As we wind down our “Top Returning” series, we now look at the SEC running backs. The running back position has been a cornerstone in the SEC for decades. Multiple running backs from the conference have won the Heisman trophy. That list includes names such as Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, and Bo Jackson, to name a few.
The pressure on this group of ball carriers is not to live up to what those players did. The expectations do remain high when playing the running back position in the SEC, though. The downhill run game is a large part of what made the SEC the best college football conference for a long period of time. The names on this list can continue the legacy the conference has built.
Top Returning SEC Running Backs
Honorable Mention: LeVeon Moss
To begin, we first want to talk about a player who has earned a mention for this list, but uncertainty over a personal issue has made his future a bit unclear. Texas A&M running back Le’Veon Moss was arrested on disorderly conduct charges last weekend. Head coach Mike Elko was reported as saying that the team is aware of the situation and it will be handled internally. What that means exactly is something only Elko and others in the program know as of right now.
By the looks of the situation currently, Moss will likely still play this season and has earned a mention on this list. In 2024, Moss was named Second-Team All-SEC after finishing second in the conference in yards per carry. He had 6.3 yards per carry in 121 rushes for 765 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Moss also had 10 receptions for 141 yards to help out in the passing game.
Whatever happens with his situation, it must be handled by the program with the best care possible. Purely as a football player, though, Moss has earned the right to say he is one of the best running backs in the conference entering 2025. He will put that on display whenever he gets back on the field.
#4 Jadan Baugh: Florida
Officially starting the list is Florida running back Jadan Baugh. The rising sophomore was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2024 for good reason. He finished the season with 133 carries for 673 yards and seven touchdowns. Five of those touchdowns came in one game against Kentucky.
Baugh runs with great vision and does a great job getting vertical up the field in a hurry. The flashes of a potentially great running back showed in year one for Baugh. Becoming a more consistent back will help Baugh move further up the list by next season.
#3 Jam Miller: Alabama
Next on the list is Alabama’s Jam Miller. The senior will be going into his second year as the premier back for the Tide. Last season, Miller finished with 145 rushes for 668 yards and seven touchdowns as well as 16 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Miller’s ability as a pass catcher is what moved him higher up the list. His overall game is what teams are looking for out of the running back position today. He is a patient runner out of the backfield, can get vertical fast, and gets yards after contact. Miller can also catch passes and make people miss in the open field. He has the full skill set and will have to put it on display this season.
#2 Nate Frazier: Georgia
Second on our list of top returning SEC running backs is Nate Frazier. The Georgia running back is another 2024 All-SEC Freshman team honoree. He finished his first year as a Bulldog with 133 rushes for 671 yards and eight touchdowns. Frazier put up these numbers while splitting reps with Trevor Etienne.
This season, Frazier will be the premier back and will take advantage of the opportunity. With his veteran quarterback moving on from the program as well, Frazier will carry more of the load for the Georgia offense. A Bulldogs running back being the focal point of the offense is nothing new, though, and Frazier has the talent to continue the lineage.
#1 Quintrevion Wisner
Topping our list of returning SEC running backs is Quintrevion Wisner. The Texas running back is the only one on this list with a thousand-yard season in 2024. Wisner finished last season with 226 rushes for 1064 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed heavily in the passing game, catching 44 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown.
The 2024 Third-Team All-SEC selection can do it all for the Longhorns. He was both the leading rusher and third-leading pass catcher for Texas. Wisner will take much of the pressure off of first-year starting quarterback Arch Manning. His impact in both the run and pass game must be felt if the Longhorns want to get the National Championship they have been longing for.
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