SEC and Big Ten programs have a new approach to recruiting RBs for the next season. This means that the qualities that were essential just a few years ago are almost irrelevant today. Today, we’ll explore the change and cover how this affects Australians looking for football scholarships. In addition, we will also cover why versatility is needed.

From a Single Star to a Running-Back Committee

The offence in college football has been mostly linked to the single-star running back. The term “bell-cow” was coined many years ago. That player got most of the carries. There is no need to add that this made that player a local star. Today, this has changed. Many teams opted for running back trends. In addition, coaches are able to spread carries across many running backs.

We can see that there are 35 blue-chip running backs, and they are part of 28 different programs. Some of them were ranked as top 10 for the finals of the 2025 season. Despite their popularity, more coaches are now focused on players who:

• Are proficient with blocking.
• Have strong catch passes.
• Contribute to the team in multiple scenarios.
• Can spread the game with other players of the same calibre.

One thing that stayed the same, which is very desirable and needed, is speed. Coaches prefer athletes who can perform fast, run fast and also achieve the best possible outcome in seconds.

SEC programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU need fast, explosive runners. These teams often rotate three or even four running backs. This allows them to use each player in a specific situation as a speed back for outside runs and motion packages, a power back for short- yardage or a pass-catching RB for spread formations.

Why Is Versatility So Important?

Harlem Berry is committed to one of the biggest SEC programs, specifically due to the fact that he can guarantee a versatile play. In simple words, he is agile, strong and has excellent pass-catching capabilities. These are all the traits many coaches and scouts in college football look for. We can add that Harlem Berry is just one of many examples.

The running back position has become more versatile and also more dynamic. While both conferences demand this level of versatility, they are not the same.

SEC coaches want:

• Win in space and accelerate quickly
• Catch passes at a high level
• Contribute to spreading formations
• Execute outside-zone concepts
• Add value in motion-based offences

Big Ten coaches want:

• Block consistently
• Run inside-zone and gap schemes
• Thrive in physical, crowded backfields
• Show patience and football IQ
• Fit a power-run identity

Overall, coaches are looking for players who can contribute to the team in multiple ways. In some cases, contribution to a special team is also required.

Transfers Are Now a Real Thing

The next big change is the presence of transfers. A few years ago, recruiting high school athletes was the only way to get the best players. Now, more teams are using transfers. There are a few reasons this trend will last.

● A player already has experience, which makes the transition easier and allows him to start playing with less preparation.

● His skills and contributions are well-known within the league. Coaches can pick the best players.

● A player can start playing immediately. There is no need to invest heavily in preparation and teaching him the basics.

Take a look at the latest transfer portal activity, and you’ll notice just how quickly things are changing every month. But don’t be fooled – SEC football recruiting is still very much alive and kicking. Transfers have simply become another tool for teams to bring in fresh talent. This shift, focused on achieving immediate results, mirrors a broader trend in other areas, like the demand for fast delivery services and the rise of instant withdrawal casino sites, where speed matters just as much. We believe this trend will only continue to grow in the near future.

On the contrary, a player obtained from a transfer already has all of these trainings completed. They are ready to start playing immediately, and the following training sessions focus on honing their skills.

What Are Scouts Looking For Now?

5 years ago, scouts were focused on the strength of the running backs and their rushing capabilities. Today, the situation is completely different. In short, scouts are looking for players who are fast, have strong catching passes and can even help on special teams.

Many scouts are looking for players who have agility and speed combined. However, these must be paired with pass protection skills and even instincts.

Players have to be flexible. They have to be a part of the shared backfield and cooperate with other players to achieve the goal. Lastly, many teams are now primarily interested in transfers so they can get a player who can start within days.

Top Recruits and Transfers

The top Big Ten running back recruits for 2025-2026 are all excellent players, but do not have the same qualities. In fact, these players were chosen for different attributes, as you can see below:

1. Harlem Berry was hired thanks to his open field vision and acceleration. Coaches also commented on his pass-catching side and burst of speed.
2. Savion Hiter is recruited thanks to his speed, size and versatility.
3. Darius Taylor is a versatile player who can blend into any team. He’s one of existing Big Ten running backs.
4. Grant Hall can play multiple roles and has impressive agility.

These players are excellent examples of the changes we are talking about. Every one of them is appreciated mostly due to versatility rather than having just one skill.

What Does This Mean to Australian Players?

The NCAA recruiting changes do affect Australian players who were dreaming of a college scholarship. It can be a positive or negative change, depending on the player. For example, an advantage here is that now players don’t have to fit the traditional type of running back to be accepted.

They need to have multiple skills and be versatile. An athletic RB may have even better odds of getting the scholarship, which wasn’t the case in the past. On the other hand, transfers and greater competition make it more difficult to get a scholarship.

The Final Word

Players who are interested in American football Australia need to know that now is a much better time to become part of the game. There are more interested players, and scouts do not pay attention to just one skill, such as strength or speed, anymore. They need versatility, which is based on speed, agility, and the ability to play multiple roles alongside other players. In addition, once you become part of a team, transfers can make changes much easier and unlock a lot of new possibilities.

(Top Photo – Source:https://pixabay.com/photos/american-football-football-1474645/)