Pro Football Focus ranks college football's top 10 running back units

Pro Football Focus ranked the top 10 running back units in college football going into the 2023 season and there’s a big emphasis on the Big Ten.

Michigan has a pair of running backs who returned for 2023, giving the Wolverines the top unit in the country. Once Blake Corum returned, that put Michigan over the top.

But the Wolverines have some company near the top and it’s from their own division. Below are the rankings from PFF, detailing the top 10 running back units in the country.

Pro Football Focus ranks Top 10 running back units

1. Michigan – Corum and Donovan Edwards are a dangerous combination and PFF actually ranks the running backs as the best two in the country, not just in the Big Ten or as a combo. Can you imagine having the two best players at a certain position on the same team? Michigan does.

2. Ohio State – If TreVeyon Henderson stays healthy, the Buckeyes could take the No. 1 spot with a great season. When Henderson went down, Miyan Williams stepped in and it was pretty much a seamless transition.

3. Penn State – Nick Singleton led the way in 2022 as a true freshman, which was quite impressive. NIttany Lions fans can’t wait to see what he can do for an encore. Kaytron Allen, another young buck, stood out last season as well. So when you have a young and emerging duo that already proved they could play at a high level, you’re going to be ranked quite high. Oh yeah, don’t forget Trey Potts transferred in from Minnesota.

4. Georgia – The Bulldogs lost some experience at this position, but they bring back Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton. Branson Robinson will step up into a bigger role after his true freshman season and Roderick Robinson II could make some noise as a true freshman in 2023.

5. Alabama – Losing Jahmyr Gibbs hurts, but Jase McClellan moves up the depth chart and the Crimson Tide will use Roydell Williams as well throughout the year. But all eyes are on the freshman Justice Haynes after a standout spring. Jamarion Miller should also be a guy who finds the field now after his true freshman season.

6. Ole Miss – The best true freshman running back in college football last season was Quinshon Judkins, who might be getting Heisman buzz at this point. Whenever he needs a break, a healthy Ulysses Bentley IV can step in and give the Rebels a nice one-two punch.

7. Arkansas – Raheim “Rocket” Sanders was awesome last season and Razorback fans get more of him in 2023. While he’s the lead dog, the entire depth chart from 2022 is back, at least the top four running backs anyway.

8. Oregon – Bucky Irving is back this season and the Ducks bring back Noah Whittington. Those top two should lead the way, taking some pressure off quarterback Bo Nix, not that he necessarily needs that.

9. Florida State – Trey Benson is part of an offensive unit that has a lot of potential in 2023. That’s why the Seminoles are a popular pick to finally win the ACC and get to the College Football Playoff. Lawrence Toafili returns to the backfield as well and is a good option in the passing game.

10. Wisconsin – Braelon Allen is the guy here. He had a huge workload over the last two seasons and it could be more of the same. But perhaps he could be even more efficient in Phil Longo’s offense. Chez Mellusi is a solid No. 2 running back.