The Minnesota Gophers football program has seen its fair share of exceptional running backs in the past 50 years. From elusive speedsters to bruising power backs, these Minnesota Gopher greats have left an indelible mark on the program. The running back rankings were based on an in-depth analysis of career statistics, peak seasonal production, consistency, records, and several other factors.
1. Mohamed Ibrahim
Mohamed Ibrahim finished his collegiate career as the Minnesota Gopher’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,668) and rushing touchdowns (53). He played from 2018-2022 and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and the 2020 Big Ten Running Back of the Year. Despite his impressive career stats, Ibrahim’s journey to the top of the Gopher leaderboard wasn’t easy.
The Baltimore native started his career by rushing for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2018 and was named the MVP of the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl. When senior running back Rodney Smith returned from injury in 2019, Ibrahim’s production dropped. His breakout season came in 2020 when he rushed for 1,076 yards and 15 touchdowns in a shortened seven-game season. Ibrahim was primed for a big season in 2021 but tore his torn ACL in the season opener against Ohio State. Ibrahim returned for his final season in 2022 and had one of the best rushing seasons in Minnesota Gopher history.
Mohamed Ibrahim Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 2018 | 202 | 1,160 | 5.7 | 9 |
| 2019 | 114 | 604 | 5.3 | 7 |
| 2020 | 201 | 1,076 | 5.4 | 15 |
| 2021 | 30 | 163 | 5.4 | 2 |
| 2022 | 304 | 1,665 | 5.2 | 20 |
| Total | 851 | 4,668 | 5.4 | 53 |
2. Laurence Maroney
Laurence Maroney played for the Gophers from 2003-2005 and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. He rushed for 3,933 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career, an improbable feat considering he shared the backfield for two full seasons. Maroney was a key part of the Gophers’ high-powered offense that set numerous school records in 2003, including rushing yards, offensive yards, and points per game. He played three seasons for the Minnesota Gophers and left for the NFL following his junior year, and was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots.
Maroney was remarkably consistent, playing three full seasons and 36 games. He had three excellent seasons and averaged 6 yards per carry for this career. Had he not left early for the NFL, he likely would be Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher.
Laurence Maroney Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 2003 | 162 | 1,121 | 6.9 | 10 |
| 2004 | 217 | 1,348 | 6.2 | 12 |
| 2005 | 281 | 1,464 | 5.2 | 10 |
| Total | 660 | 3,933 | 6 | 32 |
3. Darrell Thompson
For over 30 years, Darrell Thompson was the Minnesota Gophers’ all-time rushing leader until Ibrahim broke his record in 2022. Hailing from Rochester, Minnesota, Thompson was a powerful runner who could break tackles and had a nose for the end zone. He played from 1986-1989, scored 40 rushing touchdowns, and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
For many fans, Thompson is synonymous with the Minnesota Gophers football team because of his on-field accomplishments and work in the broadcast booth. He is one of the top all-time Gopher running backs and is #3 on this list.
Darrell Thompson’s Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 1986 | 242 | 1,376 | 5.7 | 8 |
| 1987 | 224 | 1,229 | 5.5 | 13 |
| 1988 | 210 | 910 | 4.3 | 9 |
| 1989 | 260 | 1,139 | 4.4 | 10 |
| Total | 936 | 4,654 | 5 | 40 |
4. Marion Barber III
Marion Barber III played for the Minnesota Gophers from 2001-2004 and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. The Wayzata graduate rushed for 3,276 yards and 35 touchdowns and was known for his tough, physical running style. Barber was also a threat in the passing game, catching 57 passes for 578 yards and six touchdowns. He had his best season in 2003 while splitting carries with Maroney, and he rushed for over 1,000 and scored 17 touchdowns. Barber played in the NFL for seven seasons and died unexpectedly in 2022 of heat stroke at 38.
Marion Barber’s Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 2001 | 118 | 742 | 6.3 | 7 |
| 2002 | 19 | 69 | 3.6 | 0 |
| 2003 | 207 | 1,196 | 5.8 | 17 |
| 2004 | 231 | 1,269 | 5.5 | 11 |
| Total | 575 | 3,276 | 5.7 | 35 |
5. Rodney Smith
Rodney Smith is the third all-time rushing leader for the University of Minnesota, and he played for the Gophers from 2015-2019. He had exceptional speed and vision, making him a formidable backfield force. He rushed for over 4,000 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.
Rodney Smith’s Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 2015 | 157 | 670 | 4.3 | 2 |
| 2016 | 240 | 1,158 | 4.8 | 16 |
| 2017 | 229 | 977 | 4.3 | 3 |
| 2018 | 25 | 154 | 6.2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 228 | 1,163 | 5.1 | 8 |
| Total | 879 | 4,122 | 4.7 | 29 |
6. David Cobb
David Cobb played for the Minnesota Gophers from 2011-2014. Cobb seldom played in his first two years but had incredible junior and senior seasons. He rushed for 2,893 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career and was known for his toughness and ability to break tackles. Cobb helped lead the Gophers to back-to-back bowl games and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the NFL draft.
David Cobb’s Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 2011 | 10 | 57 | 5.7 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2013 | 237 | 1,202 | 5.1 | 7 |
| 2014 | 315 | 1,629 | 5.2 | 13 |
| Total | 563 | 2,896 | 5.1 | 20 |
7. Thomas Hamner
Like Cobb, Thomas Hamner started his collegiate career for the Minnesota Gophers slowly but finished it with a bang. Hamner was a big back and smooth runner and had his best year in 1999 when he finished with 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hamner is fifth in all-time rushing yards for the University of Minnesota.
Thomas Hamner’s Rushing Stats
| Year | Att. | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 1996 | 195 | 883 | 4.5 | 3 |
| 1997 | 170 | 663 | 3.9 | 4 |
| 1998 | 209 | 838 | 4 | 4 |
| 1999 | 308 | 1,426 | 4.6 | 10 |
| Total | 882 | 3,810 | 4.3 | 21 |
Honorable Mention
Here are some additional Gopher running backs worthy of recognition (listed alphabetically).
- Marion Barber (1977-80)
- Chris Darkins (1992-95)
- Amir Pinnix (2004-2007)
- Tellis Redmon (1999-2001)
Photo courtesy: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
