Top Single-Season Rushing Performances In FCS Football History

Timothy Rosario | May 15, 2024

Jan 4, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Towson Tigers running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball against the North Dakota State Bison in the third quarter at Toyota Stadium. North Dakota State beat Towson 35-7. / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The FCS has a long history of game-wrecking running backs. Nine former FCS running backs have won the Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive player at the FCS level. In a span of eight seasons (1996-2003), six running backs won the award, including four straight from 1998-01.

The following is a list of the top ten individual rushing seasons within each decade. They are listed by rushing yards in that season. In the coming days, we will also look at receivers and defensive players through the decades of FCS football.

2020s:

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

1. 1,722 - Jaden Shirden, Monmouth (13 TDs, 2022)
2. 1,691 - Geno Hess, SEMO (21 TDs, 2022)
3. 1,673 - Pierre Strong, South Dakota State (18 TDs, 2021)
4. 1,623 - Isaiah Ifanse, Montana State (10 TDs, 2021)
5. 1,588 - Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State (13 TDs, 2022)
6. 1,578 - Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State (18 TDs, 2023)
7. 1,553 - Quay Holmes, East Tennessee State (17 TDs, 2021)
8. 1,508 - ShunDerrick Powell, North Alabama (18 TDs, 2022)
9. 1,478 - Jaden Shirden, Monmouth (10 TDs, 2023)
10. 1,460 - Jamar Curtis, Lafayette (15 TDs, 2023)

2010s:

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. 2,519 - Terrance West, Towson (41 TDs, 2013)
2. 2,274 - Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State (27 TDs, 2014)
3. 2,092 - Kade Harrington, Lamar (21 TDs, 2015)
4. 2,044 - Zach Zenner, South Dakota State (13 TDs, 2012)
5. 2,035 - Eric Breitenstein, Wofford (19 TDs, 2012)
6. 2,019 - Zach Zenner, South Dakota State (22 TDs, 2014)
7. 2,015 - Zach Zenner, South Dakota State (23 TDs, 2013)
8. 1,995 - Pete Guerriero, Monmouth (18 TDs, 2019)
9. 1,994 - John Crockett, North Dakota State (21 TDs; 2014)
10. 1,967 - Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State (23 TDs, 2015)

2000s:

Willis Glassgow-WG Sports Photos

1. 2,326 - Jamaal Branch, Colgate (29 TDs, 2003)
2. 2,096 - Jesse Chatman, Eastern Washington (24 TDs, 2001)
3. 2,079 - Louis Ivory, Furman (16 TDs, 2000)
4. 1,960 - Steve Baylark, UMass (15 TDs, 2006)
5. 1,945 - Omar Cuff, Delaware (35 TDs, 2007)
6. 1,924 - Tim Hightower, Richmond (20 TDs; 2007)
7. 1,884 - Josh Vaughan, Richmond (20 TDs, 2008)
8. 1,875 - Jordan Scott, Colgate (20 TDs, 2007)
9. 1,852 - David McCarty, UAlbany (13 TDs, 2008)
10. 1,847 - Marcus Mason, Youngstown State (23 TDs, 2006)

1990s:

Butler Running Back Arnold Mickens / Butler Athletics

1. 2,260 - Charles Roberts, Sacramento State (19 TDs, 1998)
2. 2,255 - Arnold Mickens, Butler (18 TDs, 1994)
3. 2,195 - Jerry Azumah, New Hampshire (22 TDs, 1998)
4. 2,082 - Charles Roberts, Sacramento State (22 TDs, 1999)
5. 2,079 - Archie Amerson, Northern Arizona (25 TDs, 1996)
6. 2,016 - Tony Vinson, Towson (23 TDs, 1993)
7. 1,957 - Aaron Stecker, Western Illinois (24 TDs, 1997)
8. 1,949 - Marcel Shipp, UMass (13 TDs, 1998)
9. 1,932 - Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern (25 TDs, 1998)
10. 1,807 - Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern (28 TDs, 1999)

1970s & 1980s:

Boise State Running Back Cedric Minter / Boise State Athletics

1. 1,883 - Rich Erenberg, Colgate (20 TDs, 1983)
2. 1,816 - Kenny Gamble, Colgate (21 TDs, 1986)
3. 1,722 - Gene Lake, Delaware State (20 TDs, 1984)
4. 1,526 - Cedric Minter, Boise State (1978)
5. 1,274 - Ike Williams, Florida A&M (1978)

* FCS statistics are limited from 1978-89. The players above are some of the top running backs from those seasons who have verified single-season statistics.