Top rushing performances around the Big Ten in Week 1

Big Ten running backs are off and running this season. With Week 1 in the books, the competition for a Big Ten rushing title is officially underway as Washington’s Jonah Coleman has taken the early lead after a big night against Colorado State in the season opener. Penn State’s dynamic running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen was limited in their rushing production in a Week 1 blowout of overmatched Nevada, but both could still make a push for the Penn State all-time rushing title as the season progresses.

Here are some thoughts on the top rushing performances around the Big Ten in Week 1.

Jonah Coleman sets the bar high

Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Colorado State Rams during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Washington’s first game as a Big Ten member was all about Jonah Coleman. The senior back carried the ball 24 times for 177 yards and two scores, averaging over seven yards a pop. He didn’t just pad stats — he controlled the game. Coleman showed why Washington is going to be a real problem in this league right away.

Justice Haynes reminds everybody who he is

Michigan’s Justice Haynes didn’t need much work to go off. Ten carries. 159 yards. Four touchdowns. That’s video game stuff. Haynes is the kind of back who can flip a game in a couple plays, and Michigan’s offense looked flat-out unfair with him slicing up a defense like that. If he keeps this up, we’ll be talking Heisman sooner rather than later.

Darius Taylor carries the load for Minnesota

Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first half of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota leaned on Darius Taylor and he delivered with 141 yards on 30 carries. No touchdowns this time, but he was steady all game and proved he can be the workhorse. For the Gophers, having a back who can grind out tough yards like that is going to keep them in games all season long.

Big plays everywhere else

Aug 30, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Albany Great Danes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

It wasn’t just the top three. Xavier Williams ripped off 124 yards for Iowa on just 12 carries, averaging over 10 per touch. Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson and Indiana’s Roman Hemby both cleared 110 yards, while Illinois’ Adian Laughery broke 100 and punched in two scores. Even Rutgers’ Kaiten Raymond got on the board with 100 yards, giving the Scarlet Knights a nice boost.

What we learned

Week 1 reminded us why the Big Ten is built on the run game. Coleman looked like a star for Washington, Haynes proved he’s one of the most explosive players in the country, and Taylor showed the value of a reliable bell cow. Mix in the breakout names like Laughery and Williams, and it’s clear defenses across the conference are in for long Saturdays trying to slow these guys down.

Top 10 Big Ten rushing yardage leaders after Week 1

Jonah Coleman, Washington – 177 yards, 2 TD
Justice Haynes, Michigan – 159 yards, 3 TD
Darius Taylor, Minnesota – 141 yards, 0 TD
Xavier Williams, Iowa – 122 yards, 1 TD
Roman Hemby, Indiana – 111 yards, 0 TD
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska – 108 yards, 0 TD
Makhi Frazier, Michigan State – 103 yards, 1 TD
Aidan Laughery, Illinois – 101 yards, 2 TD
Kaelon Black, Indiana – 92 yards, 1 TD
Antwan Raymond, Rutgers – 87 yards, 1 TD

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Top rushing performances around the Big Ten in Week 1

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