Fastest 40-yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History: Top 10 running backs

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine will take place this week, beginning Thursday, Feb. 27 and running through Sunday, Mar. 2, with all the action stemming from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

One of the more interesting events in the NFL Scouting Combine is always the 40-yard dash. The running backs are always among the top performers in the event, and they’ll be strutting their stuff on Saturday, Mar. 1.

When the time comes, they’ll be looking to make history, but it’s won’t be easy to break into the record books. Check out the numbers they’ll all be shooting for this time around. Here’s the Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Scouting Combine history for running backs.

1) Chris Johnson, East Carolina — 4.24

Leading the way is none other than the electrifying Chris Johnson. He projected as a solid prospect entering the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina, but he gave his stock a shot in the arm with his 4.24 mark in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which tied the all-time mark that lasted until 2017.

Due to his impressive performance at the Combine, Johnson was selected with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He went on to have a ton of success in the NFL, rushing for 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009. He ended up having a ten-year career in the league, not too shabby for a running back.

2) Dri Archer, Kent State — 4.26

Dri Archer played his college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes, and he lived up to his school’s mascot during the 40-yard dash. After rushing for 2,342 yards and 24 touchdowns in college, while also doubling as an impressive receiver and returner, he seemed destined to make a name for himself in the NFL, and when he ran a 4.26 at the 2014 Scouting Combine, the NFL took notice.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the sweepstakes for his services, drafting Archer in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, No. 97 overall. However, he never replicated his collegiate success, and after two season with Pittsburgh, and splitting a third with the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, he was out of the league.

3) Keith Marshall, Georgia — 4.31

Keith Marshall bursted onto the scene at Georgia, where he created a dynamic duo with Todd Gurley. He scored nine total touchdowns during his first season in Athens, but that ended up being by far his best season with the Bulldogs. He was with the team from 2012-2015, and he entered the 2016 NFL Draft with dreams of making a name for himself at the professional level.

It started off well, as Marshall ran the fastest time for a running back at the 2016 Combine — 4.31, which still stands as the third-fastest ever for a running back. He was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, with the No. 242 overall pick. Unfortunately, injuries like a patellar tendon in his right knee marred his time in the league, and he never made a sizable impact.

4) De’Von Achane, Texas A&M — 4.32

De’Von Achane was a football and track star in high school, and that certainly translated when he took his talents to College Station to play for Texas A&M. He didn’t receive a ton of burn immediately, but he improved year after year, and the speedster accumulated 2,376 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns in three seasons, while also turning heads as a receiver and returner.

His size was questioned throughout the pre-draft process, but Achane made a name for himself by running a 4.32 at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. It was the fastest 40-yard dash among all running backs in the draft, and it led to the Miami Dolphins drafting him in the third round, pick No. 84. He’s been impressive in two seasons with the team, totaling 1,707 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns.

5-T) Isaac Guerendo, Louisville and Darren McFadden, Arkansas — 4.33

Isaac Guerendo played for the Wisconsin Badgers and Louisville Cardinals in his college career, and his speed was never in question. After a 2023 where he scored eight touchdowns for Louisville, Guerendo entered the 2024 NFL Draft, where he ran a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. In his rookie season, he played sparingly, but he figures to be a nice piece for the San Francisco 49ers for years to come.

Meanwhile, Darren McFadden’s reputation preceded him prior to the 2008 NFL Draft. After rushing for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns over three seasons at Arkansas, McFadden ran the second-fastest time among running backs at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. He was only beat out by Chris Johnson, the top running back on the list. Still, he was drafted with the No. 4 overall pick, and went on to have a solid ten-year career in the league.

Fastest RB 40-yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History Continued:

7) Onterio McCalebb, Auburn — 4.34
8) Jahvid Best, California — 4.35
9-T) Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama and Anthony Alridge, Houston — 4.36
11-T) Six tied at 4.37 — Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina; Isiah Pacheco, Rutgers; Pierre Strong, South Dakota State; T.J. Logan, North Carolina; Knile Davis, Arkansas; C.J. Spiller, Clemson

As you can tell, there’s a fascinating mix of NFL stars, role players and everything in between adorning the list of fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history for running backs. It’s certainly not the be-all and end-all when it comes to projecting success for the position, but it can help, and heck, it’s exciting to watch, that’s for sure.