The running back position is more group project than individual showcase in modern football. Having a star running back is great, but possessing a few capable rushers, especially if they each bring different skill sets to the table, is even better. The season is less than a month away and camps are kicking off across the Lone Star State. 

DCTF began a series ranking the position units across the FBS level in Texas earlier this week with quarterbacks. We continue with a look at the best running back stables in the state ahead of the 2023 season. 

TOP FIVE 

1. BAYLOR BEARS 

Names to know: Richard Reese, Dominic Richardson, Qualan Jones

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, a former offensive line coach, loves to pound the rock behind a big, agile offensive line in the wide-zone scheme. Reese was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and heads into 2023 as the DCTF Top Running Back in Texas. Dave Aranda utilized the portal to add Oklahoma State transfer Richardson to the fold. Jones and Jordan Jenkins are also still on the roster. Freshman Bryson Washington arrived in the spring and looked the part during his first semester on campus. 

2. NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN 

Names to know: Ikaika Ragsdale, Ayo Adeyi, Oscar Adaway III, Isaiah Johnson 

A two-headed rushing attack is valuable. Make it three and a defense can rarely get a break. Field four or more all-conference level backs and it is almost a cheat code. That’s exactly what North Texas brings to the 2023 season in the running back room. New head coach Eric Morris, a former wide receiver, loves to throw the ball, but he knows a crowded backfield means he’ll need to call more run plays than usual in 2023. North Texas averaged 44 rushing attempts per game over the last three seasons. Morris’ offenses over that same period averaged just over 27 rushing attempts a game. 

3. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS 

Names to know: Tahj Brooks, Cam’Ron Valdez 

Brooks doesn’t get the fanfare he deserves because he doesn’t play with a flashy style or get enough carries to topple 1,000 yards. All he does is run people over, average more yards after contact than nearly any other running back in college football over the last few seasons, and lead the Red Raiders in rushing yards. Valdez offers a change of pace that might unlock the entire offense. He’ll be the lightning to Brooks’ thunder. The Red Raiders also have three freshmen running backs on the roster with potential to breakout. 

4. TEXAS A&M AGGIES 

Names to know: Amari Daniels, Le’Veon Moss, Reuben Owens

The loss of Devon Achane is hard to ignore. But the Aggies aren’t hurting for talent in the pipeline thanks to strong recruiting efforts in the last few cycles. Daniels and Moss combined for 327 yards on 63 carries last season. The addition of Owens, arguably the top running back recruit in the 2023 class, should also pay immediate dividends. 

5. TEXAS LONGHORNS 

Names to know: Jonathon Brooks, Keilan Robinson, CJ Baxter, Savion Red, Jaydon Blue 

The collection of pure talent isn’t in question. The assumption that the Longhorns can duplicate its rushing success without Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson is bold, however, even if Texas’ offensive line is the best in the Big 12. Brooks, a former Mr. Texas Football, is the most proven of the bunch, but he only has 51 carries in two years in Austin. Robinson is a speedster. Red, a former wide receiver is the wildcard. Blue and Baxter were high level recruits.  

BEST OF THE REST 

6. TCU HORNED FROGS 
7. UTSA ROADRUNNERS 
8. HOUSTON COUGARS 
9. SMU MUSTANGS 
10. SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS
11. UTEP MINERS
12. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS 
13. RICE OWLS