University of Pittsburgh Athletics
ESPN’s McElroy Tabs Reid as Top-5 Running Back for 2025
5/7/2025 9:24:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Senior running back Desmond Reid continues to garner national attention, most recently being ranked the No. 5 running back heading into the 2025 season by ESPN college football analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy on his daily podcast, Always College Football with Greg McElroy.
Reid, the highest-ranked ACC running back on the list, was one of the country's most impactful all-around players last season. He finished with 966 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards, and 159 punt return yards, totaling 10 touchdowns. He scored in three different ways—four rushing, five receiving, and one on a punt return—and averaged 154.9 all-purpose yards per game, the most among all returning FBS players.
When discussing the Miami Gardens, Fla. (Miramar) native, McElroy described Reid as one of college football's most underrated players—and one of his personal favorites. "Not only was he incredible [last year], but he beat you in so many ways," said McElroy. "This guy is just a really well-rounded football player that I don't think gets nearly enough attention—doesn't get nearly enough credit—but pound for pound, is one of the best football players in the entire country."
Ranking ahead of Reid were Penn State's Nick Singleton (No. 4) and Kaytron Allen (No. 3), Oregon's Makhi Hughes (No. 2), and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love (No. 1).
Reid and the Panthers will host seven games this fall, including four ACC matchups and a marquee showdown with last year's CFP runner-up, Notre Dame, on Nov. 15.
Pitt football season tickets start at just $230 for all seven home games in 2025. For more information, visit PittsburghPanthers.com, call (800) 643-7488, or email tickets@athletics.pitt.edu.
