U NLV Rebels running back Jai'Den Thomas has some of the highest expectations of any running back in all of college football entering the 2025 season. He has already been named to the All-Mountain West Preseason Team and has generated a lot of buzz as a potential Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year candidate.

Two Tennessee running backs have been named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list. Redshirt sophomore DeSean Bishop and senior transfer Star Thomas were on the list for the award, which is given to the best running back in college football.