Saquon Barkley Crowned Top Running Back After Historic Season

Saquon Barkley has been named the top running back in the league by The Associated Press following a remarkable season with the Philadelphia Eagles. His achievements included setting records on the field, securing a Super Bowl title, and signing a groundbreaking contract worth $41.2 million, the richest ever for a player in his position. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers rated the top running backs ahead of the 2025 season, and Barkley dominated the voting.

Recognizing his outstanding performance, Barkley received seven first-place votes and one second-place vote, accumulating a total of 69 points. This strong showing placed him firmly at the top of the rankings. In contrast, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens took second place, receiving one first-place vote along with five second-place votes, one third, and one fifth.

Barkley’s statistics from the regular season are impressive. He rushed for 2,005 yards, falling just 101 yards short of breaking the record set by Eric Dickerson due to being rested in the final week of the season. His total rushing yards, including the playoffs, reached 2,504 yards, surpassing Terrell Davis’ record of 2,476 yards. Additionally, Barkley set a new benchmark with seven touchdown runs of at least 60 yards.

Top Five Running Backs Ranked

The AP voting also highlighted other talented players in the league. Following Barkley, Derrick Henry showcased an impressive season after transitioning to Baltimore. At the age of 31, he rushed for 1,921 yards, the highest recorded for a player over 30, surpassing Tiki Barber’s previous mark of 1,860 yards at age 30 in 2005.

Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, who was drafted 12th overall in 2023, earned third place in the rankings. Critics initially doubted his selection, but he has proved his worth, rushing for 1,412 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns last season, along with an additional 517 yards receiving. His performance has established him as one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Fourth place went to Bijan Robinson from the Atlanta Falcons. Selected eighth overall in 2023, Robinson quickly established himself as a significant contributor, amassing 1,887 yards from scrimmage and scoring 15 touchdowns.

Completing the top five is Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, whose season was hindered by injuries. Despite only playing in four games, McCaffrey had previously demonstrated his prowess by achieving 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns in the 2023 season.

Other notable players receiving votes include Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts, Josh Jacobs from the Green Bay Packers, and Bucky Irving from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The AP Pro Football Writers panel’s rankings reflect not only the players’ individual accomplishments but also their overall impact on the game as they head into the new season.

Saquon Barkley’s recognition as the top running back underscores his significant contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles and sets a high bar for the upcoming 2025 season.