Best Running Backs in College Football (Doak Walker Award Watch List 2025)

Published on: August 25, 2024

Updated on: August 30, 2025

Category: Advice & Tips

Best Running Backs in College Football (Doak Walker Award Watch List) - Blog - Square Bettor

The following post features the best running backs in college football (Doak Walker Award Watch List 2025).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level RB capable of turning a toss sweep into an 80-yard TD. These are the RBs you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Best Kickers in College Football

Related: Best Times to Live Bet College Football

The Doak Walker Award Watch List features the top running backs in the nation heading into the 2025 college football season.

So, who are the best RBs in 2025? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty won the 2024 Doak Walker Award after rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs, while also adding 23 receptions for 128 yards and 1 TD. He was selected over two other finalists: Omarion Hampton of North Carolina and Kaleb Johnson of Iowa.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Doak Walker Award Committee tracks the performance of running backs on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee reduces the list to 10 semifinalists. From this group, the top three finalists are chosen. The winner is chosen from these three finalists by a panel of college football coaches, media members, and former Doak Walker Award winners.

Doak Walker Award Watch List (2025)

Click here for the official Doak Walker Award Watch List (2025).

Doak Walker Award Winners (2000 – Present)

Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NFL names on this list.

Year

Player

Team

2024

Ashton Jeanty

Boise State Broncos

2023

Ollie Gordon II

Oklahoma State Cowboys

2022

Bijan Robinson

Texas Longhorns

2021

Kenneth Gainwell

Memphis Tigers

2020

Najee Harris

Alabama Crimson Tide

2019

Jonathan Taylor

Wisconsin Badgers

2018

Bryce Love

Stanford Cardinal

2017

Darius Anderson

TCU Horned Frogs

2016

Christian McCaffrey

Stanford Cardinal

2015

Derrick Henry

Alabama Crimson Tide

2014

Melvin Gordon

Wisconsin Badgers

2013

Andre Williams

Boston College Eagles

2012

Montee Ball

Wisconsin Badgers

2011

Trent Richardson

Alabama Crimson Tide

2010

Mark Ingram

Alabama Crimson Tide

2009

Toby Gerhart

Stanford Cardinal

2008

Knowshon Moreno

Georgia Bulldogs

2007

Darren McFadden

Arkansas Razorbacks

2006

Troy Smith

Ohio State Buckeyes

2005

Reggie Bush

USC Trojans

2004

Cedric Benson

Texas Longhorns

2003

Larry Johnson

Penn State Nittany Lions

2002

Willis McGahee

Miami Hurricanes

2001

Eric Crouch

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2000

Ron Dayne

Wisconsin Badgers

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing the best running backs can give you an inside edge when betting on college football. It’s wise to keep these RBs (and their teams) in mind as you approach the season.

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