College Football’s Top RB Rooms: Penn State, Notre Dame Battle for Top Spot Behind Loaded Backfields
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the race for the nation’s top running back room is heating up. Programs across the country have assembled talented backfields, but two teams in particular—Penn State and Notre Dame—have separated themselves from the pack, boasting a blend of experience, explosiveness, and depth that gives them a legitimate claim to the title of best RB unit in the country.
At Penn State, the duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen headlines one of the most dynamic backfields in the nation. Singleton, a former five-star recruit, brings elite speed and home-run ability, while Allen offers a bruising, downhill style that complements his counterpart perfectly. In 2024, the pair combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, and both are back for another campaign with national title aspirations. Adding to the depth is redshirt freshman London Montgomery, a rising talent who flashed promise in spring ball.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, counters with a backfield that may be even deeper. Leading the charge is Audric Estime, the powerful, workhorse runner who led the team with over 1,300 yards and 15 scores last season. But what sets the Irish apart is their rotation: Jadarian Price adds burst and versatility as a change-of-pace option, while Jeremiyah Love and Gi’Bran Payne each bring high-level athleticism and upside. Head coach Marcus Freeman has built a stable of backs that can attack defenses in multiple ways, making Notre Dame’s ground game a true nightmare for opponents.
Other contenders also deserve mention. Michigan remains a force with Donovan Edwards assuming the lead role after Blake Corum’s departure. Georgia, despite losing key pieces, still boasts a talented rotation, and Ole Miss may surprise with transfers and homegrown stars creating a dangerous unit under Lane Kiffin’s guidance.
Still, the battle between Penn State’s thunder and lightning combo and Notre Dame’s deep, punishing committee sets the standard. While each program features top-end talent, what truly distinguishes these backfields is their ability to sustain excellence throughout a game—and a season. As fall draws near, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which powerhouse ground attack emerges as the best in the country.
