10 Best Running Backs in College Football History
There is no position in football that is more athletic and explosive than the running back. We’ve seen countless great running backs in college football who changed the game, leaving us in awe of their athleticism.
Here are the 10 best running backs in college football history. Check out the list below and see the unbelievable stats of the greatest college running backs ever.
10 Reggie Bush: USC, 2003-2005
- Rushing Yards: 3,169
- Reception Yards: 1,301
- Touchdowns: 42
- 2 National Title & Heisman Trophy Winner
From 2003 to 2005, Reggie Bush marked his name as one of the best running backs in college football history. Bush was the most exciting and dynamic football player on the planet and was unstoppable.
The USC great was part of one of the greatest college football teams ever. This juggernaut of a team went to three straight national championships and won two, with Reggie leading the way.
Reggie put the stamp on his legacy in his final year by averaging 7.2 yards per carry and winning the Heisman.
9 Adrian Peterson: Oklahoma, 2004-2006
- Rushing Yards: 4,045
- Touchdowns: 41
- Freshman Yards: 1,925 Yards
- 225 Yard Game vs. Texas
Not to be outdone by Bush, OU great Adrian Peterson was an unstoppable force in college football. For three years, Peterson terrorized the Big 12 conference, including destroying OU rival UT.
His reign of terror started as a freshman when he put up 225 rushing yards to blow out the Longhorns. Adrian ended his freshman year with 1,925 yards and was already recognized as one of college football’s best players.
Peterson ended his impressive college career with 4,045 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns.
8 Earl Campbell: Texas, 1974-1977
- Rushing Yards: 4,443
- Touchdown: 40
- 1977 Heisman Winner
- Former All-Time Rusher
UT Legend Earl Campbell is not only one of the best running backs in college football history but also one of the most feared. Campbell didn’t shy away from defenders but looked to run them over.
Campbell was built like a linebacker but had the speed of a running back. His power style led him to break the all-time college rushing record and win the 1977 Heisman Trophy.
Earl’s rushing record stood for twenty years until it was broken by fellow UT legend Ricky Williams.
7 O.J. Simpson: USC, 1967-1968
- Rushing Yards: 3.423
- Touchdowns: 36
- 2 Nation Title Appearances
- NCAA Track Champion
O.J. Simpson only played for two years at USC but left an unforgettable mark on the sport. Simpson led the Trojans to two national title appearances in just two years, averaging over seven yards per carry.
The Juice put up 3,423 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns in those two years. At the same time, Simpson also won a national track title and helped set the 4×110-yard record of 38.6 seconds.
6 Bo Jackson: Auburn, 1982-1985
- Rushing Yards: 4,303
- Touchdowns: 45
- 6.6 Yards Per Carry
- 1985 Heisman Winner
Anyone who saw Bo Jackson play won’t argue that he was one of the best running backs in college football history. Jackson was arguably one of the greatest athletes in history, and he excelled at everything he did.
He first made a name for himself as the starting RB at Auburn and dominated the SEC. Nobody could take Bo down, as he averaged 6.6 yards per carry and scored 45 touchdowns in college.
In his final year, Jackson was awarded the 1985 Heisman Trophy, which cemented his legacy in college.
5 Ricky Williams: Texas, 1995–1998
- Rushing Yards: 6,279
- Touchdowns: 75
- 1998 Heisman Trophy Winner
- Former All-Time Leading Rusher
“Run! Ricky! Run!” Was the chant every Longhorn fan yelled during Ricky Williams’ stellar career. Ricky was picked to be the next great college running back and lived up to every expectation.
The UT legend was unstoppable in college and shattered numerous records. Not only did Ricky win the 1998 Heisman, but he broke Earl Campbell’s all-time rushing record with 6,279 yards.
It is an indisputable fact that Ricky Williams is one of the best running backs in college football history.
4 Tony Dorsett: Pittsburgh, 1973 to 1976
- Rushing Yards: 6,082
- Touchdowns: 59
- 1976 National Champion
- 1976 Heisman Trophy Winner
Tony Dorsett is another name that always appears on the list of the best running backs in college football history. The University of Pittsburgh accomplished everything a player can in college football.
Dorsettt exploded onto the college football scene and quickly made a name for himself. In his four years in college, Tony broke the college rushing record with 6,082 yards and scored 59 touchdowns.
He then put the stamp on his legacy by winning both the national title and Heisman Trophy in 1976.
3 Archie Griffin: Ohio State, 1972-1975
- Rushing Yards: 5,589
- Touchdowns: 26
- 31 Straight 100-Yard Games
- 2x Heisman Winner
Archie Griffin is not only one of the best running backs in college football but also one of the best players overall. The Ohio State icon was untouchable in his four years of college ball.
Griffin is the only player in history to win two Heisman Trophies. He achieved this incredible feat by completing 31 straight 100-yard games and rushing for 5,589 yards. His feats will live on forever in the history of college football.
2 Herschel Walker: Georgia, 1980-1982
- Rushing Yards: 5,259
- Touchdowns: 49
- National Champion
- Heisman Winner
Nobody will ever argue the inclusion of Herschel Walker on the list of the best running backs in college football history. As a freshman, everyone knew that Walker was destined for greatness.
Walker led the Georgia Bulldogs as a freshman to a national title in 1980 and put the sport on notice. The Bulldog legend went on to gain 5,259 rushing yards and score 49 touchdowns.
In his final year of college, Herschel was recognized for his accomplishments by winning the 1982 Heisman Trophy.
1 Barry Sanders: Oklahoma State, 1986-1988
- Rushing Yards: 3,556
- Touchdowns: 37
- 2,628 Yards in 1988
- Heisman Trophy Winner
Of all of the best running backs in college football history, Barry Sanders belongs on top of the list. There has been no CFB running back who was more electrifying than the great Barry Sanders.
His 1988 season is arguably the best season of any college football player ever. In just that year, Sanders put up 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Sanders put up five straight 200-yard games during this stellar season and was rightfully given the 1998 Heisman Trophy.
