Indiana might not have the storied football history that Ohio State or Michigan has in the Big Ten, but the Hoosiers have had some great running backs. Several running backs who succeeded in Bloomington found their way to the NFL. This list compiles the five best running backs in school history.
There is some recency bias to this list. No player on this list played, in the 60s, though we have one nod to the old school. This is a list of five, so some great running backs did not make the list. Also, one honorable mention should probably be on the list, but he isn't a running back.
Honorable Mention: Quarterback Antwaan Randle El
Randle El is arguably the best player in Indiana Football history. He's the most exciting player in school history. Randle El was one of the first modern "dual-threat" quarterbacks in college football. The Thornton Township High School product became the first Division I player to pass for 40 touchdowns and run for 40 touchdowns in a career.
He was Indiana's offense all four years at Bloomington, and he did it well. Randle El earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2001) and was a three-time All-Big Ten selection (1999-2001). He was All-Big Ten First Team in 2001. Randle El ended his career second all-time in rushing yards. Indiana didn't win many games during those years, but they were fun to watch with Randle El.