College football power rankings: Top 10 running backs for the 2022 season

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Sep 25, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the football against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Making the list out of the Pac-12 is Zach Charbonnet. He previously played for the Michigan Wolverines and their stacked running back depth chart. Ultimately, he made the decision to transfer and chose to play for Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins, and he made the most of his opportunity.

In 13 games, Charbonnet ran for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns on 203 attempts. His best performance came against the rival USC Trojans, as he picked up 167 yards and scored one touchdown on 28 carries.

Charbonnet will look to make a grand statement to begin his senior year on Sept. 3 against Bowling Green.

7. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Alabama’s leading rusher last season, Brian Robinson Jr. is in the NFL, where he was a third-round selection by the Washington Commanders. The team, in recent memory, has always had a dominant running back. For 2022, they will have Jahmyr Gibbs lead the way, who is a transfer from Georgia Tech.

Gibbs can make an impact while running the ball from behind the line of scrimmage, and as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.

With the Yellow Jackets in 2021, Gibbs tallied 746 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 143 carries, while catching 35 passes for 465 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.

Now with Alabama behind that offensive line with Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young handing the ball off and throwing him the ball, Gibbs can really thrive with the team ranked as the best team in the nation entering the season.

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