He continues to handle a heavy workload and produce at a high level.

Kewan Lacy

Kewan Lacy
Mississippi Rebels running back Kewan Lacy (5) runs against Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Tyler Lockhart (11) in the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Ole Miss
  • YDS: 1,279
  • Lacy has been a major contributor in the Rebels’ offense, always finding ways to grind out extra yards. His reliability helps Ole Miss stay competitive.

Sieh Bangura

Sieh Bangura
Ohio Bobcats running back Sieh Bangura (5) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at the Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: © Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Ohio
  • YDS: 1,243
  • Bangura has been a breakout force this season with steady production every week. He gives Ohio a dependable rushing option they can lean on.

Antwan Raymond

Antwan Raymond
Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) catches a touchdown pass during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Rutgers
  • YDS: 1,241
  • Raymond helps Rutgers control the pace with his physical running style. He often shines in tough, grind-it-out games.

Lucky Sutton

Lucky Sutton
San Diego State Aztecs running back Lucky Sutton (7) runs the ball during the second half against the Colorado State Rams at Snapdragon Stadium. Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: San Diego State
  • YDS: 1,232
  • Sutton continues to deliver solid yardage even in defensive matchups. He remains one of the most dependable pieces of the Aztecs’ offense.

LJ Martin

LJ Martin
BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball against the UCF Knights during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: BYU
  • YDS: 1,229
  • Martin’s vision and strong finishing ability have made him a standout for BYU. He consistently finds ways to pick up positive gains.

Caleb Hawkins

Caleb Hawkins
North Texas Mean Green running back Caleb Hawkins (24) runs for a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: North Texas
  • YDS: 1,206
  • Hawkins thrives at picking up tough yards between the tackles. His consistency helps North Texas stay competitive on offense.

Jadan Baugh

Jadan Baugh
Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs in for a touch down during the second half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025. Credit: © Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Florida
  • YDS: 1,170
  • Baugh has given Florida’s offense a nice boost with his explosive running. He’s becoming a reliable playmaker in their ground attack.

Raleek Brown

Raleek Brown
Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Makari Vickers (10) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
  • Team Name: Arizona State
  • YDS: 1,141
  • Brown remains the go-to option for Arizona State, taking on a big workload each week. He continues to deliver despite tough defensive looks.

Conclusion

Conclusion
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs with the football during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

These top rushers stepped up in Rivalry Week and showed why they’ve been dominating all season long. As bowl season approaches, they’ll be key players to watch as their teams push for strong finishes.

More From The Big Lead