Some of college football’s best running backs returning to play reside in the Big Ten. Continuing Last Word’s best returning series, let’s take a look at the best returning running backs from the Big Ten. If there is one position the Big Ten is consistently among the elites, it’s running back. From Ron Dayne winning the Heisman to Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott willing their teams to victory, the Big Ten usually has some of the best running backs in the nation.
This year, it’s no different. Pairing down a list of incredible running backs from 18 teams down to five is a Herculean task. For some teams, there is a legitimate argument to have TWO top backs. There are so many elite running backs in the conference that you could likely have your own interchangeable list.
Regardless, let’s get to it!
The Best Running Backs Returning to the Big Ten in 2026
Honorable Mentions
There are far too many great running backs in the Big Ten. Oddly enough, while we have a rule to only include backs who are returning to their team, you have to scroll a bit to find an incoming transfer. So, ineligible for our top five is new Indiana back, Turbo Richard. In two seasons at Boston College, Richard amassed 1,027 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. With both of the Hoosiers’ top running backs off to the NFL, Richard could have a massive breakout.
Speaking of breakouts, Oregon has a really talented sophomore duo in Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. Individually, they may not be top five (yet). However, as a unit, the Ducks may have the best one-two punch in the Big Ten. As true freshmen, Davison and Hill made their impact despite 130 carries going to Noah Whittington. Davison turned 113 carries into 667 yards and 15 touchdowns (most among Big Ten running backs). Hill was right behind him with 656 yards and five scores on just 75 carries. It may be another Nicholas Singleton/Kaytron Allen instance of they’re both great, but neither gets to take on the full load.
Finally, just missing the cut is Northwestern’s Caleb Komolafe. In his breakout redshirt sophomore campaign, Komolafe ran for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns on 190 carries. With Chip Kelly calling plays, Komolafe is a dark horse to really blow up in 2026.
5. King Miller, USC
Kicking off the top five is the one player on this list who truly came out of nowhere. King Miller was a walk-on redshirt freshman in 2025. Due to a handful of injuries, he was thrust into duty in Week 7 against Michigan. He responded by putting the team on his back with a 158-yard, one-touchdown performance in the win.
On the year, he finished with 972 yards and eight touchdowns on 156 carries. He averaged 102.5 yards per game since taking over as the lead back in that Michigan win, and was a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy as the top player to begin his career as a walk-on.
Miller is everything you love about college football. He was overlooked, had to walk on at a prestigious Power 4 school, and now, he’s one of the top running backs in the game’s top conference. If USC is going to make the CFP for the first time, Miller will have something to say.
4. Jordan Marshall, Michigan
Last year, Jordan Marshall played second-fiddle to one of the best running backs in the country. Despite that, thanks to Marshall’s dynamic running ability and Michigan’s run-heavy approach, the second-year back from Cincinnati broke out with 932 yards and 10 touchdowns. Now that Justice Haynes has transferred south, it’s Marshall’s job.
He racked up four 100-yard games in four games leading up to the Ohio State game. His productivity in that game took a step back due to his own injury, but in those four previous games, he scored seven times for the Wolverines.
Michigan’s tendency to lean on its running backs likely won’t change much with the coaching change, so there is absolutely a shot Marshall ends up leading the conference in rushing.
3. Darius Taylor, Minnesota
Darius Taylor (6’0 215) Minnesota
✅ Capable as a blocker
✅ 2,455 career rushing yards
✅ Patience behind his line
✅ Ball security with 1 career fumble
✅ Physical in short yardage
✅ Production as a pass catcher pic.twitter.com/i9tvcXIWfz— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) May 10, 2026
For some reason, folks have forgotten about Darius Taylor. The top two running backs returning to the Big Ten are pretty established by consensus. From third on back, there needed to be something to set them apart. For Taylor, there are a few things.
First off, he’s the most experienced back in the Big Ten. Over his career, Taylor has appeared in 28 games and has 486 rushing attempts to his name. Sure, longevity is part of it, but he has 2,455 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the way.
He was hampered by injury a bit last year, but another thing that sets him apart is his versatility. While Marshall and King are great backs, they aren’t the receiver that Taylor is. He has 99 receptions and 687 yards with two touchdowns out of the backfield.
Assuming health, you can expect Taylor to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
2. Bo Jackson, Ohio State
Now, we get into backs with 1,000-yard seasons under their belt. Despite starting the season buried on the depth chart, not appearing in Week 1, and running behind a less-than-stellar offensive line at times, Bo Jackson became the fifth freshman (and 28th overall) to run for 1,000 yards in program history.
He appeared in the other two non-conference matchups, carrying the load for 217 yards and one touchdown on just 18 carries. From then on, he took over the backfield and carried the ball at least 10 times.
Jackson ended the 2025 season with six 100-yard games. In a jumbled jackfield, Jackson managed to stand out. Each time he touched the ball, he provided a jolt that the rest of the running back room lacked. He didn’t have that breakaway speed last year, but he made up for it with incredible vision.
This year, Jackson will be the lead back in a young collection of running backs for the Buckeyes.
1. Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
The top running back returning to the Big Ten is Antwan Raymond from Rutgers. Why? He led a Rutgers offense with one of the best receivers (who is also returning) in the Big Ten with nearly 1,500 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in just 12 games. In total, he leads returning running backs with 1,241 yards in 2025 to go with his 13 touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, he hauled in 18 passes for 225 yards and a pair of scores.
Raymond is a workhorse. Defenses know that he’s going to get the ball, but it doesn’t matter. He ran the ball 244 times for 5.1 yards per carry. The quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, was the second-leading rusher in terms of attempts with 96.
Raymond had 884 yards after contact and forced 76 missed tackles last year.
Oh, and he can pass block! NFL teams are going to love evaluating the Scarlet Knights’ back. He was a Doak Walker semifinalist, so don’t be surprised if he’s up for the award again this year. His vision is NFL-ready, and he’s able to single-handedly wear down defenses with his physical play.
If you’ve never willingly watched Rutgers, you’ll want to check out Raymond.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
