Who are the Top 10 Rushing Leaders in FBS History?

College Football: Who are the Top 10 Rushing Leaders in FBS History?

Since the beginning of college football, premier running backs have dominated the game. The prestigious Heisman Trophy has been awarded to a running back 45 times since its inception in 1935. Just last year, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty made headlines by rushing for a remarkable 2,601 yards—the second-highest in the sport’s history—alongside 29 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him the title of runner-up for the 2024 Heisman Trophy and a top spot as the No. 6 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft. While there have been countless exceptional running backs throughout history, many only start for a season or two due to the depth of their teams. This raises the question: who holds the record for the most rushing yards in college football history?

The Top 10 Rushing Leaders in FBS History

1. 10. Texas RB Cedrick Benson – 5,540 yards

   Cedrick Benson was a powerhouse in the Big 12, leading in rushing touchdowns for two consecutive seasons. During his four years in Austin (2001-04), he averaged 1,385 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns per season, securing the No. 4 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.

2. 9. Miami (OH) RB Travis Prentice – 5,596 yards

   Often regarded as one of the best players in MAC history, Prentice led the conference in rushing yards and touchdowns during his last three years (1997-99), averaging an impressive 20. number 23 in nba3 rushing touchdowns per season. He was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

3. 8. USC RB Charles White – 5,598 yards

   A multi-talented player at USC, White won several accolades and a national championship. He led the Pac-10 in rushing yards during his last three seasons (1977-79) and took home the 1979 Heisman Trophy. In 1978, he also contributed to the Trojans’ National Championship victory.

4. 7. Oregon RB Royce Freeman – 5,621 yards

   Freeman made a significant impact at Oregon, rushing for 1,600 ginebra standing.5 yards and 17.5 touchdowns per season in his first two years (2014-15). james yap councilor He led the Pac-12 in rushing touchdowns both years, finishing his collegiate career with 60 touchdowns.

5. 6. Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams – 6,026 yards

   Over four seasons at Memphis, Williams was a standout, leading Conference USA in rushing yards multiple times. In 2005, he topped the national charts with 1,964 rushing yards and was a three-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year before being selected by the Carolina Panthers.

6. 5. Pittsburgh RB Tony Dorsett – 6,082 yards

   Dorsett rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored double-digit touchdowns throughout his four seasons (1973-76). In 1976, he topped the nation with 1,948 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, winning the Heisman Trophy and helping Pittsburgh secure a National Championship.

7. 4. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor – 6,174 yards

   During his three years at Wisconsin (2017-19), Taylor led the Big Ten in rushing yards and touchdowns, achieving a staggering average of 2,058 rushing yards per season and finishing in the top 10 of Heisman Trophy voting each year. draft 2023

8. 3. Texas RB Ricky Williams – 6,279 yards

   A dominant force in the backfield, Williams led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 1997 and 1998. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1998, with a remarkable season that saw him accumulate 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns.

9. 2. Wisconsin RB Ron Dayne – 6,397 yards

   Dayne was a powerful force throughout his college career, leading the Big Ten in rushing in several seasons and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1999, when he rushed for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns.

10. 1. San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey – 6,405 yards

    Pumphrey consistently excelled at San Diego State, leading the Mountain West in rushing yards for three consecutive seasons. He became the all-time leading rusher in FBS history and was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. luckycolanet

What do you think about these incredible running backs and their remarkable achievements in college football history?