Way-too-early rankings of the SEC running backs leading up to the 2024 season

The Texas Longhorns have produced the first running backs selected in the past two NFL Drafts – Bijan Robinson (2023) and Jonathon Brooks (2024).

As the Horns make a name for themselves as Running Back U, Texas is heading to the SEC which is known for its dominant defensive lines and elite offensive athletes.

So, while Steve Sarkisian is solidifying which player will become his new RB1, where does Texas stack up against its competitors in the Longhorns’ new conference?

All starters and depth projections are just that, projections ahead of the 2024 season.

• Starter: Sedrick Alexander
• Depth: AJ Newberry, Chase Gillespie, Johann Cardenas

• Starter: Jeffrey Pittman
• Depth: Keyvone Lee

• Starter: DeaMonte Trayanum, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
• Depth: Jason Patterson, Jamarion Wilcox, Tovani Mizell

• Starter: Ulysses Bentley IV
• Depth: Henry Parrish Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rashad Amos

• Starter: Le’Veon Moss
• Depth: Amari Daniels, Rueben Owens

• Starter: Ja’Quinden Jackson
• Depth: Rashod Dubinion, Braylen Russell

• Starter: Dylan Sampson
• Depth: Cameron Seldon, Khalifa Keith

• Starter: Kaleb Jackson
• Depth: Josh Williams, Caden Durham

• Starter: Gavin Sawchuk
• Depth: Kalib Hicks, Sam Franklin, Jovantae Barnes

• Starter: Montrell Johnson Jr.
• Depth: Treyaun Webb, Jadan Baugh

• Starter: Jarquez Hunter
• Depth: Jeremiah Cobb, Damari Alston

• Starter: CJ Baxter
• Depth: Jaydon Blue, Quintrevion Wisner

CJ Baxter is the incumbent running back star to be following in the steps of Texas Longhorn Jonathon Brooks.

Last season Baxter had 659 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground for the Horns. He also had 156 receiving yards on just 24 catches.

While he isn't expected to be the top running back in the conference, Baxter should be able to carry Texas to a number of victories against its SEC opponents.

• Starter: Justice Haynes
• Depth: Jam Miller, Richard Young, Daniel Hill

Despite losing legendary head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide will once again be in good hands as Justice Haynes takes over as the starting running back.

Jam Miller, Richard Young, and Daniel Hill are expected to be complete Alabama's depth at the position this season.

• Starter: Marcus Carroll
• Depth: Nate Noel, Jamal Roberts, Tavorus Jones

Marcus Carroll stunned the nation last season when he carried the ball for 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Georgia State Panthers.

After the 2023 season came to an end, Carroll transferred to the Missouri Tigers where he is expected to only further excel as a running back.

• Starter: Raheim Sanders
• Depth: Oscar Adaway III, Jawarn Howell

Despite South Carolina falling in the overall power rankings for the SEC in 2024, the Gamecocks have a highly impressive running back room to tap into.

Raheim Sanders transferred to South Carolina after three seasons with Arkansas. Over his sophomore year, Sanders had an incredible 1,443 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground for the Razorbacks.

• Starter: Trevor Etienne
• Depth: Roderick Robinson II, Branson Robinson, Cash Jones

It should come as no surprise that Trevor Etienne and the Georgia Bulldogs are at the top of this ranking.

Etienne is projected to not only be one of the best backs in the SEC but one of the best backs in the country during the 2024 season.

The former Florida Gator transferred to Georgia after earning 753 rushing yards last season alongside 172 yards through the air.