The running back position in the Big 12 is one of the deepest in the nation. There are a lot of dominant players that will be in the backfield during the 2024 college football season.
With several dominating figures that can help their team's offense go to the next level, here's a look at the top running backs in the 2024 college football season coming out of the Big 12
Top Big 12 running backs in 2024 college football season
#1 Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon II is not only the most prolific running back in the Big 12 but is also arguably the best in college football. He dominated last year with the Oklahoma State Cowboys as he finished with 285 carries for 1,732 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) with 21 rushing touchdowns while also adding 37 catches for 326 yards (8.8 yards per reception) with a receiving touchdown.
Even with some significant off-the-field issues during the offseason, Gordon should dominate once again in 2024.
#2 Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
The Texas Tech Red Raiders will have senior running back Tahj Brooks back in the backfield for the 2024 college football season, and that will be exciting. He finished last season with 268 rushes for 1,443 yards (5.4 yards per attempt) with nine rushing touchdowns as well as 24 catches for 72 yards (3.0 yards per reception).
He is one of the best runners in the nation and should continue to showcase his skills in his fifth season of college football.
#3 Devin Neal, Kansas
Senior running back Devin Neal has been a massive running back who just finds his way to get to the end zone. Last season, he had 203 rushes for 1,280 yards (6.3 yards per attempt) with 16 touchdown rushes as well as 24 receptions for 214 yards (8.9 yards per catch) with a touchdown grab for Kansas.
#4 DJ Giddens, Kansas State
DJ Giddens will be one of the premier Big 12 running backs in the 2024 season, as the Kansas State Wildcats running back had a massive improvement in 2023. He recorded 195 carries for 1,075 yards (5.5 yards per attempt) with nine rushing touchdowns while tallying 28 catches for 286 yards (10.2 yards per reception) with a pair of receiving touchdowns.
Giddens finds his way into the end zone and moves the chains consistently, even when the defense knows he is getting the football.
#5 R.J. Harvey, UCF
Senior running back R.J. Harvey wraps up the top five Big 12 running backs in the conference and is coming off an excellent 2023 season. He finished with 226 rushing attempts for 1,416 yards (6.3 yards per carry) with 16 rushing touchdowns while also adding 17 receptions for 231 yards (13.6 yards per catch) with a pair of receiving touchdowns.
Despite the numbers not being as great for 2024 with the addition of Peny Boone, R.J. Harvey is going to be a dominant force in the backfield this season.
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