College Football’s fastest players dominate the coverage as much as they speed by the rest of the players on the field. These 10 fastest players from the week are highlighted among their peers as putting up some of the most athletic displays from an athlete we’ve seen all year long.
College Football’s Fastest Players: Week 12
Take a look at the fastest players from each week during the 2023 season: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Fastest Players Overall
Courtesy of our friends at Reel Analytics, the fastest ball carriers are tracked from every game across the country. To find out more about RA and how they track their data, find them here: RAnalytics on Twitter | Reel Analytics via NetCapital
Honorable Mention
- Caleb Downs, DB, Alabama: 20.1 mph
- Chubba Purdy, QB, Nebraska: 20.1 mph
- Billy Bowman Jr., DB, Oklahoma: 19.9 mph
10) Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State: 20.2 mph
The North Dakota State Bison will always be a team to be reckoned with, especially when their QB can reach max speeds like this. Cole Payton took a read option late in the game against UNI the distance by topping the charts at 20.2 mph, sealing the victory in Week 12.
9) Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa: 20.4 mph
The Iowa offense showed some life down the stretch against Illinois and Kaleb Johnson was a big reason why. Johnson hit the corner and beat the closing safety, who had an angle by reaching 20.4 mph on his touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
8) Leyton Smithson, WR, Washington State: 21.0 mph
Back on Friday night, Leyton Smithson hit 21.0 mph on his kickoff return against Colorado. Smithson stole the momentum from Colorado and put his team out to a two-touchdown lead they wouldn’t relinquish after his score.
7) Ricky White, WR, UNLV: 21.2 mph
Easily one of the top Group of Five receivers this year, UNLV WR Ricky White is entering the discussion as one of the best receivers at any level in 2023. White hit 21.2 mph on this long touchdown, simply beating anyone who attempted to run with him.
6) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State: 21.6 mph
Playing like a true RB1 type of runner we’ve all anticipated, TreVeyon Henderson continues to impress this season. This week, Henderson hit 21.6 mph when he ran past the Minnesota defense on his 75-yard touchdown run.
Of note, look at how easy it is for Marvin Harrison Jr. to keep pace, if not run faster than Henderson in this clip.
T4) Brenden Rice, WR, USC: 21.7 mph
With a massive burst to the football, USC WR Brenden Rice hit 21.7 mph on this long touchdown against UCLA. Rice reached his max speed sprinting toward the end zone and sparked the USC offense back into gear against their rival.
T4) Javon Baker, WR, UCF: 21.7 mph
Making yet another appearance on the list of fastest players, UCF WR Javon Baker hit 21.7 mph against Texas Tech. Baker was wide open on a blown coverage and had to beat the safety who had an angle, maxing out at his top speed in doing so.
3) Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee: 22.2 mph
On the opening play of the game, Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright gave the Vols their lone spark against Georgia. Wright took a carry up the middle and hit 22.2 mph at his max speed, successfully beating the Bulldogs’ defense to the end zone.
2) Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson: 22.6 mph
Before Worthy his the new fastest speed in college football, Nate Wiggins made one of the most impressive plays of the season against UNC. Wiggins chased down UNC RB Omarion Hampton and reached a max speed of 22.6 mph as he forced a game-changing fumble before the ball carrier crossed the goal line.
1) Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: 22.7 mph
The new fastest player in college football, Xavier Worthy reached a blazing 22.7 mph on his punt return touchdown that was sadly called back due to a penalty. Worthy maxed out while reaching the sidelines past the coverage unit and was a blur on the field with is speed.