2025 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt ranks top five running backs in loaded class
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt ranked the top five running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class. There’s a clear top running back but the others can make this class very interesting.
Running backs are perhaps on a bit of a resurgence, headlined by Saquon Barkley’s record breaking season and contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, the value of the position might be back up!
Klatt revealed his top five on his podcast. Without further ado, let’s dive into his ranking for this spring’s draft!
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty is the top running back for Klatt in this draft. The Boise State star was the Heisman runner up with a historic season.
He finished the year with 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven yards per carry. He ran for 1,347 in 2023, so he practically doubled his total in one season and is expected to be a first round pick.
2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
USA TODAY IMAGES/Adam Cairns
Henderson is one of two Ohio State running backs in this draft class within Klatt’s top five. Henderson was a stout runner during his time with the Buckeyes and was aided by Quinshon Judkins, also on this list.
Judkins had a resurgent year in 2024, running for 1,016 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7.1 yards per carry. He has 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns in his career.
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Speaking of Judkins, he’s the next running back on this list. The former Ole Miss star spent his final season at Ohio State and helped win a national championship.
Judkins didn’t reach his career high numbers from his freshman season, but he was very productive. He had 1,060 yards, 14 touchdowns and 5.5 yards per carry.
4. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton is next up on Klatt’s list after starring for North Carolina. People want to talk about the top three, but Hampton is quietly rising up draft boards.
Hampton had back to back seasons that were electric. He finished his final campaign with 1,660 yards, 15 touchdowns and 5.9 yards per carry. Hampton had 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons.
5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Kaleb Johnson gets a game ball. (Photo: Dennis Scheidt)
If you want to talk about a bruising running back, Johnson is your guy. He might be overlooked at this point! But Klatt has him near the top.
Johnson broke out in 2024 after having solid reserve roles (less carries essentially) in his first two seasons. He finished with 1,537 yards, 21 touchdowns and 6.4 yards per carry this year.
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