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RotoBaller's updated 2025 fantasy football rookie running back rankings with September updates. See the top rookie RBs and draft targets, including Omarion Hampton, Ollie Gordon, and more.
The 2025 NFL season is set to kick off, and it's time for last-minute draft preparation for redraft, best ball, and dynasty leagues. Hitting on rookies can give you a strong edge over your opponents, so let's dive into these updated 2025 fantasy football rookie running back rankings. In our fresh cut of rookie RB rankings below, you will see where key first-year ball-carriers and chain movers such as Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, Cam Skattebo, Ollie Gordon II, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt stand, among all others.
These rookie rankings will be continually updated all offseason long as depth chart developments, injuries, and more take place, so be sure to check back regularly for updates. In addition to this article, you should also be sure to check out our other dynasty rookie rankings and analysis articles, including in-depth coverage of various NFL rookie profiles. Identifying sleepers and busts among first-year players is key for dynasty and redraft leagues, so we have you covered.
Four of our lead fantasy football analysts -- Phil Clark, Jackson Sparks, Andrew Lalama, and Matt Donnelly -- have put together these fantasy football rookie rankings. In addition to these rookie rankings, in our 2025 fantasy football rankings dashboard, you will also find our team's Dynasty fantasy football rankings. Bookmark that page, and use it to prepare for all of your 2025 fantasy football dynasty league drafts.
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Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back Rankings (September)
Rookie rankings are from after the 2025 NFL Draft with August Updates. Bookmark our PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, and standard (non-PPR) rankings.
| Tier | Rank | Player Name | Pos |
| 1 | 1 | Ashton Jeanty | RB |
| 1 | 2 | Omarion Hampton | RB |
| 1 | 3 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB |
| 2 | 4 | RJ Harvey | RB |
| 2 | 5 | Kaleb Johnson | RB |
| 3 | 6 | Quinshon Judkins | RB |
| 4 | 7 | Cam Skattebo | RB |
| 4 | 8 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB |
| 4 | 9 | Dylan Sampson | RB |
| 4 | 10 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB |
| 4 | 11 | Jaydon Blue | RB |
| 4 | 12 | Ollie Gordon II | RB |
| 4 | 13 | Tahj Brooks | RB |
| 5 | 14 | Jarquez Hunter | RB |
| 5 | 15 | Brashard Smith | RB |
| 5 | 16 | DJ Giddens | RB |
| 5 | 17 | Devin Neal | RB |
| 5 | 18 | Woody Marks | RB |
| 6 | 19 | Jordan James | RB |
| 6 | 20 | Trevor Etienne | RB |
| 6 | 21 | Kyle Monangai | RB |
| 6 | 22 | Damien Martinez | RB |
| 7 | 23 | LeQuint Allen Jr. | RB |
| 7 | 24 | Phil Mafah | RB |
| 7 | 25 | Kalel Mullings | RB |
| 7 | 26 | Lan Larison | RB |
| 8 | 27 | Raheim Sanders | RB |
| 8 | 28 | Marcus Yarns | RB |
| 8 | 29 | Montrell Johnson Jr. | RB |
| 9 | 30 | Donovan Edwards | RB |
| 9 | 31 | Corey Kiner | RB |
Recent Fantasy Football News for Rookie RBs
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty could be in line for a significant number of touches in his first NFL game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Along with star tight end Brock Bowers, Jeanty is expected to be a central focus of new Raiders play-caller Chip Kelly's offense. In Kelly's four previous years as an NFL play-caller, his offenses have ranked in the top ten in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns three times.
The Raiders and Patriots appear to be relatively evenly matched teams on paper, which means the game script should not prevent Las Vegas from looking to pound the rock on the ground. In 2024, New England's defense ranked 14th in yards per carry allowed (4.4) and 17th in rushing touchdowns allowed (16). Jeanty is a must-start running back in Week 1.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton could see fewer touches in Week 1 as the team heads to Brazil to face the Kansas City Chiefs. With veteran Najee Harris (eye) expecting to suit up Friday, a committee in the Chargers backfield appears likely. The 2025 first-round pick should still command a healthy share of touches, thanks to his first-round draft capital and Harris's lack of training camp reps. Even in a tough matchup against a Chiefs defense that was among the league's best against running backs in 2024, Hampton remains a solid RB2 play for Week 1.
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos released their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season on Tuesday, and rookie second-round running back RJ Harvey is listed as the RB2 behind J.K. Dobbins. Harvey was listed all the way at the bottom of the RB depth chart to kick off the preseason -- head coach Sean Payton's initial depth charts are always tough on rookies -- but he's now the RB2 heading into Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. While Dobbins is going to be a key piece of the Broncos' backfield in 2025, all expectations are that Harvey will lead the team in rushing attempts and yards when all is said and done.
The 24-year-old out of Central Florida saw plenty of work with the first-team offense in training camp and the preseason and has more overall upside than the oft-injured Dobbins. Harvey is an RB3/flex with upside heading into his NFL debut against the Titans.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo made his professional debut with a short but efficient outing in the Giants' 42-10 preseason victory over the Patriots. The rookie, who has been nursing a hamstring injury for a few weeks, was active for the first time and handled the first three carries of the game. He finished the contest with three carries for 12 rushing yards, an average of 4.0 yards per carry, with a long run of four yards, and zero rushing touchdowns.
Skattebo also did not record a reception. While he is currently behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the depth chart, Skattebo is a key backfield piece who should contribute off the bench in the regular season.
Ollie Gordon, Miami Dolphins
An NFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II is a "big back with nimble feet" who "could help Miami salt away leads." At 6'2" and 225 lbs., Gordon II could be the perfect complement to Dolphins RB1 De'Von Achane (calf), who is undersized but has plenty of speed and explosiveness.
Achane is also dealing with a lingering calf issue, although he's expected to be ready for Week 1. Gordon II impressed in the preseason and is likely to start the season as the RB2 in Miami, so missed time from Achane would immediately give Gordon II significant fantasy appeal. If his power-rushing ability allows him to steal some short-yardage and late-game rushing attempts from Achane, Gordon II might have more value than the typical handcuff option.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is listed as the team's RB4 on their official depth chart. Veteran Austin Ekeler occupies the top spot while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. slot in as the No. 2 and No. 3. The seventh-round rookie out of Arizona was very impressive during the preseason and made a strong case to open the season in a starting role. However, it appears Croskey-Merritt will have to earn a role during the regular season.
Earlier in August, the Commanders opted to trade their presumed starter, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson took the bulk of the carries last season. Fantasy managers should expect the majority of carries to go to Ekeler and most of the passing work. Rodriguez and McNichols should mix in the short-yadage situations.
As a result, Croskey-Merritt will be tough to trust in Week 1 when they face their divisional rival, the New York Giants. However, the Arizona product remains a top high-upside stash as he could earn the starting job later in the campaign.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns rookie Dylan Sampson has emerged as the clear No. 2 back behind Jerome Ford, with Quinshon Judkins still unsigned. Sampson has shown burst and reliability in camp, locking down the change-of-pace role. Ford, meanwhile, has never logged more than 250 touches in a season, leaving the door open for Sampson to carve out meaningful snaps or even push for a bigger role if Ford falters. His skill set makes him a versatile complement in Cleveland's backfield. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a valuable late-round flier with legitimate upside if the backfield shifts in his favor.
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