2025 C2C Running Back Rankings: Top 10 Workhorses & NFL Prospects

Finding running backs who can score right away and succeed in the NFL is key to winning Campus-to-Canton (C2C) leagues. Don’t just chase big names, focus on players in strong offenses with heavy workloads and NFL potential. This list ranks RBs based on production, 2025 opportunity, and long-term upside. Use it to guide your draft and trade strategies.

1. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (Senior)

• 2025 Outlook: The quintessential C2C workhorse. Returns as the undisputed RB1 in a run-heavy offense. Needs only 1,020 yards to break PSU’s career rushing record. Expect 250+ carries, 1,400+ total yards, and 15+ TDs as the focal point of a national title contender. High-profile matchups (Oregon “White Out”) guarantee massive national exposure.
• C2C Value: Elite year-one production is guaranteed. His NFL-ready blend of power (224 lbs) and breakaway speed (22 career runs of 40+ yards) screams top-tier devy asset. He’s a safe, high-floor RB1 with RB1 overall upside. Target: Early 1st round in C2C startups/drafts.

2. Caden Durham, LSU (Sophomore)

• 2025 Outlook: Poised for a massive leap as LSU’s lead back. Flashed elite explosiveness as a freshman (1,013 total yards, 8 TDs) despite battling broken toes. With a full offseason and improved health, expect 18+ touches per game in Joe Sloan’s high-octane offense. Analysts project All-SEC production; his ability to create yards independently is special.
• C2C Value: Elite track speed and violent running style project perfectly to the NFL. He’s a true 3-down threat (28 rec in ’24). Durham offers the highest ceiling in this class for combined ’25 production and future draft capital. Target: Top 3 pick. Pay premium trade value.

3. Nathaniel Frazier, Georgia (Sophomore)

• 2025 Outlook: Steps into the lead role after Trevor Etienne’s departure. Elite track speed (10.58s 100m) meets power (210 lbs). While UGA’s OL rebuild and RBBC history are concerns, his talent is undeniable. Project 180-220 carries, 1,000+ total yards, 10+ TDs. Clutch performer (game-winning 2PC vs GT) will get key touches.
• C2C Value: Frazier possesses the highest raw talent upside. If he secures a true bell-cow role, he rockets up NFL boards. The risk/reward is high, but the pedigree (compared to Gurley/Chubb) demands investment. Target: Late 1st round. Ideal target if you believe in talent over situation.

4. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (Junior)

• 2025 Outlook: The engine of the Irish offense. Electric efficiency (6.9 YPC, 19 TDs in ’24). Expect increased volume (250+ touches) as a dark-horse Heisman candidate. Elite breakaway threat (99-yd CFP TD) in an offense built around his skills.
• C2C Value: Love is the most complete college back, offering elite rushing and receiving (28 rec). NFL scouts question his pass protection and frame durability (206 lbs), but his on-field dynamism is top-tier. Target: Mid 1st round. High-floor, high-ceiling producer.

5. Ousmane Kromah, Florida State (Freshman)

• 2025 Outlook: The highest-ranked true freshman RB. Walks into an FSU offense desperate for a rushing spark (132nd in YPP in ’24). Elite high school production (4,643 rush yds, 83 rec) and a Nick Chubb-like physique (6’1″, 214 lbs) scream immediate impact. Expect him to earn significant carries early, potentially starting by mid-season.
• C2C Value: Kromah offers the best blend of elite recruiting pedigree, ideal size/speed, and immediate opportunity among freshmen. He’s a devy dream with true bell-cow potential long-term. Target: Late 1st / Early 2nd round. Prioritize in devy drafts.

6. Bryson Washington, Baylor (Sophomore)

• 2025 Outlook: The most proven returning RB in the Big 12. Shattered Baylor freshman records (1,028 yds, 12 TDs) despite missing games. Now the clear RB1 in a system that will lean heavily on him. Project 220+ carries, 1,200+ total yards, 15+ TDs. PFF’s highest-graded returning Big 12 RB.
• C2C Value: Washington is a high-floor producer with prototypical size (6’1″) and a complete skillset (22 rec in ’24). He lacks the elite top-end speed of others, but his volume and consistency are C2C gold. Target: Solid 2nd round value. Target for win-now rosters.

7. Makhi Hughes, Oregon (Junior)

• 2025 Outlook: The top RB transfer heads to a perfect situation. Back-to-back 1,300+ yard seasons at Tulane prove his workhorse capability. Steps into Oregon’s lead role with a QB (Dillon Gabriel) who will keep defenses honest. Expect 220+ carries and heavy receiving usage in Will Stein’s offense as Oregon transitions to the Big Ten.
• C2C Value: Hughes brings proven, high-volume production (5.3 YPC career) to a Power 4 stage. His contact balance and receiving ability (30 career rec) translate well. A safe bet for top-15 RB production. Target: Mid 2nd round. High-floor veteran presence.

8. Darius Taylor, Minnesota (Junior)

• 2025 Outlook: Minnesota’s undisputed offensive centerpiece. Averaged 20.7 carries and 104.8 rush yards per game in games he played significantly. Even with transfer AJ Turner sharing the load, Taylor’s volume (especially as a receiver – 54 catches in ’24) is secure in a run-heavy scheme. Project 250+ touches, 1,400+ total yards.
• C2C Value: Taylor is a PPR monster at the college level. His durability is a slight concern, but his workload when healthy is elite. NFL scouts will love his toughness and receiving chops. Target: Late 2nd / Early 3rd round. PPR dynamo.

9. Justice Haynes, Michigan (Junior)

• 2025 Outlook: Transfers from Alabama to form a potent duo with Jordan Marshall. Brings power (5’11”, 205 lbs) and efficiency (5.9 YPC career) to a Michigan offense needing a ground resurgence. Expect 150+ carries as the early-down/thunder complement, with GL work. Chip Lindsey’s offense will utilize him.
• C2C Value: Haynes has untapped potential after limited Bama usage. His well-rounded skillset (power, receiving ability) fits the modern NFL. A strong ’25 could solidify his devy stock. Target: 3rd round. High-upside devy stash with immediate role.

10. Gideon Davidson, Clemson (Freshman)

• 2025 Outlook: The most college-ready freshman. Elite pedigree (VA Gatorade POY, 7,438 HS rush yds). With Phil Mafah gone, Davidson has a clear path to immediate carries in Garrett Riley’s RB-friendly scheme. Spring reports raved about his maturity and explosiveness (31 rush yds, 3 rec/49 yds in Spring Game).
• C2C Value: Davidson possesses the highest pure upside among freshmen. Comparisons to Travis Etienne are tantalizing. He could be a league-winner if he seizes the RB1 job early. Target: Late 3rd / Early 4th round. Premier devy target with massive 2025 breakout potential.

Prioritize immediate opportunity within proven systems (Singleton, Durham, Washington, Hughes, Taylor) for guaranteed 2025 points. Balance this with elite devy upside from transcendent talents in good situations (Frazier, Love, Kromah, Davidson). Haynes offers a unique value play as a high-profile transfer with untapped potential.

Action Plan:

1. Draft: Target Singleton/Durham in the Top 3. Grab Frazier/Love/Kromah for elite upside in the 1st. Secure Washington/Hughes/Taylor for high floors in the 2nd. Stash Haynes/Davidson for value in the 3rd/4th.
2. Trade: Acquire proven producers (Singleton, Washington, Taylor) from rebuilders. Buy low on high-upside talents facing minor hurdles (Frazier’s OL, Kromah’s youth).
3. Watch: Davidson’s early-season role at Clemson. Durham’s workload stability at LSU. Frazier’s ability to fend off McCray at UGA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I choose between workhorse backs and high-upside rookies?

A: Balance your roster window and league format.

Win-Now (Campus focus): Prioritize proven workhorses (Singleton, Washington, Taylor) for guaranteed workload and production.

Build-Tomorrow (Canton focus): Invest in elite upside freshmen/sophomores (Kromah, Davidson, Frazier) to capture future NFL value.

Hybrid Approach: Mix both in Rounds 1–3, then lean toward one direction based on roster needs.

Q2: When should I draft true freshman RBs like Ousmane Kromah?

A: True freshmen carry more risk (camp battles, system fit), but Kromah’s unique combination of elite pedigree and immediate opportunity justifies a mid–1st to early–2nd round pick in C2C startups/drafts. Only stash other freshmen (Davidson) if you have depth or a later pick.

Q3: What college workload metrics matter most?

A: Key indicators include:

Carry Volume: 200+ projected touches signal workhorse status.

Snap Share: 60%+ in run-heavy schemes.

Receiving Usage: 20+ catches per season show three-down ability.

Big-Play Rate: 10-yard + run percentage indicates explosive upside.

Q4: How do I trade for premium RBs without overpaying?

A: 1. Sell high on overvalued assets—players coming off big seasons but with questionable repeat volume or aging concerns.

2. Target buy-low on breakout candidates in uncertain backfields (e.g., Frazier at UGA).

3. Offer future picks or balanced packages (one proven producer + one upside stash) to match RB market value.

Q5: In Superflex leagues, how should RB priority shift?

A: Quarterbacks gain extra value, so you can afford to wait slightly on RBs. Focus on workhorses in Rounds 1–2 (Singleton, Durham) and then secure high-ceiling RBs in Rounds 3–4. Use the saved pick to grab a top-tier QB.

Q6: What’s your rule of thumb for rostering RB handcuffs?

A: Only handcuff if the starter has significant injury history or workload concerns. Good candidates are backup RBs in high-volume offenses (e.g., 49ers’ reserves behind McCaffrey). Otherwise, allocate those late-round slots to high-upside Devy stashes.