As we hit the preview portion of the 2024 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning running backs in 2024.
These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, pro potential, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
Best Returning FCS RBs
25. Jacardia Wright, Missouri State
24. Sone Ntoh, Monmouth
23. Jarett Hunter, Howard
22. Shane McLaughlin, Harvard
21. MJ Flowers, Eastern Illinois
20. Jaylon Spears, Nicholls
19. Hunter Rice, VMI
18. Mari Adams, Davidson
17. Tyvon Edmonds Jr., Robert Morris (transfer from Merrimack)
16. Collin Guggenheim, Nicholls
15. Travis Theis, South Dakota
14. Elijah Burris, Hampton
13. Julius Loughridge, Fordham
12. Julius Davis, Montana State
11. Tyshon King, Youngstown State
10. Mason King, Illinois State
9. Jordan Fuller, Holy Cross
8. Eli Gillman, Montana
7. Bronson Yoder, William & Mary
6. Amar Johnson, South Dakota State
5. Marcus Yarns, Delaware
4. Jamar Curtis, Lafayette
3. ShunDerrick Powell, Central Arkansas
Powell was one of the best transfer portal additions in the FCS last year.
UCA signed Powell after his 2022 All-American season at North Alabama, where he rushed for 1,508 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 5-foot-9 and 180-pounder was at it again in 2023, rushing 136 times for 1,016 yards and six scores. He earned All-UAC Second Team accolades.
Powell’s 7.5 yards per carry ranked No. 2 in the FCS, trailing South Carolina State’s Jawarn Howell, who is now at South Carolina.
2. Kayvon Britten, Tarleton State
Britten is a back-to-back All-Conference First Team selection for two different teams.
In 2022 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, he rushed for 1,063 yards and 16 touchdowns. Britten transferred to Tarleton State last year and had another dynamite season. The 5-foot-7 and 195-pounder rushed for 1,150 yards on 183 carries (6.3 YPC) and 16 TDs, earning two All-American honors.
PFF graded Britten as the No. 8 overall FCS running back.
1. Lan Larison, UC Davis
Despite playing only eight games, Larison was the 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year.
In those eight games, he carried the ball 178 times for 1,101 yards (6.2 YPC) and 13 touchdowns, plus 21 catches for 198 yards and two scores. Larison was named to four All-American teams and earned All-Big Sky honors for a fourth straight season. PFF graded Larison as the No. 7 overall FCS running back with a rushing grade that ranked No. 5.
The 6-foot and 199-pound Idaho native is a problem whenever the ball is in his hands. In 36 career games, he’s recorded 2,169 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns, 65 catches for 779 yards and four scores, and 1,171 kick return yards with a TD.
