In C2C and Devy fantasy leagues, the real edge comes from spotting breakout running backs before the season kicks off. It’s not about last year’s stats, it’s about opportunity, scheme, and untapped talent. In this article, we spotlight RBs poised for bigger workloads, explosive offenses, and the skills to cash in. These picks can raise your roster’s value fast and give you a head start on RB draft value before the rest of your league catches on.

1. Jam Miller, Alabama (Sr.):

   Miller isn’t just the lead back; he’s the only proven commodity in Tuscaloosa. With Jalen Milroe’s massive rushing workload gone to the NFL, fellow back Justice Haynes transferring to Michigan, and a new pro-style scheme under OC Ryan Grubb, Miller is locked in as the three-down workhorse. His versatility (proven blocker, capable receiver) fits Grubb’s system perfectly. Expect a massive spike from his 668-yard 2024 season behind an improved OL. Projection: 250+ touches, 1,200+ scrimmage yards, double-digit TDs. High-floor RB1 potential.

2. Makhi Hughes, Oregon (Jr.):

   Hughes wasn’t just productive at Tulane (1,056 yards, 11 TDs); he was dominant after contact (949 YAC in 2024). Now stepping into Oregon’s high-octane offense to replace Jordan James, he inherits a superior line and a scheme built for explosive runs. With a new QB (Dante Moore) and young WRs, Oregon will lean heavily on Hughes’ physicality and reliability. His elite PFF grade (92.2 career) translates. Projection: Potential 1,500+ yard rusher, bell-cow volume in a committee that runs early and often. Top-5 national rusher candidate.

3. Terion Stewart, Virginia Tech (Sr.):

   Forget the MAC label. Stewart possesses a generational tackle-breaking ability (led FBS in 0.63 Missed Tackles Forced/Attempt in 2023). This “bowling ball” (5’9″, 222 lbs) transfers to replace Bhayshul Tuten in an offense perfectly suited for his punishing, downhill style. QB Kyron Drones’ threat opens lanes, and Stewart’s short-yardage prowess means GL touches galore. His skills are OL-proof. Projection: High-volume, high-TD upside. Expect 1,000+ yards and double-digit TDs as the Hokies’ hammer. Elite YAC potential.

4. Jonah Coleman, Washington (Jr.):

   Already productive (1,053 yards, 10 TDs in 2024), Coleman enters 2025 lighter, faster, and in a more stable situation. Jedd Fisch’s offense returns key pieces, and the OL is being rebuilt for improved performance. Coleman’s blend of power (228 lbs), vision, and elite missed tackle rate (~35%) makes him a nightmare. The only knock is receiving polish; improvement there rockets his NFL stock. Projection: Clear lead back with improved efficiency. Potential for 1,200+ rushing yards and 20+ catches. Workhorse in a high-scoring offense.

5. Bryson Washington, Baylor (RS Soph.):

   Washington exploded for 1,028 yards and 12 TDs as a RS freshman. Now, with backup Dawson Pendergrass (671 yards in 2024) out for the season, Baylor’s entire ground game rests on his shoulders. A bigger, stronger frame (6’0″, 216 lbs) and an offense returning 4 OL starters and QB Sawyer Robertson sets the stage. His 5.9 YPC and receiving ability (22 catches) show his all-around game. Projection: True bell-cow workload. 250+ carries, 1,200+ yards, 15+ TD ceiling. The undisputed engine of Baylor’s offense.

6. Darius Taylor, Minnesota (Jr.):

   Taylor is the complete package: power (215 lbs), vision, patience, and soft hands (54 catches in 2024 – school RB record). He enters 2025 healthy and as the undisputed focal point of PJ Fleck’s run-heavy offense. His PFF metrics (83.7 rushing grade, 3.85 YAC/carry, 81 MTF) scream efficiency. With Minnesota breaking in a new QB, Taylor is the offense. Projection: Heavy volume, high receptions. Legitimate threat to lead the Big Ten in rushing and all-purpose yards. Workhorse with 3-down capability.

7. Quinten Joyner, Texas Tech (RS Soph.):

   Joyner brings explosive playmaking (7.6 YPC at USC) to fill the massive void left by Tahj Brooks. New OC Mack Leftwich loves multiple backs, but Joyner’s blend of vision, acceleration, and receiving chops makes him the likely 1A. His style mirrors Brooks’, fitting seamlessly into Tech’s scheme. A Texas kid with a chip on his shoulder. Projection: Lead back in a potent rushing attack. 200+ carries, 1,000+ yards, significant receiving work. High upside in Leftwich’s system.

8. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas (Jr.):

   Wisner seized his chance in 2024 (1,064 rushing, 311 receiving) after CJ Baxter’s season-ending injury. With Baxter now returning healthy, they form a potent 1A/1B backfield, and Wisner’s elite burst, open-field vision, and receiving prowess (44 catches) guarantee a major role in Steve Sarkisian’s diverse offense. His shiftiness complements Baxter’s power perfectly. Projection: High-end RB2 in a national title contender’s offense. 150+ carries, 40+ catches, 1,000+ scrimmage yards. PPR monster.

9. CJ Donaldson, Ohio State (Sr.):

   The former TE (6’2″, 232 lbs, now lighter) brings unique size and power to Columbus. With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both gone to the NFL, Donaldson and sophomore James Peoples form a formidable duo. Donaldson’s physicality and goal-line prowess (11 TDs in 2023 & 2024 at WVU) make him the likely hammer and short-yardage specialist in Ryan Day’s offense. Projection: TD vulture and chain-mover. 150+ carries, 700+ yards, double-digit TDs. High GL upside.

10. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska (Jr.):

    (The Dark Horse) Nebraska hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2018. Johnson, now the clear lead back in a thin room after Dante Dowdell’s transfer, is poised to end that drought. He’s embraced the leadership role and spent the offseason honing explosiveness. With a run-focused HC in Matt Rhule and a thin RB room, Johnson is set for a massive workload. Mentored by Husker legends. Projection: True workhorse volume. 220+ carries, 1,000+ yard potential in a run-heavy scheme. Under-the-radar RB2 with RB1 upside if the offense clicks.

Drafting RBs in C2C/Devy isn’t just about talent, it’s about projecting workload in schemes that maximize their strengths. Miller, Hughes, Stewart, Washington, and Taylor offer the clearest paths to elite volume and TD upside, while Coleman and Wisner bring hyper-efficiency in high-powered offenses. Joyner and Donaldson step into proven systems with featured roles, and Johnson is the dark horse poised for a surprise workhorse season. The key? Target these backs early, their value will skyrocket after Week 1 breakout performances. Stay ahead of the curve, and let these RBs anchor your dynasty rosters for years to come.

FAQ

Q: How do I value volume vs. efficiency in C2C?
A: Volume in a friendly scheme wins weeks; efficiency breaks ties between similar roles.

Q: Which backs gain the most in PPR?
A: Wisner, Taylor, Joyner, Coleman—clear receiving paths.

Q: Handcuff any of these?
A: Only where the backup becomes a 60–65% role (watch Baylor/Ohio State).

Q: Devy vs. C2C priority?
A: C2C = 2025 points; Devy = traits/draft capital. Miller/Taylor bridge both.

Q: What camp signals matter most?
A: 1st-team pass-pro reps, goal-line packages, two-minute usage.