🏈 Ground Forces: Running Backs and Offensive Identity in the 2025 Mountain West
The 2025 Mountain West football season is shaping up to be both a farewell and a proving ground for some new coaches and outstanding running backs on the offensive side of the ball.
With powerhouse programs like Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Colorado State gearing up for their final conference run before moving to the Pac-12, the stakes have never been higher.
With these teams leaving the Mountain West Conference after one more year, there will likely be a lot of drama when the remaining teams face off against them.
At the core of this season’s intrigue is a deep pool of running backs, each ready to shape their team’s offensive identity.
With new coordinators, veteran head coaches, and emerging stars leading the way, here’s an updated look at the top Mountain West backs—and how their teams and play-callers will use them.
1. Jai’Den Thomas – UNLV
(First-Team Offense Athlon Sports)
- Head Coach: Dan Mullen
- Offensive Coordinator: Kent Austin
- (First-Team Offense Athlon Sports)
Kevin Neri/Statesman Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
UNLV brings back one of the league’s top backs in Jai’Den Thomas, who rushed for 918 yards and scored eight total touchdowns in 2024.
Thomas returns after a breakout season with 10 touchdowns, over 900 rushing yards, and more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He finished the regular season strong, recording back-to-back 135-yard rushing games.
Thomas is certainly one of the top running backs in the entire Mountain West Conference. He should be playing on Sunday; he is that good.
Now under new head coach Dan Mullen—a proven SEC play-caller—Thomas will be the focal point of a Rebels offense expected to be both explosive and balanced.
With Kent Austin calling plays, anticipate Thomas to excel in a creative system that utilizes him in both the rushing and passing game.
2. Scottre Humphrey – New Mexico
- Head Coach: Jason Eck
- Offensive Coordinator: Luke Schleusner
- (First-Team Offense Athlon Sports)
PHOTO BY BLAKE HEMPSTEAD / SKYLINE SPORTS
New Mexico enters 2025 in full rebuild mode under first-year head coach Jason Eck, but their prized addition, FCS All-American Scottre Humphrey, provides a spark few saw coming.
As a Montana State running back, Humphrey had a standout 2024 season, earning All-America honors from various outlets (FCS Football Central, Stats Perform, and Phil Steele) and First Team All-Big Sky recognition.
He rushed for 1,386 yards—seventh-most in the FCS and among the top 25 single-season totals in Bobcat history.
After rushing for 1,386 yards at Montana State, Humphrey brings physicality, vision, and a chip on his shoulder.
Humphrey has an impressive resume and should make an immediate impact on the Lobos.
There is one position the Lobos are loaded at: the running backs. D Bankston, a transfer from Weber State, was the Wildcats’ leading rusher and is expected to be a big part of the rushing attack.
Also, Deshaun Buchanan, who was Idaho State’s leading rusher, and DJ McKinney from Sam Houston State, the leading rusher and CUSA Freshman of the Year.
Offensive Coordinator Luke Schleusner is expected to implement a run-focused system to maximize the talent level of his team, which boasts several talented running backs.
3. Sire Gaines – Boise State
- Head Coach: Spencer Danielson
- Offensive Coordinator: Nate Potter
Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports
With Ashton Jeanty heading to the NFL as the sixth overall pick, he was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Boise State will rely on Sire Gaines and Fresno State transfer Malik Sherrod to lead the running game.
After showing promise as a freshman—including 110 yards and 2 TDs in the opener—his 2024 season was cut short by injury.
Boise State’s Sire Gaines is a dynamic and explosive playmaker, recognized for his elite speed.
As a key player in the Broncos’ offense and special teams, Gaines consistently makes electrifying plays whenever he has the ball.
He credits much of his growth to learning from star running back Ashton Jeanty, adopting habits of patience, vision, and toughness that now influence his game.
Now healthy and teamed up with Fresno State transfer Malik Sherrod, Gaines gives OC Dirk Koetter a versatile back to lead a pro-style offense. Expect another shot at a conference title.
4. Bryson Donelson – Fresno State
- Head Coach: Matt Entz
- Offensive Coordinator: Pat McCann
The Bulldogs hand the ball off to Bryson Donelson, who averaged 6 yards per carry as a true freshman and gained 462 yards despite only starting three games.
As a true freshman at Fresno State, he played in 12 games and started the last three, finishing with 462 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 77 carries.
Donelson, a native of Visalia, excelled at both El Diamante and Central Valley Christian, finishing his high school career with impressive stats: a senior season that totaled 3,951 all-purpose yards, 3,297 rushing yards (third-most in the nation), and 58 touchdowns, also ranking third nationally.
His high school stats suggest his potential when circumstances favor the Bulldogs; he’s that talented. New head coach Matt Entz, a two-time FCS national champion at NDSU, uses a tough, physical style of football.
With OC Pat McCann calling the plays, Donelson is expected to be a workhorse in a system that thrives on efficient, downhill rushing.
5. Dylan Carson–Air Force
- Head Coach: Troy Calhoun
- Offensive Coordinator: Mike Thiessen
Photo Courtesy © Danny Wild-Imagn Images
The Air Force aims to rebound from an uncharacteristic 5–7 finish in 2024. The key: senior RB Dylan Carson, who returns to lead the Falcons’ triple-option offense.
With 600 rushing yards and 5 TDs last season, Carson fits perfectly in OC Mike Thiessen’s run-focused scheme.
His vision, discipline, and toughness should help the Air Force return to form in 2025 after some tough years. I expect the Falcons to bounce back this year.
When examining the Falcons’ running back room, the returning players are expected to generate a significant portion of the team’s offense in 2024, accounting for about 80% of their total production.
It’s all about distribution, never relying on a single running back. The 2025-26 Air Force Falcons have a disciplined and versatile group of running backs, well-suited for their option-heavy offense.
Say what you will about this triple option, it can dominate defenses with the ball
Sophomore Owen Allen delivers power and vision from Southlake, Texas, while senior Aiden Calvert brings experience and consistency from Chula Vista, California.
Dylan Carson, a junior from Washington, provides a physical presence and downhill speed. Kade Frew showed promise last season, rushing for 260 yards and scoring once on 45 carries, while Taylor Latham contributed with steady reps, scoring once on 22 attempts.
Together, this versatile unit gives the Falcons a solid backfield base as they strive to stay one of the Mountain West’s toughest teams to face.
6. Lloyd Avant – Colorado State
- Head Coach: Jay Norvell
- Offensive Coordinator: Matt Mumme
Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Department
Lloyd Avant, a transfer from Tulsa, joins a Rams offense known for its Air Raid principles. While CSU heavily relies on the pass under head coach Jay Norvell and OC Matt Mumme, Avant offers a needed balance.
He ran for 271 yards as a freshman and could become a sneaky breakout candidate for an improving offensive line. His ability to keep defenses honest will help open things up for CSU’s vertical game.
Lloyd Avant brings toughness and burst to the Colorado State backfield. A physical runner with a downhill style, Avant made a strong impression late in the season, showing flashes of becoming a reliable every-down option.
With a strong work ethic and good vision between the tackles, he is prepared to assume a larger role in the Rams’ ground game moving forward.
Colorado State’s 2025 backfield boasts a deep and versatile group with Justin Marshall, Keegan Holles, Jalen Dupree, Vann Schield, and Konyae Hunter all expected to contribute to a competitive and balanced ground attack.
7. Lucky Sutton – San Diego State
- Head Coach: Sean Lewis
- Offensive Coordinator: Matt Johnson
Photo Courtesy of Opendorse
San Diego State is experiencing a philosophical shift under offensive-minded head coach Sean Lewis. In this new system, Lucky Sutton has an opportunity to shine.
Although he’s had limited touches so far, the former San Diego prep star has made a good impression in spring.
San Diego State’s 2025 running back room is shaping up to be one of the most promising in the Mountain West, loaded with depth, talent, and potential.
Junior Christian Washington, a transfer from Coastal Carolina who began his college career at New Mexico is expected to be one of the Aztecs’ top offensive weapons this season.
His experience and versatility make him a key player to watch. Also attracting attention is Lucky Sutton, a red-shirt freshman who has impressed the coaching staff with his growth and development.
Fellow red-shirt freshman Cincere Rhaney adds to the young depth and will compete for playing time. The Aztecs also acquired Byron Cardwell, a transfer from Cal with two seasons of eligibility remaining, who provides Power Five experience and playmaking ability in the backfield.
Rounding out the group is incoming freshman Jordin Thomas, who brings added upside and will compete for early reps.
Together, this group provides San Diego State with a strong foundation for a powerful and flexible rushing attack in 2025.
It could thrive in OC Matt Johnson’s fast-paced offense that seeks to disrupt SDSU’s typically conservative style.
8. Lamar Radcliffe–San Jose State
- Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo
- Offensive Coordinator: Craig Stutzmann
Lamar Radcliffe stayed quiet for most of 2024 but showed significant improvement in the Hawaii Bowl, rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. This big back is 6’2” and 220 lbs should be a force for the Spartans.
San Jose State heads into the 2025 season with a reliable and experienced leader in its backfield, Floyd Chalk IV. After a breakout 2024 campaign in which he rushed for 721 yards and scored 10 touchdowns,
Chalk is once again poised to be the centerpiece of the Spartans’ ground attack. His combination of vision, strength, and consistency makes him an essential part of the offense.
Behind him, the Spartans have added depth with Sir Autry, Lamar Radcliffe, and Steve Chavez-Soto, are all expected to contribute and compete for rotational snaps.
With Chalk leading and support from a strong group behind him, San Jose State’s running game aims to build on last year’s success.
Now, with Tim Drevno as the new head coach and Kevin McGiven overseeing the offense, Radcliffe is expected to get more touches in a balanced scheme. He will need to help stabilize a Spartans team in transition after a wave of offensive departures.
🔮 Final Take
The Mountain West might split after 2025, but its running back talent remains strong. From experienced veterans like Thomas and Carson to emerging stars like Humphrey and Gaines, each team has a weapon capable of taking over games.
With new play-callers designing these offenses, the battle between schemes and defenses will be one of the conference’s most exciting storylines.