Ranking the Big Ten: Running back
As the 2024 college football season quickly approaches, it is time to look at the top players at each position in the Big Ten.
We continue our annual Ranking the Big Ten series with the running backs. The conference is stacked with talent, but two Ohio State running backs pace the list.
Ranking the Big Ten: QB |
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1. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins is about to rock the Big Ten and college football. He recorded back-to-back 1,000 rushing seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State. The 6-foot-0, 219-pound back could start over returning Buckeye’s RB TreVeyon Henderson. Both will be used a lot.
While at Ole Miss, Judkins was a two-time First Team All-SEC selection and a Freshman All-American by four different organizations. The Pike Road, Ala. native set the Rebels school record with 1,567 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2022 as a freshman. Judkins runs hard and has proven he can carry a heavy load.
2. Kyle Monangai, Rutgers
Rutgers Kyle Monangai, the Big Ten rushing leader in 2023, is back for his final season of college football. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound back was a second-team All-Big Ten selections by coaches, media and Phil Steele but made PFF’s First Team in 2023. He was also the MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl where Rutgers beat Miami 31-24.
Monangai has a breakout season in 2023. He rushed for a conference-high 1,262 yards on 242 carries in 13 games. In 2022, he had 445 rushing yards on 109 attempts. The Roseland, N.J. product scored eight touchdowns last season, which was more than his previous three seasons combined. He is the highest graded returning Big Ten running back with a 91.8 PFF run score.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
The Buckeyes will have the most dominate and elite pair of running backs in the country in 2024. Along with Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson will be utilities to his fullest capabilities. Henderson was a First-Team All-Big Ten unanimous selection after a huge 2023 season. He rushed for 926 yards on 156 attempts, scoring 11 touchdowns.
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Henderson’s freshman campaign featured 1,248 rushing yards but his sophomore season was hindered by an injury. A fully healthy Henderson is dangerous and he has proven so. Ohio State will have the strongest run game in the country as they fight to return to the National Championship.
4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Penn State also has a dynamic, dangerous duo at running back. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton have paces PSU’s run game since their freshman season in 2022. Allen was a second-team All-Big Ten selection and Singleton earned third-team honors in 2023.
Allen rushed for 902 yards on 172 carries last season. He led the Nittany Lions in rushing yards with Singleton’s 752 rushing yards close behind. Allen had the second highest Pro Football Focus run grade of any returning Big Ten back with a 90.6 grade.
5. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Donovan Edwards has been a staple of Michigan’s run game as he had played in all 38 games in his three seasons as a Wolverine. Edwards production dipped from 991 yards in 2022 to under 500 in 2023. Blake Corum led Michigan with 1,265 rushing yards. However, Edwards is still projected to be one of the best backs in the conference.
The West Bloomfield, MI native had 497 rushing yards in 2023, helping them to win the National Championship. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back rushed for 104 yards on six carries and scored two touchdowns in the title game. He became the first player in CFP National Championship game history to score multiple rushing touchdowns of over 40 yards.
