5 College Football RBs With Soaring NFL Draft Stock

Are running backs truly…BACK? 

Maybe not in the same sense as 20 years ago with the sheer volume and workhorse mentality we saw across the NFL and college football, but it’s becoming valuable again. Many players are impressing in college football, and this class is DEEP. There's talent everywhere, not just at the top but throughout the 2025 class. 

With so many names and performances happening each week of the college football season, some breakout players may have slipped through the cracks. Let’s start with maybe the most underrated back in the country.

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tutten is coming off a 266-yard performance where he set the Virginia Tech record for rushing yards in a game. He made ‘Feldman’s Freaks’ list coming into the season with a 4.32 forty-yard dash time and benching 400 pounds. 

At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, he’s a speed demon back with good vision, make-you-miss ability, and a fantastic zone scheme fit. He’s fifth among College Football's running backs with 862 rushing yards and second in the ACC behind Omarion Hampton. 

The one real knock on Tuten is ball security. He has 10 fumbles over the last two seasons, but with his explosiveness and ability to score from anywhere on the field, his name will be one to watch as the season unfolds.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

One of the streaker backs among the leaders in yards this season, Cam Skattebo has three games of 150-plus yards this season. While he isn’t the same type of explosive threat at Tuten, Skattebo, at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, has 52 missed tackles forced this season. A battering ram at running back, he runs over defenders, has fantastic contact balance, and an excellent nose for the end zone when in the red area. 

He’s a scheme-versatile player who looks to initiate contact and punish those willing to seek it out; 567 of his 849 rush yards this season (good enough for sixth in the country) have come after contact. He’s also shown to be a reliable pass-catcher for Arizona State with 23 catches for nearly 300 yards. He’s a real bruiser, and this play perfectly encapsulates who he is as a runner.

DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

DJ Giddens is on the taller side at 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, but he’s an incredibly fluid mover in space and sets up second-level defenders as well as any back in this class. Elusive and a quick decision-maker, he’s dangerous against any opponent and forced 12 missed tackles against Colorado a few weeks ago.  While he doesn’t have huge touchdown numbers this season, I think that has more to do with the offensive line talent, as he scored 10 a season ago. 

Giddens ranks eighth in the country with 842 rushing yards this season, and 602 have come after contact. He’s a versatile back who can win with his vision and tackle-breaking ability, or make you miss entirely. 

Jordan James, RB, Oregon

Jordan James looks on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 but weighs 210 pounds and has bad intentions. He showcases outstanding contact balance and runs with an excellent center of gravity and understanding of his body. He’s got real burst to get through holes but lacks true breakaway speed to hurt defenses with long touchdown runs. He’s got a nose and patience for the endzone when at the goal line, willing to follow his blocks and wait for the right moment.

 A very efficient mover, James can string moves together nicely and easily break arm tackles. His 718 rushing yards put him 13th in the nation, but he’s been a hugely reliable option for Oregon’s offense. His draft stock is on the rise. 

Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech

Consistently great, Tahj Brooks has over 100 yards in every game this season for the Red Raiders and his 800 yards rank 10th in the country. Vision is the hallmark of his game, as his scheme versatility allows him to execute whatever run is asked of him. 

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Brooks is a sturdy runner with fantastic balance to break tackles and stay upright after adjusting his body through a gap or around a defender. He is an underrated lateral athlete which pairs well with his vision and sees him jump-cutting around gaps to take advantage of outside rushing lanes. With more than half of his rushing yards coming after contact, it’s a safe bet Brooks isn’t going down on first contact and will continue to be consistently excellent this season. 

With as much talent as there is across college football, I wanted to point out these running back prospects and shed more light on their fantastic seasons. Draft stock waits for no prospect, and these guys are seizing their moment. What underrated prospects do you have your eyes on?