Arkansas Razorbacks Face Critical Running Back Decisions Ahead of 2025 Season

Lakeland, USA - As the Arkansas Razorbacks gear up for their fall camp on August 30 against Alabama A&M, a plethora of questions linger about the team’s running back situation for the upcoming 2025 season. Following a successful year in 2024, where the Razorbacks finished 34th nationally in rushing, averaging 184.8 yards per game and ranking third in the SEC, the coaching staff faces some significant decisions heading into the new season. Key contributors have departed, including leading rusher Ja’Quinden Jackson, who has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, and Rashod Dubinion, who transferred to Appalachian State.

The remaining options in the running back room present both promise and uncertainty, with each player yet to prove themselves at this level. That said, some intriguing potential leads are emerging as the Razorbacks prepare to fill the void left by departing talent.

Key Questions in the Backfield

The Razorbacks are not short of options, but the pressing questions are: Who will emerge as the lead back? With Taylen Green as the second-leading rusher from last season, having recorded 602 yards and 8 touchdowns, he definitely shows promise. However, Braylen Russell, who had 354 yards and 3 touchdowns before entering the transfer portal twice due to a hamstring injury, might add to the mix if he’s able to stay healthy.

Additionally, Mike Washington, a transfer from New Mexico State, is also in the running; last season, he rushed for 725 yards and 8 touchdowns, making him a strong candidate for the RB1 role. It remains to be seen how these players will perform, particularly in a conference as competitive as the SEC.

Besides identifying a lead back, questions also arise about who else will get carries. Rodney Hill averaged an impressive 6.6 yards per carry in 2024 and found the end zone twice. Furthermore, AJ Green is returning as a walk-on after missing the last season due to an Achilles injury, and true freshman Cam Settles has already garnered noteworthy praise for his standout performances during spring practice. This depth in the backfield might serve the Razorbacks well, but health remains a major concern, as past injuries have disrupted several players.

Will There Be a 1,000-Yard Rusher?

Another tantalizing question for Razorback fans is whether the team will see a 1,000-yard rusher in the 2025 season. Since 2017, Arkansas has only featured two rushers breaking this mark, with Raheim “Rocket” Sanders being the last to do so in 2022. With health challenges faced by multiple players, sustaining individual performance will be crucial for reaching such milestones.

Looking at 2024’s overall performance, the Razorbacks produced solid team statistics. They finished with total offensive yards of 1,319.6 per game almost matching their defensive stats, which at 1,319.9 per game, shows a balanced, if not slightly strained, performance overall. Taylen Green was pivotal, leading in both passing and rushing last season with 3,154 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 602 rushing yards. If the Razorbacks can replicate this blend of offensive chemistry and improve their rushing game, fans could be in for an exciting season ahead.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, one can’t help but feel that there’s something to be said for the uncertainty surrounding the Razorbacks’ running backs. Will a clear leader emerge from the mix, or will the team rely on a by-committee approach? Only time will tell!

For more insights into the Razorbacks‘ stats and developments this season, check out the full breakdown of their performances at ESPN and Sports Reference. With several questions in the air, Arkansas football fans will be eagerly looking ahead to fall camp and the showdown against Alabama A&M.