Yesterday, Coach Tashard Choice’s viral photo on X reignited a long-standing debate in college football: which program should earn the title “Running Back U” (RBU)?
In the image, five NFL running backs who are former Texas Longhorns players wear jerseys from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. This is a powerful testament to the University of Texas’s legacy in the position.
Texas Longhorns’ NFL Draft Legacy at Running Back Sparks RBU Debate
The post was captioned “This 5 for five from Wendy’s hit a little different . Yeaaa that’s Legendary . Hook Em BadBoys4Life” with a nod to Wendy’s “5 for 5” deal and a proud “Hook Em” gesture, Coach Choice’s post celebrated the success of players he mentored during his tenure as the Longhorns’ running backs coach from December 2021 until his departure, prompting fans to revisit the RBU conversation.
The debate over which college football program can claim the title of “Running Back U” is familiar to all college football lovers. In 2016, local news in Alabama contributed to the discussion by analyzing all-time NFL rushing yards using metrics that compared schools like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama.
Georgia’s Todd Gurley had claimed the Bulldogs held the crown, but Texas has long been a contender in this conversation, thanks to its consistent pipeline of running back talent to the NFL. Coach Choice’s viral photo reignited the conversation, spotlighting five former pupils who have etched their mark in the pros.
This 5 for 5 from Wendy’s hit a little different . Yeaaa that’s Legendary . 🤘🏽Hook Em BadBoys4Life pic.twitter.com/l3sVdOpTKm
— Coach Choice (@coachchoice) April 26, 2025
Texas’ legacy at the position is marked by iconic players like Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, as both left an indelible mark on college football and the NFL.
Where Does Texas Stand in the RBU Debates?
While Texas has a strong case for the RBU title, the case of RBU will continue to remain contentious. Previous analysis placed schools like Georgia and Alabama in the conversation, with Texas A&M also making a significant appearance with 47,811 all-time NFL rushing yards from its alumni.
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However, Texas’s combination of historical icons and modern success gives it a unique edge. Whether Texas is officially crowned “Running Back U” may depend on who you ask, but the Longhorns’ impact on the NFL can’t be denied, and their legacy at the position remains legendary.
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