In recent years, the Big Ten has been known for star running backs such as Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott and Jonathan Taylor, but which team has the best running back corps heading into 2024?
Judkins surprised many when he transferred from Mississippi to Ohio State this offseason, and it's no exaggeration to say he, along with Henderson, are two of the top five running backs in the conference — a no-brainer No. 1 pick.
Both Singleton and Allen had high expectations heading into 2023 after breakout freshman seasons, but they never managed to live up to those lofty expectations. I expect them to bounce back in 2024 and lead a strong Penn State offense this season.
As a true freshman, Darius Taylor would have ranked first in the nation with 133.1 rushing yards per game, but he only played in six games. With the addition of 2024 Ohio State transfer Shi Bangura, Minnesota once again boasts one of the nation's top rushing attacks.
Michigan's Donovan Edwards is the cover player for EA Sports College Football 25, but he has never rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season. With Blake Corum leaving for the NFL, the Wolverines' offense will likely revolve around Edwards in 2024.
Kyle Monangai rushed for over 1,200 yards last season and was named to the All-Big Ten second team, and while he surprisingly chose to return to Piscataway for one more season, he will likely be one of the best running backs in the conference this season.
Jordan James rushed for nearly 800 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and will be Eugene's No. 1 player. He will be teamed with Noah Whittington and standout Northwest Missouri State transfer Jay Harris in the backfield.
New Washington head coach Jedd Fisch brought in Jonah Coleman from Arizona and Cameron Davis is returning from injury after missing all of last season, making this one of the most intriguing pairings in the conference as both players are No. 1 options at their best.
Williams and Johnson combined for nearly 1,300 yards last season while averaging just under five yards per carry, and they should be able to do the same this season in Iowa's revamped offense.
Wisconsin will replace Breron Allen with longtime second options Chez Mersi and Tawee Walker, both talented but lacking the game-changing ability of past Badger backs.
USC's potent offensive line will make any running back's job easier — Marks is a transfer who had nearly 600 rushing yards last season at Mississippi State — and while this team has potential, it may not have a clear No. 1.
Mokoby returns to Purdue after rushing for more than 800 yards in each of the past two seasons, while Reggie Love III transferred from Illinois after rushing for more than 500 yards last season.
Neither Johnson nor Irvin Jr. rushed for over 500 yards last season, but both flashed potential, and while this is a true two-man backfield, one of them will need to emerge if Nebraska wants to play in a bowl game this season.
New Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith has acquired 1,000-yard rusher Kaylon Lynch-Adams from the University of Massachusetts, and Nathan Carter returns after rushing for 798 yards last season. The two may surprise some.
The Hoosiers will have a completely different backfield with the additions of Black and Lawton, who join Ellison from Wake Forest and Kurt Cignetti from James Madison. All three have proven track records, but can they thrive in the Big Ten?
Cam Porter was the Wildcats' leading rusher last season in their surprising 8-5 record and will likely be a solid No. 1 back in 2024 alongside Himmon II.
Harden led the Bruins with eight rushing touchdowns and was second with 827 rushing yards last season, and will likely lead the running backs again alongside Jones in 2024.
Illinois has big questions at running back as they don't have anyone returning who rushed for over 500 yards from last season and they didn't acquire anyone through the transfer portal, so Feagin, a true sophomore, will look to break out this season.
Maryland returns Hemby, who led the team with 680 yards rushing last season, while Ray, a redshirt junior, will look to take the next step in 2024.