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College football rankings: Top 10 running backs of 2021

By Cody Williams

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones scores a touchdown in the first half half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin"u2019 Cajuns won 31-14 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Kyren Williams, Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame

A big part of Notre Dame joining the ACC for one year only and making it into the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff in that plight was the success of sophomore running back Kyren Williams. Despite only having four carries in two appearances as a freshman for the Fighting Irish, he showed up in his second season and was downright dominant in the ground game.

In 12 games for the Irish, Williams rushed 211 times for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also played a decent role in the passing offense as well, totaling 35 receptions for 313 yards and a touchdown. Then-quarterback Ian Book got the limelight for his role in the offense but, make no mistake, it was Williams that provided the engine power.

Now that Book is gone, though, we could see Notre Dame rely even more heavily on Williams. Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan is set to take over at quarterback and, while steady, he’s not the runner his predecessor was while also not being anything special as a passer. The junior running back is the far more proven commodity.

With a bigger role and the trust of Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish coaching staff, Williams should be able to break through as one of the big stars of college football in 2021.