Ben Kenney
May 23, 2024 6:45 am CT
The classic identity of the Big Ten Conference is built on physical football, strong defense and terrific running back play.
Since 2021, the conference has produced top running backs including Trey Sermon (Ohio State), Kenneth Walker (Michigan State), Chase Brown (Illinois), Blake Corum (Michigan) and Braelon Allen (Wisconsin). That list grows when newcomers Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington are added to the mix.
Related:Big Ten football 2024 season win-loss record predictions for each team after spring practice
The 2024 Big Ten season will not see any drop-off at the position. The conference returns several of its leading rushers from 2023, plus adds several top transfers and the four former Pac-12 powers.
The state of the running back position at the professional level is certainly a question, as teams have moved away from pouring value into the position. But its importance at the collegiate level is undeniable, especially given the weather conditions often seen across the Big Ten in late November.
As approach the 2024 Big Ten season, ProFootballFocusreleasedits updated ranking of the Big Ten’s highest-graded returning running backs. Here is that top 10, which includes several players from the conference’s newcomers:
1
Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) scores a touchdown as Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Devin Turner (8) pursues during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:92.5
2023 Stats:242 carries, 1,262 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 8 receptions, 78 receiving yards
Get more (Rutgers) news, analysis, and opinions onRutgers Wire
2
Jordan James (Oregon)
Oregon White Team running back Jordan James carries the ball for a touchdown during the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard-USA TODAY NETWORK
PFF Grade:92.0
2023 Stats:107 carries, 759 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 15 receptions, 132 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis, and opinions onDucks Wire
3
Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Dec 28, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Jonah Coleman (3) gets set in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:91.4
2023 Stats (at Arizona):128 carries, 871 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 25 receptions, 283 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Get more (Washington) news, analysis, and opinions onHuskies Wire
4
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 28: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes the ball during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
PFF Grade:90.0
2023 Stats:156 carries, 926 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 19 receptions, 229 receiving yards
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis, and opinions onBuckeyes Wire
5
Darius Taylor (Minnesota)
Dec 26, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs for a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:87.4
2023 Stats:138 carries, 799 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 11 receptions, 92 receiving yards
6
Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball against the Mississippi Rebels in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:85.0
2023 Stats:172 carries, 902 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 14 receptions, 81 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis, and opinions onNittany Lions Wire
7
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:83.4
2023 Stats (at Ole Miss):271 carries, 1,158 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 22 receptions, 149 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis, and opinions onBuckeyes Wire
8
Tawee Walker (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker turns upfield after catching a pass during the team’s final spring practice, which was held on the field north of Camp Randall Stadium on Thursday May 2, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. Credit: Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK
PFF Grade:82.6
2023 Stats (at Oklahoma):102 carries, 513 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 10 receptions, 81 receiving yards
9
Jo'quavious Marks (USC)
Nov 23, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Jo’Quavious Marks (7) runs the ball as Mississippi Rebels defensive back Daijahn Anthony (3) and linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste (11) make the tackle during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:82.0
2023 Stats (at Mississippi State):121 carries, 573 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 23 receptions, 167 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
Get more (USC) news, analysis, and opinions onTrojans Wire
10
Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams (Michigan State)
Nov 4, 2022; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen quarterback Gino Campiotti (5) hands off the ball to Massachusetts Minutemen running back Kay’Ron Adams (22) against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
PFF Grade:79.9
2023 Stats (at Massachusetts):136 carries, 1,157 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 20 receptions, 118 receiving yards
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis, and opinions onSpartans Wire
11
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