Though Conference USA lost some teams this offseason, the league will still have plenty of good players, especially in the backfield.
Here’s a ranking of the best running backs in Conference USA.
Best C-USA Running Backs, Ranked
| Rank | Player | Team |
| 1 | Marquis Crosby | Louisiana Tech |
| 2 | Deion Hankins | UTEP |
| 3 | Frank Peasant | Middle Tennessee State |
| 4 | Anwar Lewis | Jacksonville State |
| 5 | Star Thomas | New Mexico State |
1. Marquis Crosby, Louisiana Tech
Crosby was the leading rusher in C-USA among running backs who are back in the conference in 2023.
After breaking the Mississippi single-season rushing record with 3,678 rushing yards as a senior in high school, Crosby played in just one game but didn’t register a carry as a college freshman in 2021. Then he enjoyed a breakout season in 2022.
Crosby was third in the league with 918 rushing yards and tied for second with nine touchdowns on the ground. He averaged 5 yards per carry on his way to making the all-conference honorable mention list. He also caught nine passes for 65 yards.
The 5-foot-10, 201-pound upcoming redshirt sophomore will be exceptional once again in 2023.
2. Deion Hankins, UTEP
Hankins didn’t lead his own team in rushing, but he was still one of the best backs in C-USA last year.
The 6-foot, 226-pound redshirt junior has been a consistent contributor for multiple years. After redshirting in 2019, he was on the conference’s All-Freshman team as he rushed for 592 yards and nine touchdowns, both school records for a freshman. His nine touchdowns on the ground was also best in the league and second nationally among freshmen.
In 2021, he added 458 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Then last year, he made the All-Conference USA second team after rushing for 701 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5 yards per carry.
Hankins’ numbers will likely keep improving this season.
3. Frank Peasant, Middle Tennessee State
Peasant’s production has also steadily improved over the last three years.
Peasant rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in 2020. The following season, he totaled 304 yards and three touchdowns on 79 attempts. He had nine catches for 28 yards in those two years combined.
Then Peasant made the all-conference list in 2022 after taking on a more prominent role in his team’s offense. He was tied for second in C-USA with nine rushing touchdowns and was seventh with 774 yards. He also caught 28 passes which led to 286 yards and two touchdowns.
The 5-11, 204-pound junior deserves to be regarded as one of the best running backs in the league.
4. Anwar Lewis, Jacksonville State
As Jacksonville State makes its transition to the FBS, Lewis will provide some stability on offense.
The 5-8, 180-pound redshirt junior transferred to JSU before the 2022 season. He thrived right away.
Lewis ran for 818 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He also added 127 yards and a touchdown on 13 receptions.
Though he’s playing at a higher level, Lewis is absolutely one of the best backs in Conference USA.
5. Star Thomas, New Mexico State
Thomas will surely help New Mexico State as it joins C-USA after being an independent program a season ago.
He transferred to NM State before last year. The 6-foot, 225-pound junior needed little time to adjust and start making contributions.
Thomas averaged 4.8 yards per carry as he totaled 472 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes and tallied 133 yards and two scores through the air.
Thomas will only be better if he takes on a larger role in the team’s offense.
