Running the football is the big trend in the Big Ten. The ground game shapes many teams’ identities. This season, there will be a handful of top-caliber running backs in the Big Ten. Many will be coming off really productive seasons.
Here is my top five rankings list of the best running backs in the Big Ten:
1. Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
Last season, as a sophomore, Raymond perfectly replaced Kyle Monangai, who is now a running back for the Chicago Bears. Raymond finished the year with 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns. Raymond portrayed the perfect mix of being a bruising back and one who can run away from defenders. Raymond was effective after contact as he racked up 884 yards after contact, which led the Big Ten. He then also had an impressive 30-plus explosive runs last season. He was the best back last season in the Big Ten in terms of production. Last season was just the beginning for Raymond; this season, I expect him to even take it up a notch.
2. Bo Jackson, Ohio State
Last season, Bo Jackson was one of the best freshmen in the country, as he was placed on the 2025 freshman All-American team. In his first season, Bo Jackson ran for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns. Jackson had many explosive runs, but he was also physical and nearly unstoppable after contact. Jackson was the perfect complement to Julian Sayin and the Buckeyes’ lethal passing attack. This upcoming season, with more confidence and experience, Jackson should finish right at the top with Raymond in rushing yards in the Big Ten.
3. Jordan Marshall, Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines had a stacked backfield last season as they had two 800-plus yard rushers. Jordan Marshall, when he got his opportunities, made the most of them and looked just as good as Justice Haynes, the starter, if not better. Marshall ran for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 attempts. In the last 5 games of the season, he had at least 100 yards rushing in 4 of them. There is no Haynes this season, so Marshall is the guy to start the season, but could end up sharing carries with stud freshman Savion Hiter. Nonetheless, he should be headed for a big 2026 season this year.
4. King Miller, USC
King Miller started the season off as the 3rd string running back and a walk-on freshman. When the Trojans lost both of their starting running backs, the run game did not miss a beat, as Miller did more than step up to the challenge. In 11 games, Miller ran for 873 yards and had 7 touchdowns. Miller, in his run as a starter, had 4 100-yard rushing performances. His showing vs the Michigan Wolverines was the staple of the season. Vs Michigan, Miller had 158 yards rushing with an average of 8.8 yards per carry. It was a truly dominant showing that showed the Trojans they had something special with their freshman. USC’s run game can get even more dangerous with the return of Waymond Jordan.
5. Darius Taylor, Minnesota
There is a lot of tread on his tires, and last season, he felt short of expected production due to injury. Taylor, in 10 games, ran for 670 yards and 4 touchdowns. Taylor has terrorized the Big Ten for 3 seasons now. In 2024, he had his best season, where he ran for 986 yards and 10 touchdowns. He played all 12 games for the season. If he can stay healthy, it is safe to expect that he will be the type of production he will put up. His health concerns and the wear on his tires give room for concern heading into his senior season. The talent and the production make him a top 5 back in the Big Ten.
Honorable mention. Waymond Jordan, USC
Waymond Jordan is a top-5 level running back in terms of talent. He and King Miller will more than likely be splitting carries, but if he were on any other team, Jordan would be a 1k-yard rusher. Prior to his injury, Jordan ran for 167 yards vs Georgia Southern and 157 yards vs Michigan State. His showing vs Illinois was impressive as well, as he ran for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns. Waymond Jordan knows how to wear down defenses and find a way into the endzone at the goal line. In just 6 games, he finished with 576 yards and 5 touchdowns. King Miller might be the guy to start out the season, but Lincoln Riley will give Jordan a ton of opportunities to have success on the ground as well.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah Huff’s top 5 Big Ten running backs for 2026 season
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
