Top 30 Returning FCS Running Backs In 2025

As we hit the preview portion of the 2025 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 which players and teams they should keep an eye on.

Here are the top returning running backs in 2025.

NOTES:

• These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
• FBS-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
• Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
• Top Returning FCS Linebackers
• Top Returning FCS Offensive Linemen

Best Returning FCS Running Backs

30. Seth Cromwell, Northern Arizona

29. Autavius Ison, Mercer (transfer from Charleston Southern)

28. Reggie Davis, Alcorn State (transfer from Chattanooga)

27. Branson Adams, Western Carolina

26. Mason Sheron, Davidson

25. Nate Thomas, Idaho

24. Gaven Ziebarth, North Dakota

23. TJ Thomas Jr., Elon

22. Delon Thompson, Portland State

21. Barika Kpeenu, North Dakota State

20. Jaylon Spears, UIW (transfer from Nicholls)

19. Rodney Nelson, Monmouth

18. Jaden Green, Lehigh

17. Josh Pitsenberger, Yale

16. Kevon King, Norfolk State

15. Jayden Clerveaux, Holy Cross

14. Steve Hall, Lindenwood

13. Julius Davis, Montana State

12. Elijah Howard, CCSU

11. Wenkers Wright, Illinois State

RELATED: HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25

10. Luke Yoder, Lehigh

9. David Avit, Villanova

8. Mason King, Illinois State

7. Mari Adams, Davidson

6. Julius Loughridge, South Dakota State (transfer from Fordham)

5. Roland Dempster, Stony Brook

Just a few Roland Dempster highlights to grace your timeline. #CAAFB | @CAAFootball | @StonyBrookFB | @RolandDempster4 pic.twitter.com/F0qPVRX40E

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 26, 2024

• Senior, 6-0, 225 pounds
• 2023: 93 carries, 408 yards, 3 TDs
• 2024: 268 carries, 1,332 yards, 5.0 YPC, 18 TDs. 32 catches, 335 yards, 1 TD
• 2024 PFF No. 20-graded FCS RB
• 2024 All-CAA 1st Team
• 2024 4x All-American

4. Adam Jones, Montana State

Montana State RB Adam Jones @AJonessy is a big play waiting to happen.

Jones was a huge revelation for the Bobcats, running for 833 yards and 10 touchdowns. Look for him to hit that 1K mark in 2025.#BobcatBuilt #Cats #FCS pic.twitter.com/l7eFCHTR94

— Bryan (@BGauvin23) March 25, 2025

• Sophomore, 6-1, 200 pounds
• 2024: 184 carries, 1,172 yards, 6.4 YPC, 14 TDs. 21 rec, 214 yards, 1 TD
• 2024 PFF No. 49-graded FCS RB
• 2nd in 2024 Jerry Rice Award voting
• 2024 Big Sky Freshman of the Year
• 2024 All-Big Sky Honorable Mention
• 2024 Freshman All-American

3. Jamar Curtis, Sac State (transfer from Lafayette)

Lafayette RB Jamar Curtis @flyymar2 is always a fun watch. Runs physical for his size with a good dash of burst.
Curtis had at least 100+ yards rushing in 5 of his last 6 games, including a 21-131-2 rushing line against arch-rival Lehigh. #FCSFootball #RollPards #ClimbTheHill pic.twitter.com/xDfvwvAcZg

— Bryan (@BGauvin23) November 28, 2024

• Senior, 5-8, 164 pounds
• 2022: 115 carries, 465 yards, 1 TD
• 2023: 235 carries, 1,460 yards, 15 TDs
• 2023 All-Patriot League 1st Team
• 2023 2x All-American
• 2024: 229 carries, 1,139 yards, 5.0 YPC, 16 TDs. 30 catches, 232 yards, 1 TD
• 2024 PFF No. 14-graded FCS RB
• 2024 All-Patriot League 1st Team

2. Eli Gillman, Montana

Last August, I highlighted Montana RB Eli Gillman (@eli_gillman), and all he’s done since is carry on the great legacy of Montana running backs.

A dense, compact runner, Gillman moves with a smooth, efficient stride and shows strong change of direction ability. #FCS #GoGriz… pic.twitter.com/UyJJinyW9H

— Bryan (@BGauvin23) April 12, 2025

• Junior, 6-0, 208 pounds
• 2023: 194 carries, 968 yards, 12 TDs
• 2023 Big Sky Freshman of the Year
• 2023 Freshman All-American
• 2023 Jerry Rice Award winner
• 2023 All-Big Sky 2nd Team
• 2024: 167 carries, 1,104 yards, 6.6 YPC, 15 TDs. 18 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs
• 2024 PFF No. 12-graded FCS RB
• 2024 All-Big Sky 2nd Team

1. Charles Pierre Jr., South Dakota

• Junior, 5-10, 205 pounds
• 2023: 78 carries, 473 yards, 5 TDs
• 2023 MVFC All-Newcomer Team
• 2024: 167 carries, 1,244 yards, 7.4 YPC, 16 TDs. 19 catches, 190 yards, 2 TDs
• 2024 PFF No. 5-graded FCS RB
• 2024 All-MVFC 1st Team
• 2024 3x All-American