PFF names top ten returning college football running backs in 2022

Heading into the 2022 season, PFF ranked the top 10 returning running backs in college football. Plenty of big names will be running it back at running back, with four SEC players and two transfers on the list.

PFF names top 10 returning running backs

No. 10 – Tank Bigsby, Auburn – After rumors that he could enter the transfer portal and join the offensive exodus which cost Auburn starting quarterback Bo Nix this offseason, Bigsby returned as one of PFF’s top returning running backs for 2022. He looks to bounce back from a disappointing season after coming in with high expectations after a great freshman year in 2020.

No. 9 – Zach Charbonnet, UCLA – After transferring form Michigan to UCLA last season, Charbonnet found his stride. His 91.9 run grade was third-highest in the FBS and helped lead the Bruins to an improved season. He also finished as one of four running backs with 200 carries and no fumbles.

No. 8 – Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama – Gibbs spent 2021 at Georgia Tech, but entered the transfer portal and quickly found a home with the Crimson Tide. He finished 2021 with a 91.5 receiving grade out of the backfield, according to PFF and had an 86.2 grade in the run game. He also finished top-10 among returners on special teams.

No. 7 – Braelon Allen, Wisconsin – Still one of the youngest players in college football entering his sophomore season, Allen reclassified to 2021 and found a home at running back. He led the Power Five with 4.5 yards after contact per attempt and dominates at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds.

No. 6 – Devon Achane, Texas A&M – As part of a one-two punch with Isaiah Spiller in 2021, Achane starred in his role. He converted 37.7 percent of his runs for a first down and showed off why he is an All-American track runner with his top-end speed.

No. 5 – Zach Evans, Ole Miss – The TCU transfer enters Lane Kiffin’s offense – which still needs a quarterback – with a chance to show why he started his career as a five-star recruit. After averaging 7.3 yards per carry and 4.8 yards after contact in 2021, he looks to repeat those numbers against an SEC schedule.

No. 4 – TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State – After coming on strong in his freshman season, Henderson looks to build on success with another year in the high-flying Ohio State offense which features new wide receivers. He picked up at least 10 yards on 18.6 percent of his carries, ranking eighth in the country last season.

No 3 – Blake Corum, Michigan – Corum was a key piece within Michigan’s surprise return to old-school football which led them all the way to a College Football Playoff appearance. Alongside Hassan Haskins, Corum finished as one of four players in the country who finished with at least 100 carries and 6.5 yards per attempt. His 91.1 run grade ranked among the best at PFF.

No. 2 – Bijan Robinson, Texas – Robinson ranks near the top of any list featuring the top running backs, but comes in second here. Despite a disappointing season for Texas, he forced .4 missed tackles per attempt and led all FBS running backs in the category. He has also developed as a receiver, forced eight missed tackles on 26 catches. With a new-look offensive line in 2022, he could break out further.

No. 1- Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State – Perhaps a surprise No. 1 on the PFF list of the top returning running backs in 2022, his impact for Kansas State has never been in doubt. The all-purpose back works as a rusher and receiver at just 5-foot-6. He has a 93.4 rushing grade and 78.8 receiving grad which each rank in the top 10 in the country for 2021.