ESPN ranks college football's Top 10 running backs of the last 60 years

Considering the growing trend of spreading carries out amongst several running backs on one team, it’s no surprise why of ESPN’s top 100 backs in the last 60 years, the top 10 all played before the last decade. Former Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor is the highest-ranked ball carrier on the list from the 2010s, coming in at No. 11.

Since the 1960s when players began specializing in offense or defense, the running back position has provided college football with some of its biggest stars of all time. Only three running backs have won the Heisman Trophy in the last two decades, but in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the running back was the key ingredient to an electric offense.

Here’s ESPN’s list of the top 10 running backs of the past 60 years.

Top 10 running backs since 1965

No. 10 Reggie Bush – USC (2003-05)

Reggie Bush may have returned his 2005 Heisman Trophy but that doesn’t change the fact that he captivated audiences with 3,169 rushing yards and 1,301 receiving yards in three seasons.

No. 9 Earl Campbell – Texas (1974-77)

In 1977, Texas Longhorns legend Earl Campbell led the nation with 1,744 yards, while scoring 18 touchdowns.

No. 8 Bo Jackson – Auburn (1982-85)

Auburn star Bo Jackson overcame injury to explode in his senior season. He won the Heisman after posting 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns.

No. 7 Mike Rozier – Nebraska (1981-83)

In the early 1980s, Mike Rozier was a run-away Heisman Trophy winner after rushing for 2,148 yards and 29 scores.

No. 6 Tony Dorsett – Pittsburgh (1973-76)

No Pittsburgh fan will ever forget the running back that led the Panthers to the 1976 national title. Tony Dorsett had two 1,600-yard seasons and a 2,100-yard season while winning the nation’s top awards.

No. 5 O.J. Simpson – USC (1967-68)

Coming out of a junior college, OJ Simpson burst onto the scene for the Trojans. Simpson turned into one of the most controversial people in sports but rushing for 1,880 yards, 23 scores and a Heisman win in 1968, he cemented his name in college football history.

No. 4 Ricky Williams – Texas (1995-98)

Texas Longhorn Ricky Williams ran for 6,279 yards over his career and broke Tony Dorsett’s record after opting to return to UT as a senior.

No. 3 Herschel Walker – Georgia (1980-82)

Herschel Walker’s arrival at Georgia marked an era for success, starting with their first national title in 1980. He had 1,616 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman and finished his career with a Heisman Trophy.

No. 2 Archie Griffin – Ohio State (1972-75)

Archie Griffin averaged 20-plus carries and 135 yards per game for three straight seasons at Ohio State. He became the first player to win the Heisman twice, in 1974 and in 1975.

College Football’s No. 1 RB over the last 60 years

No. 1 Barry Sanders – Oklahoma State (1986-88)

ESPN gives Oklahoma State legend Barry Sanders the honor as college football’s greatest running back thanks to his 1988 season. Sanders posted 3,556 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns in his career but his final season was unlike any other. He had at least three touchdowns in eight games, and 300 yards in four.