Desmond Reid Included Among Top 10 RBs in 2025

Desmond Reid burst onto the scene as one of the best running backs in all of college football this season, and he’s in line to stay that way in 2025.

PFF rated Reid as the eighth-best running back returning for the 2025 season, pointing to his success as a receiver out of the backfield as the main draw. Reid — a 5-foot-8, 175-pounder from Miami Gardens, Fla. — is coming off All-American honors, while battling injuries, in his first Power Four campaign.

Reid is the second-highest ranked as the second-highest player in the ACC, behind only Louisville’s Isaac Brown.

Pittsburgh Panthers running back Desmond Reid (0) November 9, 2024. Michael Longo/PSN

Reid is returning to Pitt next season for his final season of eligibility and will have another chance to show he’s one of the best receivers in college football — regardless of position.

The All-ACC and All-American running back is one of the best playmakers in college football, not missing a beat as he made the jump from FCS to FBS.

Reid was one of the most dynamic players in college football this season, racking up 966 rushing yards (5.3 yards per carry) and 580 receiving yards (11.1 yards per reception) in just 11 games. He was the heartbeat of the Pitt offense, the lone constant during an up-and-down season.

His 154.9 all-purpose yards per game were sixth in all of college football, and he was the first player since San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have three games with at least 100 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards. Reid truly was the do-it-all back for the Panthers.

Reid was targeted 32 times this season, which is tied for third-most on the team. He’s done the majority of his work short of the sticks (48 receptions on 63 targets for 455 yards and three touchdowns), but he caught three of his eight targets beyond 10 yards for 125 yards and a touchdown.

He was a yards-after-catch machine this season, which should be expected from such a dynamic target. He averaged 1.78 yards per route run this season, with an average depth of target of 2.3 yards (fourth longest among running backs with at least 40 targets).

“It’s hard to guard Desmond Reid 1-on-1,” Eli Holstein said after the win against UNC. “I don’t care who you are. It’s hard to guard that guy. So, when we get 1-on-1 with him on anybody, we’re trying to attack that guy because he’s gonna be able to make plays for us.”

Reid is tied for fourth in receptions (51) and second in yards (580) and receiving touchdowns (four) among all running backs with at least 40 targets this season. And he’s second in yards after catch (540) and sixth in yards per route run (1.78). Pitt quarterbacks have a 108.9 quarterback rating when targeting Reid this season.

But, of course, Reid is the leading rusher, too. He racked up 185 carries for 966 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

Reid has racked up 523 yards after contact this season (2.83 yards per attempt) and broke off runs of 10+ yards 24 times and 15+ yards 12 times — with a 39% breakaway percentage. And he forced 42 missed tackles.

Reid was very good this season, and with another offseason under his belt, he’s looking to be even better in 2025.