Projecting Every Conference's Best RBs in 2024 CFB Season

The college football offseason is full of two things: movement and projection. Rosters are constantly changing because of graduations, NFL departures and the flurry of activity in the transfer portal.

However, that movement is slowing down. Portal deadlines have passed, and projections will quickly become the main headlines.

Bleacher Report, as always, is here to help.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, we're breaking down every position in every conference and projecting the best unit within each league. The choices are subjective but consider past production—including from transfers—and meaningful position-related context.

Note: Oregon State and Washington State, which are affiliated with the Mountain West in 2024, are considered within the MWC.

AAC: UTSA Roadrunners

As the program enters the post-Frank Harris era, the Roadrunners' new quarterback will be well-supported.

Kevorian Barnes put up 715 yards and six touchdowns last season, while Robert Henry notched 588 yards and 11 scores with 19 catches out of the backfield. For good measure, Rocko Griffin chipped in 483 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Altogether, they combined for nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards in 2023.

C-USA: Liberty Flames

Not only is Liberty returning dual-threat quarterback Kaidon Salter—who scampered for 1,000 yards last season—Quinton Cooley is another star in the backfield. He rushed for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns as the Flames won Conference USA in 2023.

But that's not all, either. Billy Lucas tallied 597 yards and six scores, and James Jointer Jr. added 251 yards and two touchdowns. Depth is crucial for this unique offensive system, and it's not a concern in 2024.

MAC: Northern Illinois Huskies

Keep an eye on Western Michigan, which brings back 1,000-yard freshman Jalen Buckley and Zahir Abdus-Salaam after a 470-yard season. Efficiency leans toward the pair at Northern Illinois, though.

Antario Brown, who dashed for 1,296 yards last year, is the MAC's leading returning rusher. Both he and backup Gavin Williams averaged five-plus yards per carry. Williams notched 488 yards and three scores. Converted quarterback Justin Lynch—brother of NIU royalty Jordan Lynch—is an intriguing reserve along with Jaylen Poe.

MWC (and Pac-2): Boise State Broncos

Utah State had an argument until Davon Booth entered the portal after spring practice. As a result, the obvious choice—Boise State—has a little less competition for the honor.

Ashton Jeanty scampered for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns, caught 43 passes for 569 yards and five scores and secured All-American recognition in 2023. Jeanty will occupy a heavy snap share, but Jambres Dubar is primed for a big year, too. He registered 335 yards as a third-stringer last season when George Holani rushed for 748 yards.

As long as a freshman—likely Dylan Riley or Sire Gaines—slides into Dubar's role, Boise will be loaded yet again.

Sun Belt: Texas State Bobcats

The headline is that Texas State returns Ismail Mahdi following his breakout year. Not only did he rush for 1,331 yards and 10 scores, Mahdi totaled 2,169 all-purpose yards thanks to his receiving and kick-return efforts.

Plus, the Bobcats also revamped the depth in the backfield. They landed transfers Deion Hankins and Torrance Burgess Jr., who combined for 1,432 yards at UTEP last season. Texas State also reeled in Jaylen Jenkins from Washington State. He ran 396 yards as a freshman in 2022 before holding a lesser role in 2023.

The Pick: Miami Hurricanes

Around the ACC, there are several elite individuals. Cal's Jadyn Ott and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton stand atop the list, while Clemson's Phil Mafah isn't terribly far behind.

Miami didn't have a player of that perception—not until Damien Martinez transferred from Oregon State.

Now, though, the 'Canes have a proven back who averaged 6.1 yards per carry in two seasons with OSU. Martinez will be the featured runner of a retooled and seemingly upgraded offense at The U.

Behind him, Mark Fletcher Jr. flashed some outstanding upside as a true freshman season. He ripped off a pair of 100-yard showings in November, rumbling for 514 yards and five touchdowns. Redshirt freshman went Ajay Allen went for 361 yards and five scores, too.

The Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, right?

Look, it doesn't come without real competition. Penn State is ready for a third season of the dynamic Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen pairing, and Big Ten newcomer Oregon has Jordan James and Noah Whittington. Michigan and Wisconsin are also on the radar.

Ohio State, however, has an electric tandem in TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

Henderson dazzled with 1,567 scrimmage yards and 19 total touchdowns as a true freshman in 2021. Injuries have stung him in recent years, but he still rushed for 926 yards and 11 scores last season.

Judkins similarly rose to stardom as a freshman. Overall, in two seasons at Ole Miss, he rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns with 37 receptions for 281 yards and three more trips to the end zone.

The Pick: UCF Knights

Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II is among the best individuals in the country. There's a lot to like about the Sunflower State backfields with Kansas and Kansas State, as well.

Nevertheless, UCF's claim to the throne is straightforward: This backfield has a couple of 1,400-yard rushers.

Yeah, no big deal.

RJ Harvey piled up 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground last season with 19 receptions for 238 yards. Gus Malzahn's staff could've been content with Harvey and Johnny Richardson, who's totaled more than 1,700 rushing yards during the last three seasons.

Apparently not satisfied with them, the Knights pulled Peny Boone out of the portal. He rushed for 1,400 yards and 15 scores with Toledo last season, winning MAC Offensive Player of the Year.

Oh, and they weren't done. Myles Mongtomery added 428 yards with Cincinnati in 2023 and also transferred to UCF.

The Pick: Georgia Bulldogs

Interestingly enough, the SEC is loaded with projection. Alabama and Texas in particular are plenty talented yet lack the production that a few other contenders can offer.

Ole Miss would've held a larger spot in the discussion, but a knee injury has complicated Logan Diggs' outlook in 2024. Although the Rebels will be fine without him, their ceiling is lower now.

Georgia isn't a flashy pick and doesn't have as much potential star power. It's a reliable offense, though.

Florida transfer Trevor Etienne had a pair of 700-yard seasons while sharing snaps in Gainesville. Roderick Robinson II and Branson Robinson have both run well during the last two seasons when healthy.

Throw in Cash Jones, and UGA should piece together another deep, highly efficient unit.