We’re continuing our 2025 college football preview series with a breakdown of one of the most important — and hotly debated — position groups in the Big 12: the running backs. Each of us — Caleb, Craig, Matt, and Zack — ranked all 16 teams based on overall unit strength, depth, returning production, and upside. Points were assigned in reverse order (16 points for a first-place vote, down to 1 point for last), and the totals determined our consensus rankings.
While there were no unanimous votes across the board, we were surprisingly close at the top — Baylor edged out Iowa State for the No. 1 spot, thanks to Bryson Washington and Dawson Pendergrass forming what might be the best 1-2 punch in the conference. The Cyclones weren’t far behind with Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III drawing consistent top-3 votes. We were mostly aligned on teams like West Virginia, BYU, and Cincinnati, all landing in that next tier of strong backfields. However, our ballots varied wildly on teams like Arizona State, Houston, and Colorado — where questions around youth, transfers, or production led to wide gaps in perception.
Be sure to scroll down and check out each of our individual rankings and read more about what separated the best from the rest.
Heartland Sports Consensus Big 12 Offensive Line Rankings
| RANKING | POINTS |
|---|---|
| 1. Baylor | 62 |
| 2. Iowa State | 58 |
| 3. West Virginia | 54 |
| 4. Kansas State | 50 |
| 5. Cincinnati | 49 |
| 6. BYU | 42 |
| 7. Arizona State | 35 |
| 8. Texas Tech | 33 |
| 9. Houston | 30 |
| 10. Utah | 27 |
| 11. Kansas | 25 |
| 12. UCF | 20 |
| 13. Arizona | 18 |
| 14. Oklahoma State | 14 |
| 14. TCU | 14 |
| 16. Colorado | 13 |
Individual Rankings
Caleb
1. Baylor | Bryson Washington is not just the Big 12’s top running back—he’s one of the best in the nation. He ran for over 1,000 yards last season as a redshirt freshman, so expect him to have another monster year. Dawson Pendergrass is another terrifying option for opposing defenses. Don’t be surprised if the Bears have two 1,000-yard rushers this season.
2. Iowa State | The Cyclones had a solid season last year, and Carson Hansen was a big part of it. While his numbers don’t scream at you, his 752 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns were solid for a sophomore, and he’s bound to have an even bigger season this year. Abu Sama III could be right alongside him in terms of output. He racked up 587 rushing yards, but only two touchdowns. Still, this pair is dangerous.
3. West Virginia | The Mountaineers aren’t exactly set up for a great season after a pretty bad one last year, but Jaheim White is definitely a bright spot. The junior finished 2024 with 845 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, and that was after sharing the backfield with CJ Donaldson Jr., who transferred out. White might end up being the top back in the conference by the end of the season.
4. BYU
5. Cincinnati
6. Kansas State
7. Texas Tech
8. Arizona State
9. UCF
10. Houston
11. Kansas
12. Arizona
13. Utah
14. Oklahoma State
15. TCU | Leading rusher Cam Cook transferred out, and that leaves senior Trent Battle and sophomore Jeremy Payne returning from last year. Though a senior this season, Battle’s use was limited last season, and Payne is still a little green in experience. One of the league’s worst rushing attacks a season ago might be in the same position this season.
16. Colorado | The Buffaloes were the Big 12’s worst rushing offense last season, and I’ve got them in the same slot to start this one after losing top rusher Isaiah Augustave to the portal. Micah Welch returns as a sophomore, but his freshman campaign wasn’t anything too exciting. Transfer Dekalon Taylor had some nice numbers last year for Incarnate Word, but Power 5 football is much different than the FCS.
Craig
1. Baylor | BU arguably has one of the best running backs in the country in Bryson Washington. In 2024 he rushed for over 1,000 yards and added on 12 touchdowns to go with it. He will be paired with Dawson Pendergrass making them the most dangerous duo in the conference.
2. Iowa State | Right behind Baylor, the Cyclones have another dangerous duo in Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III. The pair combined for nearly 1,500 yards last season and rushed for 15 touchdowns.
3. Cincinnati | The Bearcats landed Tawee Walker from Wisconsin who rushed for 864 yards last year. He will be accompanied by Evan Pryor who had a decent year in 2024 as well.
4. West Virginia
5. Arizona State
6. Houston
7. Kansas State
8. Utah
9. BYU
10. Arizona
11. Texas Tech
12. Kansas
13. UCF
14. Oklahoma State
15. TCU | The Horned Frogs lost their leading rusher from 2024 to the portal. They’re left with a lot of young and unproven talent.
16. Colorado | The Buffs failed to rush for over 1,000 yards as a team last season. To make matters worse, their leading rusher Isaiah Augustave entered the transfer portal. They’ve gone into the portal as well to fill the void but had to go to the FCS level. The Buffaloes simply don’t have the talent at the running back position to compete in the Big 12.
Matt
1. Kansas State | KSU enters the 2025 season with confidence in its running back room despite the departure of standout DJ Giddens, who followed All-American Deuce Vaughn to the NFL. Head coach Chris Klieman believes the Wildcats have their next breakout star in junior Dylan Edwards, a speedy and explosive back who rushed for 546 yards last season and added 196 more in a bowl-game win after Giddens opted out. Questions about Edwards’ size haven’t shaken the coaching staff’s belief in his ability to be a lead back, while sophomore Joe Jackson offers a strong, reliable backup. To add power to the rotation, K-State brought in Southeastern Louisiana transfer Antonio Martin, who ran for over 1,200 yards in 2024. With a blend of proven production, depth, and young talent, the Wildcats appear well-equipped to maintain their tradition of elite rushing attacks.
2. West Virginia | WVU enters 2025 with arguably the most loaded running back room in the Big 12, headlined by explosive playmaker Jahiem White, who could thrive in Rich Rodriguez’s up-tempo offense reminiscent of the Noel Devine era. Behind him, the Mountaineers boast impressive depth with a group of experienced transfers—Jaylan Knighton (SMU), Tye Edwards (Northern Iowa), Cyncir Bowers (Iowa Central CC), and Kannon Katzer (Ferris State)—all of whom bring proven production and versatility to a backfield poised to power one of the league’s most dynamic rushing attacks.
3. Baylor | BU’s backfield is shaping up to be one of its biggest strengths heading into the 2025 season, led by standout sophomore Bryson Washington, who returns after rushing for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns as a Freshman All-American. He’s joined by Dawson Pendergrass, who adds a reliable and physical complement to Washington’s explosive style, giving the Bears a formidable 1-2 punch in the run game. Together, they form a backfield capable of carrying a significant load for an offense looking to take a step forward in the Big 12.
4. Iowa State
5. BYU
6. Texas Tech
7. Colorado
8. Cincinnati
9. TCU
10. Kansas
11. Utah
12. UCF
13. Oklahoma State
14. Arizona State
15. Houston | The Cougars’ hopes for offensive improvement in 2025 largely rest on the shoulders of LJ Martin, a dynamic sophomore who averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season with 718 yards and 7 touchdowns. Martin leads a deep running back room that includes former Rice standout Dean Connors, a dual-threat weapon with nearly 1,300 all-purpose yards in 2024. Add in Raan Sanford and Stacy Sneed, and the Cougars have a capable stable — but Martin’s growth and consistency will be key to unlocking the full potential of this group.
16. Arizona | The Wildcat 2025 backfield is undergoing a major transformation, fueled by a mix of high-profile recruits and experienced transfers. Four-star freshman Wesley Yarbrough headlines the group with his blend of size and speed, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt arrives as a top transfer expected to contend for the lead role. The Wildcats also added Ishmael Motti, who flashed potential at Texas State, and Mike Mitchell from Utah to bolster depth. With so many new faces, Arizona’s success on the ground will depend on how quickly this revamped unit can come together.
Zack
1. Baylor | Bryson Washington is not just the Big 12’s top running back—he’s one of the best in the nation. He ran for over 1,000 yards last season as a redshirt freshman, so expect him to have another monster year. Dawson Pendergrass is another terrifying option for opposing defenses. Don’t be surprised if the Bears have two 1,000-yard rushers this season.
2. Iowa State | The Cyclones had a solid season last year, and Carson Hansen was a big part of it. While his numbers don’t scream at you, his 752 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns were solid for a sophomore, and he’s bound to have an even bigger season this year. Abu Sama III could be right alongside him in terms of output. He racked up 587 rushing yards, but only two touchdowns. Still, this pair is dangerous.
3. West Virginia | The Mountaineers aren’t exactly set up for a great season after a pretty bad one last year, but Jaheim White is definitely a bright spot. The junior finished 2024 with 845 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, and that was after sharing the backfield with CJ Donaldson Jr., who transferred out. White might end up being the top back in the conference by the end of the season.
4. BYU
5. Cincinnati
6. Kansas State
7. Texas Tech
8. Arizona State
9. UCF
10. Houston
11. Kansas
12. Arizona
13. Utah
14. Oklahoma State
15. TCU | Leading rusher Cam Cook transferred out, and that leaves senior Trent Battle and sophomore Jeremy Payne returning from last year. Though a senior this season, Battle’s use was limited last season, and Payne is still a little green in experience. One of the league’s worst rushing attacks a season ago might be in the same position this season.
16. Colorado | The Buffaloes were the Big 12’s worst rushing offense last season, and I’ve got them in the same slot to start this one after losing top rusher Isaiah Augustave to the portal. Micah Welch returns as a sophomore, but his freshman campaign wasn’t anything too exciting. Transfer Dekalon Taylor had some nice numbers last year for Incarnate Word, but Power 5 football is much different than the FCS.
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