Few positions carry as much weight in University of Texas football history as running back.
From the bruising power of Earl Campbell to the jaw-dropping elusiveness of Bijan Robinson, the Longhorns have produced backs who didn’t just pile up yards. They became legends and, in some cases, college football royalty.
So, who belongs on Texas’ Mount Rushmore of running backs?
That’s a tough question, one that could be debated endlessly, especially when trying to pick four from a list that also includes Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles and Priest Holmes.
Each left his own mark on the program, whether it was through eye-popping numbers, unforgettable performances or individual accolades.
Narrowing the list to four means leaving out some of the best running backs to ever wear the burnt orange.
But that’s what makes a Mount Rushmore. There can only be four spots.
Different eras. Different styles. One remarkable tradition.
Here are our picks for the Mount Rushmore of Texas running backs:
Earl Campbell
Affectionately known as “The Tyler Rose” during his four years in Austin, Campbell won the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 1977 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by Houston Oilers. The two-time All-American (1975 and 1977) led the nation in rushing (1,744 yards) during his Heisman season and finished his UT career with 4,443 rushing yards.
Ricky Williams
“Baby Earl” broke Tony Dorsett’s NCAA career rushing record in joining Campbell as the second Texas player to win the Heisman Trophy. Another two-time All-American, Williams rushed for 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior in 1998. He finished with 6,279 rushing yards and was taken with the No. 5 pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Cedric Benson
The punishing workhorse piled up 5,540 rushing yards — the second-highest total in program history — and capped his senior season in 2004 by winning the Doak Walker Award and earning All-American honors. Selected No. 4 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2005 NFL Draft, Benson died at age 36 on Aug. 17, 2019, in a motorcycle crash in Austin.
Bijan Robinson
One of the most elusive running backs to wear Texas colors, Robinson ranks fourth in Longhorns history with 3,410 rushing yards despite playing only three seasons. He was an All-American and won the 2022 Doak Walker Award as a junior after rushing for 1,580 yards (6.1 per carry). He was selected No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.