Each week, Keith Sanchez will bring you his updated rankings and analysis of the top running backs in college football eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. See how the top rushers rise and fall throughout the season with scouting notes on what happened last week and what to watch for going forward.
Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan
Week 3 Stats: Rushing Yards: 153 yards | Rec Yards: 0 | Touchdowns: 2
Game Analysis
After losing at home to Texas in a blowout, the match against Arkansas State seemed like much more than a matchup against a Group of Five school. This appeared to be a soul-searching game and a game to identify Michigan's identity. With interceptions still being thrown by their quarterback, Michigan had to lean on their running game, and from that Kalel Mullings emerged. Mullings rushed for more than 150 yards, but more importantly, helped Michigan find an identity. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Mullings ran with power but also showed some elusiveness and speed in the open field. Mullings appears to be in line to be the workhorse back for Michigan and with his size-speed-power combination, he can become yet another talented power back in this draft class.
Takeaway: Although it was against Arkansas State, Mullings had an impressive performance. Look for him to continue to carve out a larger role with more carries and improve his draft stock.
Current Ranking: RB14
Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
Week 3 Stats: Rushing Yards: 143 yards | Rec Yards: 11 | Touchdowns: 2
Game Analysis
Raheim Sanders may have had the most tone-setting performance of the weekend for running backs. From the very first drive for Sanders and this Gamecock offense, they took it to the LSU defense. Sanders ran the ball with physicality but also showcased some open-field burst, which is something we haven’t seen from Sanders in two seasons. The Gamecocks fell short in this matchup in large part because their starting quarterback was injured, but Sanders played well and started to look like his old self. Sanders is yet another big powerful back that if he looks closer to the 2022 All-SEC version could gain a lot of attention from NFL teams throughout the draft process.
Takeaway: Sanders had the performance that everyone wanted to see and started to look like the 2022 version of himself. Keep an eye on Sanders because the 2022 version of Sanders was a fringe Ttop-100 player.
Current Ranking: RB13
Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Week 3 Stats: Rushing Yards: 101 yards | Rec Yards: 4 | Touchdowns: 4
Game Analysis
Dylan Sampson is off to one of the hottest starts of any running back in the country. Week 3 marked his third 100-yard game and he has nine rushing touchdowns already on the season. Everyone is aware of Tennessee’s freshman QB Nico Iamaleava, but he has had his highs and lows. If you had to point to the most consistent player this offense is anchored around, it is Sampson. In Week 3, Sampson ran between the tackles and showed off his quickness and acceleration. Sampson ran behind his pads well and can fight for extra yardage on short-yardage and goal-to-go situations. Sampson’s use of his vision and speed makes him an exciting player to watch. He appears to have scheme-versatile traits as a runner.
Takeaway: Sampson is on the verge of having a big-time season production-wise. And in the SEC, where there is no consensus best RB in the conference, look for Sampson to make a case for himself as Tennessee enters SEC play.
Current Ranking: RB9
RB Rankings After Week 3
1. Quinshon Judkins (--)
2. Ashton Jeanty (--)
3. Omarion Hampton (--)
4. Ollie Gordon II (--)
5. Nicholas Singleton (--)
6. Devin Neal (--)
7. Phil Mafah (--)
8. RJ Harvey (--)
9. Dylan Sampson (--)
10. Kyle Monangai (--)
(change since last week)
