We have reached the point in the offseason where spring football has concluded and fans are starting to have a better understanding of what their team’s depth chart may look like. With that, we are going to start taking a look at specific position groups across the PAC 12 and Mountain West. With our coverage shifting to two different conferences, it will be impossible to cover all 18 teams in one article each week. For that reason, we are going to focus on a couple of teams that fit the bill in each category.
We will be continuing our series by looking at the running back position.
The Good
Boise State
Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines could have a strong case for being the best one-two punch on the West Coast this season. Riley had a breakout 2025 season, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and proving to be a home run threat every time he touches the football. Sire Gaines is the bruiser; he is coming off a solid season but was limited by injuries. Gaines finished the 2025 season with 811 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. If he stays healthy, the Broncos should have two 1,000 yards rushers this fall.
San Diego State
As good as Riley and Gaines are, you could make an argument that Sutton and Washington are even better. The Aztec rushing attack should be the strongest position on this team. Last season, Sutton was an all-conference selection rushing for 1297 yards and 10 touchdowns. He will be a trendy pick for Preseason Player of the Year and will be looking to stamp his ticket to the NFL.
UNLV
There were huge expectations for Jai’Den Thomas entering the 2025 season, and while he did have a solid year, it wasn’t quite what we were all expecting. Thomas dealt with some nagging injuries during the season and it seemed like the coaching staff was limiting his carries. If Thomas does not have any limitations this fall, he could end up being the best player in the Mountain West. Behind Thomas is another talented senior running back in Jaylon Glover who seems poised for a bigger role this season.
North Dakota State
If there is one thing we know for sure, this team is going to be physical. Last season, the Bison had one of the best rushing attacks at the FCS level, averaging over five yards per carry. North Dakota State will use their rushing attack to set up the passing game. Whether they can replicate that success at the FBS level remains to be seen. But if I were a betting man, I would expect the Bison to have one of the best rushing attacks in the Group of Six.
The Bad
New Mexico
This is a risky pick; the Lobos were expected to have one of the best rushing attacks in the conference last season and their numbers ended up being a bit mediocre. Scottre Humphrey was an elite running back at the FCS level, but he struggled to produce for the Lobos last season. If Humphrey can stay healthy and adjust to this level of football, it would be a huge boost to this program. But, there are enough questions at the quarterback position to leave me feeling a little concerned about the Lobos’ rushing attack.
Air Force
Controversial pick, I know. The Falcons are always statistically one of the best rushing attacks in the country. But they have dealt with some inconsistencies the last few seasons and it is reflected in their record. This team needs to average five to six yards per rush if they are going to return to glory, and they have to find a way to have fewer negative plays. I know Szarka is coming back, but the coaches were not sold on his ability to hold onto the ball. It will be interesting to see if this team takes steps in the right direction.
Wyoming
Similar to the Falcons, this program has been built on a physical, run-first style of football. Finishing ninth in rushing last season was an unexpected and unacceptable result. This team does not have good enough play at the quarterback position to make up for a poor rushing attack. I don’t have enough confidence in the current group of running backs to feel like this year’s team will be much better.
The Ugly
Hawaii
The Rainbow Warriors don’t run the ball well and they won’t run the ball well this year unless something drastically changes. The offensive style is a run-first approach, and as a result, the rushing numbers suffer. That’s fine, but the running numbers need to be better if they are going to have any hope of catching opposing defenses off-guard. If Hawaii can somehow develop a consistent rushing attack, it could be a special season on the islands.
UTEP
The Miners had one of the worst rushing attacks in the country last season, finishing 116th in total rushing yards. The Mountain West is full of physical teams that are going to put pressure on the Miners. If they have any hope of being competitive, they have to run the ball. While much of the pressure will be on the running backs, it will really come down to if this team gets better on the offensive line.
How do you feel about the running back position for your team? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
