The Best Fullbacks in College Football History
The fullback position has sadly gone out of fashion in the sport of football. At one time, fullbacks were game-changers who could change the game with long runs or hitting crucial blocks.
That’s why we’re here to give you a history lesson and list the best fullbacks in college football history. Check out the list of greatest fullbacks below and see how they changed the game.
Marion Motley: Nevada, 1940 to 1942
- Broke Barriers
- College Hall of Famer
- NFL Hall of Famer
- Former NFL Rushing Leader
A name that must be mentioned among the best fullbacks in college football history is Marion Motley. Marion was a trailblazer who was one of the first black players permitted to play in the CFB and NFL.
When Motley was permitted to play for Nevada, he helped lead them to become one of the top West Coast teams. The pioneer then went on to play in the NFL after WWII and broke the single-season rushing record.
Tom Rathman: Nebraska, 1981 to 1985
- Rushing Yards: 1425 Yards
- Touchdowns: 12 TDs
- 7.5 Yards Per Carry
- 884 Yards & 8 TDs(Senior Year)
During the 1980s, Tom Rathman was a dual threat for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. After winning the starting FB role his junior year, Rathman balled out and showed he was a dangerous player.
During Tom’s senior year, he averaged 7.5 YPC and gained 884 yards on the season. After showing his pro-level skills at Nebraska, Rothman was drafted by the 49ers and won two Super Bowls.
Sam Cunningham: USC, 1970 to 1972
- Rushing Yards: 1,579 Yards
- Touchdowns: 23
- 1973 Rose Bowl MVP
- 4 TDS vs. OSU in the 1972 Championship
Sam Cunningham played a vital role in those great USC teams of the early 1970s, His size, and speed made him an x-factor on the USC offense during his 3-year college career.
Cunningham earned 1,579 career rushing yards and 23 touchdowns during his stellar career. The USC legend’s greatest feat was scoring 4 TDs in the 1972 Rose Bowl and winning MVP honors.
Sam’s Stellar career more than earns him a place among the best fullbacks in college football history.
Pete Johnson: Ohio State, 1973 to 1976
- Rushing Yards: 2,308 Yards
- Touchdowns: 58(Big Ten Record)
- 25 TDs in 1973(OSU Record)
- Previous OSU Point Record(348)
During the 1970s, OSU great Pete Johnson marked his name as one of the best fullbacks in college football history. During Johnson’s four years as the starting FB at Ohio State, he broke numerous records.
Pete’s biggest feat was breaking the Big Ten TD record with 58 career touchdowns, which still stands today. He also held the OSU record for most points scored(348) and 25 touchdowns during the 1973 season.
Don McCauley: North Carolina, 1968 to 1970
- Rushing Yards: 3,172 Yards
- Touchdowns: 39
- 1,720 Yards in 1970
- 1970 ACC Player of the Year
From 1968 to 1970, no defense in college football could stop North Carolina fullback Don McCauley. The North Carolina legend became the starting fullback his sophomore year and took the Tar Heels to new heights.
During McCauley’s college career, he gained over 5,000 all-purpose yards from rushing, passing, and punt returns. He also broke O.J. Simpson’s then-college rushing record of 1,720 yards in 1970 and became ACC POTY.
Larry Csonka: Syracuse, 1965 to 1967
- Rushing Yards: 2,934 Yards
- Touchdowns: 22
- 5.1 Yards Per Carry
- 2x All-American
Going into Syracuse, football legend Larry Csonka had to follow in the footsteps of the great Jim Brown. Csonka was able to break out and become one of the best fullbacks in college football history.
During Csonka’s three-year stint at Syracuse, he was the anchor on offense. Larry averaged 5.1 YPC en route to gaining 2,934 rushing yards and scoring 22 touchdowns.
After earning 2 All-American honors in college, Csonka played a vital role in the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ perfect season.
Glenn Davis: Army, 1943 to 1946
- Rushing Yards: 2,957 Yards
- Touchdowns: 59
- 1946 Heisman Winner
- 3x National Champion
One of the original great fullbacks/half-backs was Army legend Glenn Davis. While playing at Army from 1943 to 1946, nobody could stop Davis.
Glenn put the Army team on his back to win three straight national champions. While helping make Army the best team in CFB, Davis won the 1946 Heisman and recorded 59 TDs and 2,957 yards.
Bronko Nagurski: Minnesota, 1927 to 1929
- Pioneered Fullback Position
- All-American
- CFB Hall of Famer
- Famous His Speed & Brute Force
Arguably the first great fullback was the icon Bronko Nagurski. Stats weren’t kept during his era of CFB, but the things that Nagurski would do sound unbelievable.
From people who saw Nagurski play, they say he was as tough as any football player ever. Bronko would routinely drag multiple defenders as he ran for touchdowns.
He was a pioneer of the fullback position and deserves a spot among the best fullbacks in college football history.
Mike Alstott: Purdue, 1992 to 1995
- Rushing Yards: 3,635 Yards
- Touchdowns: 39
- Multiple School Records
- Revived the FB Position
During the 1990s, there was one player who revived the fullback position and became a household name. Mike Alstott was built like a lineman but had the speed of a sprinter.
At Purdue, Alstott caught the attention of the nation as he’d mow down any defender who tried to tackle him. His elite blocking ability and speed allowed Mike to earn 3,636 yards and 39 touchdowns at Purdue.
Then Alstott was drafted by Tampa Bay and became a fan favorite in the NFL.
Jim Brown: Syracuse, 1954 to 1956
- Rushing Yards: 2,091 Yards
- Touchdowns: 19
- 5.8 Yards Per Carry
- 6 TDs vs. Colgate in 1956
Not only was Jim Brown among the best fullbacks in college football history, he was arguably the greatest player ever. While playing at Syracuse, Brown was an unstoppable force averaging 5.8 YPC and scoring 19 touchdowns.
His biggest feat was scoring 6 TDs against Colgate in 1956 to put the stamp on his impeccable college career. Then as a pro, Brown became an iconic player and one of the greatest to ever step on the gridiron.
