Top running back recruits in the updated 2025 On3 Industry Ranking

As National Signing Day looms in exactly seven weeks, each of the nation’s top running back recruits in the 2025 class is already committed.

There’s only one five-star among the group currently, but it’s a crop loaded with potential, especially at the top end.

Below are the top 25 running backs in the class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

1. Harlem Berry — LSU

School: Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s Episcopal

Scouting Summary: “The most electric running back in the 2025 cycle, with the ability to be a game-changer in the passing game. Possesses elite burst and effortless movement skills. Measured in at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Transfers his outstanding top-end speed onto the field in a functional way. A threat to take it to the house on any touch. A light, springy mover who shifts gears and changes directions at full speed. Displays outstanding vision. Reads blocks and bursts through the line to the second level. The game moves slow for him at the prep level. Runs through contact and shows balance that belies his size. Showcased advanced pass-catching skills during the summer prior to his senior season. Has the skill level to legitimately line up at receiver. A massive mismatch out of the backfield when covered by linebackers. Registers as a high-end athlete with elite speed on the track and in the combine setting.

2. Akylin Dear — Alabama

School: Quitman (Miss.)

Scouting Summary: “Tough, skilled runner with a well-rounded skill set for the position. Has plus size, measuring in at around 6-foot, 205 pounds prior to his senior season. Should be able to easily carry 215+ pounds at the next level. A good athlete in the combine setting. A bell cow back on Friday nights as a junior. Displays advanced vision in working between the tackles. Runs with patience, setting up his blocks. Able to change tempo and quickly change gears. Shows a nice burst in accelerating to hit holes as they appear. Comfortable in working within confined spaces. Doesn’t hesitate in getting north-south. Displays outstanding contact balance. Runs through arm tackles and spins out of contact. Strong on contact and plays with a physical edge.

“A solid pass catcher. Saw an uptick in his production as a junior, rushing for over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Ran track as a sophomore, posting a personal best of 11.20 seconds in the 100 meters. Has some tightness in his lower body that can shorten his stride in the open field, affecting his top gear and long speed. Improvement on that front would improve his ability to pull away at the college level. Has a high floor as an every down back given his well-rounded skill set and looks to be one of the top runners in the 2025 cycle.”

3. Gideon Davidson — Clemson

School: Lynchburg (Va.) Liberty Christian

Scouting Summary: “Crafty runner with outstanding vision and spatial awareness. Measured at 5-foot-11..25, 202 pounds at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Added good mass to his frame as a junior. Had a monster junior season while leading Liberty Christian to a state title. Rushed for 2,716 yards and 43 touchdowns at 12.9 yards per carry. Shows advanced vision. Sets up his blocks and plays with spectacular timing with his offensive line. Patient and unhurried when picking his way through confined areas. Sifts through traffic as a runner between the tackles. A very efficient runner with little wasted movement, always seeking to get north-south.

“Sets up defenders in space and understands angles. Uses his off hand to disarm tackle attempts. Solid speed, but doesn’t have an overwhelming initial burst or top gear. Doesn’t play good competition and will almost always win the footrace once in the open field, adding to his gaudy stats. A bit older for the cycle, turning 18 years-old in May of his junior year. Will need to continue developing physically and athletically, but has the requisite skill set to be a productive ball carrier at the Power 4 level.”

4. Ousmane Kromah — Georgia

School: Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County

Scouting Summary: “True every down back with an extremely well-rounded skill set. Has readymade size, checking in at 6-foot-0.5 and around 215 pounds prior to his junior season. Has a unique build with very long arms and a bow-legged gait. A productive workhorse for one of the top high school programs in south Georgia. Averaged over 160 rushing yards per game as a sophomore and junior and 10 yards per carry as a junior. An extremely tough runner who is very difficult to bring down on contact. Trucks and carries defenders at the second level. Not going down with an arm tackle. Shows good burst and play speed and is capable of ripping off long runs with regularity.

“A plus receiver and one of the more natural pass-catchers among high school running back prospects. Even splits out to receiver on passing downs for his high school. A big-time mismatch in the passing game and already runs routes at a high level. Doubles as a good basketball player averaging over 10 points per game as a sophomore for a team that made a deep run in the state playoffs. Older for the class, turning 18 years-old in December of his junior year. Though he projects as one of the top running backs in the 2025 cycle, has the potential to also be a star at other spots.”

5. Bo Jackson – Ohio State commit

School: Cleveland (Ohio) Villa Angela – St Joseph HS

Analyst’s Take: You can watch about 10 seconds of Bo Jackson’s highlight tape and see why Ohio State wanted him to be its guy this recruiting cycle.His combination of elusiveness, speed, power and vision is incredible for a high school prospect. Plus his size — 6 feet, 210 pounds — there are a lot of things Jackson does well. He’s not a ready-to-play-today prospect, but his future with the Buckeyes is bright.” — LettermenRow.com

More top running back recruits in the 2025 class

6. Alvin Henderson — Auburn
7. Girard Pringle — Miami
8. James Simon — Texas
9. Shekai Mills-Knight — Ole Miss
10. Anthony Rogers – Alabama

11. Michael Turner — Baylor
12. JT Lindsey — LSU
13. Jordon Davison — Oregon
14. Marquise Davis — Kentucky
15. Marquise Henderson — Clemson

16. Dierre Hill — Oregon
17. Jabree Wallace-Coleman — Penn State
18. Byron Louis — Florida State
19. Jamarion Morrow — Missouri
20. Tory Blaylock — Oklahoma

21. Waltez Clark — Florida
22. Karson Cox — UCLA
23. Taevion Swint — UCF
24. Rickey Stewart Jr. — Texas
25. Jasper Parker – Michigan