The Best Running Back in the SEC

While the top seems to be figured out, there is still a possibility for College Football predictions to have some upsets or running backs that break into that tier.

Honorable Mentions

With Alabama and Georgia dominating the SEC in recent years, heavily featuring a rushing attack, those teams’ running backs tend to be some of the best in the conference. The only issue is that the backfield is usually handled by a committee, which makes it hard for College Football picks, lessening the lead’s back stats.

In 2023, the lead back for the Crimson Tide will be Jase McClellan. Last season he had 122 attempts for 655 yards and seven touchdowns as the backup. For the Bulldogs, Kendall Milton seems to be trending toward being the primary ball carrier, with 86 attempts, 590 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2022. Both will get a lot more attempts in 2023, plus they will be on teams with a new starting quarterback, which could increase their number of carries.

One name that can break into the hierarchy of running backs in the SEC is Ray Davis. He headlined College Football news by transferring from Vanderbilt to Kentucky. Last season, he finished fourth in rushing yards, with 1,042, but only five touchdowns. Maybe switching schools can get Davis in the endzone more often while building on what he did in 2022.

The final honorable mention is Sanders, and while he could be favored in many NCAA odds to lead the SEC in rushing yards, it might be hard for him. In 2022, Sanders had a great season rushing for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns on 222 attempts, 6.5 yards per carry. It was an excellent season for him, but the issue is that headed into 2023, the Razorbacks’ offense will still be built around their quarterback, who can also use his legs. That has a chance to lessen Sanders’s overall effect on the game.

Judkins Remains The Top Back

With Sanders possibly being the second most important player on his offense, Judkins should have no such issue on the Rebels. The Ole Miss quarterback situation is still up in the air, which could lead to Judkins getting more touches. In 2022, it took some time for him to take over the lead back spot officially, but Judkins eventually finished with 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns, on 274 carries.

RB Quinshon Judkins of Ole Miss had an incredible 2023. According to PFF he ranked in top 10 in the following categories:

➡️ Attempts
➡️ Rushing yards
➡️ Yards after contact
➡️ Forced missed tackles

2023: 274 ATT 1,567 YDS 16 TDpic.twitter.com/B2yDRnye8q

— Kevin (@Daboys_22) July 2, 2023

Judkins was only a freshman last season, so there is a good chance he will be much better in his sophomore year. Given the quarterback questions and how good Judkins was last season, he is a clear path for him to be the best running back in the SEC for 2023.