Tennessee's running back Dylan Sampson has been one of the country's best, most efficient running backs so far this season. He has been a breakout star for the Vols, leading the offense through thick and thin, and he deserves national recognition for his dominance carrying the rock.
Sampson has rushed for 1,129 yards and 20 touchdowns through nine games, yet ESPN is giving him no shot of being a top draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper released his big board for the 2025 draft, which includes ranking the top ten running backs in next year's draft class. Kiper didn't have Sampson in the top three or top five. In fact, he didn't have Sampson on the list at all.
Boise State's Ashton Jeanty sits atop the list, which isn't surprising given the season he is having as a Heisman contender, but it's hard to argue there are at least nine other running backs better than Sampson right now. Here's the full list of top running backs:
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington
4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
5. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
6. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
7. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
8. Jordan James, Oregon
9. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
10. RJ Harvey, UCF
It's hard to imagine that many of those running backs listed are better than the SEC leader regarding rushing yards and touchdowns. Including his top ranking in the SEC, Sampson also nationally ranks No. 7 in rushing yards and No. 3 in rushing touchdowns.
Sampson has undoubtedly been one of the best backs of the season. Whether it be in rushing yards, touchdowns, or yards per carry, Sampson is one of the nation's leaders in each category.
He will have to lead the Vols' offense again this weekend as Tennessee heads to Athens to play Georgia on Saturday night. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:40 PM ET on ABC.