The ACC has some of the top talent in the nation across the board and that includes running backs.

The conference has produced an abundance of talent at the running back position over the years. In 2025, there will be a lot more talent taking the field ready to dominate in the trenches.

As we prepare for the 2025 season, we will be taking a look at some of the best players at skill positions around the nation.

Below, check out the top running backs in the ACC for the 2025 season.

8. Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami

There will be plenty of new faces in the ACC backfield this season and Fletcher Jr. is among this list. He was a top-rated prospect in the 2024 class and is now ready to take on a big role for the Hurricanes.

7. Gideon Davidson, Clemson

Phil Mafah is gone and Clemson has plenty of carries to spread around in 2025. Davidson is in for an extended role. There is plenty of depth for the Tigers, including Jay Haynes who might get a chance early on. Davidson is too talented to keep off the field this season.

6. Davion Gause, North Carolina

North Carolina lost Omarion Hampton to the NFL but Gause got the chance to learn as the backup. He did not put up big numbers last season with Hampton being a workhorse but Gause has the potential to break out with Bill Belichick coming to town.

5. Hollywood Smothers, NC State

Smothers could not be kept off the field last season. Despite being handed the backup role out of camp, the three-star recruit made the most of opportunities when he was on the field. Smothers enters as the No. 1 threat in the backfield and is one of the top breakout candidates this season.

4. Desmond Reid, Pitt

Reid is one of the biggest impact transfers in the ACC heading into the season. He rushed for 966 yards for Western Carolina last season, proving to be an all-around back. Reid has high hopes within the Pitt offense.

3. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest

Claiborne was among All-ACC competition as he rushed for 1,049 yards last season. He was just the second player for Wake Forest to total at least 1,000 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards. Claiborne was difficult to tackle last season as well, breaking 45 tackles. Rob Ezell comes in from South Alabama as a guru in the run game to help Claiborne take another step.

2. Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is a team that leans on the ground game and Haynes is a major factor. He hit the 1,000-yard mark in 2023 before coming close once again with 944 yards last season. He has thrived under Brent Key and could be in for another big year. Georgia Tech will feature an improved offensive line and that will go a long way for Haynes.

1. Isaac Brown, Louisville

Brown enters the season as one of the top backs in the nation. He totaled 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, becoming the first true freshman in Louisville history to eclipse 1,000 yards. He will stand alone as the ACC’s top runner and be among the top in the country once the season is over.