The battle for college football's prestigious Doak Walker Award is reaching fever pitch this season, and Joel Klatt's midseason revelations could turn heads and spark heated debates among fans and analysts alike. Imagine the rush of watching elite running backs dominate the field with jaw-dropping performances—last year, Boise State's Ashton Jeanty set the bar sky-high with record-breaking stats. While no one has matched that sheer dominance so far in 2025, a crowded field of talented rushers is vying for this annual honor bestowed upon college football's finest running back. FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, always one to stir the pot, has weighed in with his personal top five contenders, including his predicted winner, based on standout play through the season's first half.
But here's where it gets controversial: Klatt leaned heavily toward Big Ten talent, selecting three from that conference, which might ruffle feathers among supporters of other powerhouse programs. Is this a bias, or does it reflect true merit? Let's dive into his selections and unpack why these backs are making waves—perfect for beginners following the award for the first time. The Doak Walker Award, named after the legendary SMU running back Doak Walker, recognizes not just raw stats, but versatility, impact on the game, and that intangible 'wow' factor that elevates a team.
Starting at the top, Klatt crowns as his winner: Ahmad Hardy from Missouri. With 115 carries netting 782 yards and 9 touchdowns so far in the 2025 season, Hardy's explosive start included a remarkable five consecutive 100-yard games before a tougher matchup against Alabama slowed him down to about 50 yards. He's already notched three touchdowns in a game twice and is poised to hit double digits soon. Klatt, after some initial hesitation, sees Hardy as the frontrunner, praising his leadership in Missouri's balanced attack alongside quarterback Beau Pribula.
Joel Klatt explains: 'Ahmad Hardy at Missouri has been tremendous. Hardy tops the Power Four in rushing in his debut season for the Tigers. He racked up five straight 100-yard outings before facing Alabama. He didn't shine against 'Bama, which almost kept me from picking him, but I'm going with him anyway. We'll see how it plays out. This is the kind of player who brings balance to their offense with Beau Pribula.'
Next up is Justice Haynes of Michigan, who mirrors Hardy's early-season brilliance with 95 carries for 705 yards and 8 touchdowns. Haynes also enjoyed five straight games with over 100 rushing yards before being limited to around 50 in his latest game, and like Hardy, he was shut out from scoring for the first time this year. Klatt highlights Haynes' ability to deliver big plays, including five runs exceeding 40 yards.
Joel Klatt notes: 'Justice Haynes at Michigan has been tremendous. Sure, he got banged up against USC, but he's a major threat for explosive runs this season. With five carries over 40 yards, Justice Haynes stands out as one of the top five backs in college football.'
Waymond Jordan from USC brings another dimension with 88 carries for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns. While his numbers don't scream dominance like the top two, his efficiency—averaging over 100 yards per game before an injury—showed promise. Unfortunately, a serious ankle issue requiring surgery has sidelined him for four to six weeks, potentially derailing his Doak Walker hopes. And this is the part most people miss: how injuries can flip the script in award races, leaving us to wonder if Jordan's early form would have led to national acclaim.
Joel Klatt reflects: 'Jordan was averaging over 100 yards per game. He suffered an injury against Michigan, interrupting what could have been another 100-yard day and complicating USC's plans. Sadly, he's out for four to six weeks with ankle surgery. Here's hoping he recovers quickly to rejoin the lineup. They'll feel his absence against Washington this week.'
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame adds versatility to the mix, boasting 100 carries for 530 yards and 8 touchdowns, plus 14 receptions for 160 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. As a dual-threat back, he's helped Notre Dame rebound from a 0-2 start into playoff contention, showcasing his all-around skills on bigger stages ahead. For those new to the award, Love exemplifies the modern running back who excels in both rushing and passing games, making defenses sweat.
Joel Klatt emphasizes: 'Jeremiyah Love for Notre Dame deserves a spot here. After a sluggish opener against Miami, he's now averaging 115 scrimmage yards per game with 11 total touchdowns in his last five outings. He's a force, and when Notre Dame emphasizes balance, he elevates their play and boosts freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who's been phenomenal—one of the best rookies out there. Love is absolutely in the top five.'
Finally, Jonah Coleman from Washington rounds out the list with 96 carries for 518 yards and 11 touchdowns, complemented by 20 catches for 243 yards and 1 receiving score. His receiving prowess, including a 100-yard game and an eight-catch outing, makes him unpredictable and multi-faceted, enhancing Washington's offensive scheme despite a struggling line, like the loss of their key left tackle.
Joel Klatt raves: 'People are overlooking Washington, but Jonah Coleman has been outstanding. He's fifth nationally in scrimmage yards and leads the FBS in touchdowns with 12, showing a knack for finding the end zone. Watching him, he's electrifying. And he's doing it with an offensive line that's taken hits, including being without their solid left tackle for this weekend's clash with Michigan. Coleman is firmly in the top five.'
There you have it—a snapshot of the Doak Walker Award contenders that blends star power, resilience, and a dash of unpredictability. But is Klatt's Big Ten bias justified, or should the award honor backs from other conferences who might not get the spotlight? Could injuries like Jordan's change everything, or do stats like Coleman's touchdowns outweigh versatility? What do you think—who's your pick for the winner? Do you agree with Klatt, or would you shake up the list? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's debate!
