Ranking the top running backs in the Big Ten
- Ahmed Ghafir
- Aug 18, 2024
- 7 min read
Continuing with positional rankings in the Big Ten Conference, we will take a look at the top 10 running backs in the conference. The Big Ten has been known for years as a, for lack of a better term, “gritty” conference where the running game thrives. Now the temperature may be altering as new West Coast teams come into the fold and the entire landscape of the game is changing to a more pass-heavy affair. Still, the position is loaded in the conference as some of the best backs in the country live in the Big Ten. We look at the best 10 backs in the Big 10.
1. Quishon Judkins (Ohio St.)
One of the most prized possessions in the transfer portal this offseason was former Ole Miss back, Quishon Judkins. In the Buckeyes all in push for this season they were able to snag Judkins shortly after their rivals hoisted the national championship trophy. Judkins burst onto the scene as a true freshman where he rushed for 1,476 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns with the Rebels. He followed it last year with a solid 1,052-yard season and added 15 touchdowns.
Judkins poses the perfect size for a running back with a 6’0 frame and 215 pounds that allows him to run through defenders and be tough to take down. His best attribute is his ability to make cuts and jukes in the open field. The size and agility make Judkins a complete back and many scouts have him pegged as the best running back prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. Now, his carries may take a hit as he will be sharing a backfield on a loaded Buckeyes squad; however, pound-for-pound Judkins is one of the best in the nation.
2. Treyveon Henderson (Ohio St.)
The rich get richer and for the Buckeyes, Henderson is an amazing talent. Injuries have derailed his career a bit but Henderson has shown big play ability. A former 5-star recruit, Henderson broke the single-season Buckeye freshman touchdown record in 2021 with 19 and he also added 1,172 yards (good for a whopping 7 yards per carry). Injuries derailed his sophomore season and his junior year saw potential of returning to form as he rushed for 854 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. Last year he was a first-team All-Big Ten.
Henderson is a big play waiting to happen. He has broken off multiple 50+ yard touchdown runs in his career and this is due to his excellent first step and his vision for running lanes. He makes cuts look effortless with excellent balance and even churns his legs through contact. The arrival of Judkins may have put him in split duties, but let us not forget how good Henderson is.
3. Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Kyle Monangai is going to make our break the Scarlett Knights season. Rutgers will be leaning on the run game and Monangai is a big reason why. A small running back at only 5’9, Monangai rushed for 1,099 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and added 7 scores last season as the bell cow. Monangai is going to look to be the focal point of the offense and has proven to be a big game player with his best rushing game coming against Ohio St. last year where he rushed for 159 yards.
Monangai is a bowling ball personified. His low frame allows him to bounce off defenders and remain momentum forward. His cuts are also lightning quick and keeps churning the feet, a true workhorse. One of the most difficult runners to bring down in the conference.
4. Nick Singleton (Penn St.)
The Nittany Lions have had a dynamic duo for two years now between Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Throughout their three years together, Singleton has emerged as the more talented of the bunch. Singleton rushed for 941 yards (6.3 yards per carry) his freshman year while splitting carries. Last season was considered a step back with 702 yards on the ground and only 4.3 yards per carry. However, last season Singleton flashed his receiving ability with 222 yards. Entering his true junior season, Singleton will look to combine his elite running ability with his new found pass catching threat.
Singleton is a slim back which allows for him to be slick and cut though rush lanes. He reminds of Leveon Bell and how he was patient but then made quick bursts into the hole and it was hard to stop him from there. Last season wasn’t his best on the ground but I think he all the talent in the world to rebound.
5. Darius Taylor (Minnesota)
Expectations are high for the sophomore running back in Minneapolis. Taylor burst onto the scene last year as a freshman he rushed for 591 yards in just four games during the regular season but injuries derailed his season. He returned for the Quick Lane Bowl where he rushed for 208 yards and a score. Taylor will be fed the rock as he averaged 27 carries in his 5 starts last season. The next great Big Ten running back may have been born.
Taylor is just a natural runner as he has excellent vision and balance and seems to always get extra yards as he’s being tackled. At 5’11 210, Taylor is a perfect sized back with speed and strength apparent. The sky is the limit for Taylor and he would be higher if the sample size wasn’t so small.
6. Donovan Edwards (Michigan)
Despite being Blake Corum’s backup for the past two seasons, most fans know of Donovan Edwards. Not the best season last year as he only rushed for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns. Although he did add 250 yards in the receiving game, Edwards has been a victim of his situation. He had a solid 2022 with 872 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and 7 touchdowns on the ground and added 192 yards and 2 more scores in the air. He showed out big in the national championship with two long touchdowns and finished with 104 yards. More opportunity awaits the veteran.
Edwards is a solid back. As we have seen he has big play ability and has great acceleration to reach his top end speed quickly. While his top end speed isn’t the fastest, he poses a great size and strength and combo to break longer runs. He also is not the most consistent with his vision and has tendencies to miss lanes. Overall, his dual threat ability places him as one of the better backs in the conference.
7. Jonah Coleman (Washington)
The first unknown commodity coming from the west is Jonah coleman. Coleman is following his coach to Washington as last year for Arizona he was a three-down back as his mix of rushing and catching ability shined. Coleman rushed for 851 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and added 282 yards in the air with 6 total touchdowns. A true do it all back, Coleman will be a wake up call for Big Ten defenses.
Coleman is another small back at 5’9, but his 229 pound frame allows him to make big gains in the mucky areas. Do not sleep on his speed as he had bursts for multiple 40 yard+ runs last season. He is fantastic at ball security with no fumbles last season.
8. Jordan James (Oregon)
The Ducks were led by star half back Bucky Irving last season. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Jordan James was making a name for himself as he rushed 696 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and added 11 scores. The pass catching ability was apparent as he added 123 yards and an extra score in the year. James made the most of his limited opportunities and is a true breakout candidate entering this season.
James is another bowling ball style back with a low frame and runs hard downhill. At 5’10 205, he will look to run through defenders and be useful in short yardage situations. As seen by his touchdown count despite being a backup, James is great in short yardage, and has pass catching ability as well.
9. Roman Hemby (Maryland)
Roman Hemby is the type of back you want on your team. As a former 3-star recruit, he worked his way to be one of the better backs in the conference. A pure three-down back, Hemby ran for 663 yards on the ground and added 288 yards receiving for a solid season. With 7 total touchdowns, it was a slight drop off from his breakout redshirt-freshman season where he ran for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns, with an additional 276 yards receiving. The Terrapins had their struggles run blocking last season but Hemby helped void a lot of those problems.
Hemby possesses fantastic speed and his pass-catching ability allows him to be on the field at all times. Maryland likes to mix in all their backs but Hemby is what makes the Terrapins offense tick. Hemby will look to improve on his sophomore season and look to return to 2022 form while Nolan Ray makes his case as running back of the future this fall.
10. TJ Harden (UCLA)
Harden was splitting duties with Carson Steele last season but will now be the Bruins lead back. Harden ran for 722 yards (5.3 yards per carry) on the ground with 6 touchdowns. He was used in tidbits in the pass game but will be poised for a bigger role this season. Harden is a big play waiting to happen and he will make waves in the new-look Big Ten.
Harden led the entire team in touchdowns last season and is one of the larger backs in the conference. At 6’2 200 pounds, Harden possesses brute strength and will be very difficult to take down. A pure athlete, Harden uses his shoulder a lot to lean into contact and gain extra yards. He is not the fastest back but has underrated acceleration.
Honorable Mentions
Nate Carter (Michigan St.)
Chez Mellusi (Wisconsin)
Kaytron Allen (Penn St.)
Devin Mockobee (Purdue)
Cam Porter (Northwestern)
Woody Marks (USC)
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