The Big Ten is one of college football’s most storied conferences, with a long history of producing elite talent at the highest level. The running back position, in particular, has been consistently loaded with NFL-caliber talent. As we continue our series examining the best professional players by position from each major conference, today we turn our attention to the Big Ten and its impressive lineage of running backs. And as a reminder, this list is based strictly on NFL production. With that in mind, here are the greatest NFL running backs from each Big Ten school.

Illinois: Bill Brown

Illinois had plenty of decent options, but not outright superstars. The choice here is Bill Brown, who put together a solid NFL career. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he ranks fifth in franchise history in rushing yards.

Career Stats: 5,838 rushing yards, 3,183 receiving yards, 75 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Pierre Thomas

Indiana: Jordan Howard

Like Illinois, Indiana does not have much in the way of NFL greats at the running back position, but Jordan Howard had a stretch where he was a very respectable back in the league. Howard made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but was never able to reach that level again.

Career Stats: 4,362 rushing yards, 653 receiving yards, 39 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Tevin Coleman

Iowa: Ed Podolak

Ed Podolak was a longtime contributor for the Chiefs in the 1970s and won a Super Bowl during his career. He was a true dual-threat back, posting multiple seasons with nearly as many receiving yards as rushing yards.

Career Stats: 4,451 rushing yards, 2,456 receiving yards, 40 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Shonn Greene

Maryland: LaMont Jordan

There is not much debate here. LaMont Jordan was a solid NFL running back who rushed for over 1,000 yards during the 2005 season with the Raiders. He earns the spot largely by default due to Maryland’s limited history at the position.

Career Stats: 3,734 rushing yards, 1,301 receiving yards, 31 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Ty Johnson

Michigan: Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson was a solid NFL player, though given Michigan’s history, you might expect more elite options. Johnson played primarily with the Giants in the 1970s, earning one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro selection.

Career Stats: 4,308 rushing yards, 1,977 receiving yards, 55 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Tyrone Wheatley

Michigan State: Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell was one of the best running backs in the NFL during his prime. From 2014 through 2017, Bell rushed for 1,000 yards three times and made three Pro Bowls. His prime was relatively short, but his peak years in Pittsburgh were special.

Career Stats: 6,554 rushing yards, 3,289 receiving yards, 51 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Lorenzo White

Minnesota: Marion Barber III

Marion Barber III was a fan favorite on mid-2000s Cowboys teams. His violent running style made him memorable, and while his production never matched his highlight plays, he was a dependable contributor.

Career Stats: 4,780 rushing yards, 1,330 receiving yards, 59 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Laurence Maroney

Nebraska: Roger Craig

This came down to Roger Craig and Ahman Green, but Craig gets the nod by a narrow margin. Craig was the starting running back for the 49ers during their dynastic run in the 80s and was a major contributor to multiple Super Bowl teams. While often overshadowed by teammates like Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, Craig was a vital piece of those championships.

Career Stats: 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, 73 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Ahman Green

Northwestern: Woody Campbell

Northwestern’s NFL running back history is thin, and Woody Campbell earns the spot largely by default. Campbell was primarily a backup but had some respectable seasons along the way.

Career Stats: 1,493 rushing yards, 709 receiving yards, 15 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Bob Christian

Ohio State: Eddie George

Eddie George is one of the greatest running backs of all time and an easy choice here. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons and made four Pro Bowls. It remains surprising that George has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Career Stats: 10,441 rushing yards, 2,227 receiving yards, 78 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Ezekiel Elliott

Oregon: Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart was a good, though not elite, NFL running back. He remains the Panthers’ all-time leading rusher and was a key contributor during his time alongside Cam Newton.

Career Stats: 7,335 rushing yards, 1,295 receiving yards, 58 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: LeGarrette Blount

Penn State: Franco Harris

Though officially listed as a fullback, Franco Harris was a running back at heart. A Hall of Famer and cornerstone of the Steelers dynasty, Harris ranks among the top 15 players in NFL history in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

Career Stats: 12,120 rushing yards, 2,287 receiving yards, 100 total touchdowns

Honorable Mentions: Lydell Mitchell, Saquon Barkley

Purdue: Mike Pruitt

Purdue’s choice came down to two fullbacks named Mike, Pruitt and Mike Alstott. Pruitt gets the edge due to a slight statistical advantage. He posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons and made two Pro Bowls during his career.

Career Stats: 7,378 rushing yards, 1,860 receiving yards, 56 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Mike Alstott

Rutgers: Ray Rice

Ray Rice’s off-field issues make this an uncomfortable discussion, but his on-field production makes him the clear choice. Rice had multiple 1,000-yard seasons and was a major contributor to the Ravens’ Super Bowl run in 2012.

Career Stats: 6,180 rushing yards, 3,034 receiving yards, 43 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Gus Edwards

USC: Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen is one of the greatest football players of all time. A Hall of Famer, Allen won an MVP, made six Pro Bowls, and won a Super Bowl. His receiving production was also elite for a running back.

Career Stats: 12,243 rushing yards, 5,411 receiving yards, 144 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: O.J. Simpson

UCLA: Maurice Jones-Drew

Maurice Jones-Drew was a dominant running back during the late 2000s and early 2010s, including a season where he led the NFL in rushing. His prime was short, but he was a bright spot for the Jaguars during some lean years.

Career Stats: 8,167 rushing yards, 2,944 receiving yards, 79 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Freeman McNeil

Washington: Corey Dillon

Corey Dillon is one of the most underrated running backs in NFL history. Dillon rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons. His limited receiving production likely kept him from broader recognition.

Career Stats: 11,241 rushing yards, 1,913 receiving yards, 89 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Napoleon Kaufman

Wisconsin: Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor is currently one of the best running backs in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2020, he has rushed for over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns in every healthy season.

Career Stats: 7,572 rushing yards, 1,456 receiving yards, 76 total touchdowns

Honorable Mention: Melvin Gordon

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