Quarterbacks with the ability to run and evade pressure have been a common trait among National Championship-winning teams in the College Football Playoff era. This trend is evident in the success of quarterbacks who have consistently accumulated positive rushing yards and touchdowns, even when accounting for sacks. Here's a closer look at the rushing statistics of quarterbacks who have led their teams to the National Championship in recent years.
The Running Quarterbacks
The data reveals a clear pattern: every starting quarterback who has won a National Championship in the College Football Playoff era has had positive rushing yards and at least one rushing touchdown, even when including yardage lost due to sacks. This trend predates the CFP, with the last starting quarterback to win the national championship with negative rushing yards being A.J. McCarron (Alabama) in the 2011 season.
Recent Champions
Here's a breakdown of the rushing stats for quarterbacks who have won the National Championship in the CFP era:
- 2025: Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) - 90 carries, 276 yards, 7 TDs
- 2024: Will Howard (Ohio State) - 105 carries, 226 yards, 7 TDs
- 2023: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) - 64 carries, 202 yards, 3 TDs
- 2022: Stetson Bennett (Georgia) - 57 carries, 205 yards, 10 TDs
- 2021: Stetson Bennett (Georgia) - 56 carries, 259 yards, 1 TD
- 2020: Mac Jones (Alabama) - 35 carries, 14 yards, 1 TD
- 2019: Joe Burrow (LSU) - 115 carries, 368 yards, 5 TDs
- 2018: Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) - 60 carries, 177 yards, 1 TD
- 2017: Jalen Hurts (Alabama) - 154 carries, 855 yards, 8 TDs
- 2016: Deshaun Watson (Clemson) - 165 carries, 629 yards, 9 TDs
- 2015: Jake Coker (Alabama) - 74 carries, 68 yards, 2 TDs
- 2014: J.T. Barrett (Ohio State) - 171 carries, 938 yards, 11 TDs
- 2014: Cardale Jones (Ohio State) - 60 carries, 212 yards, 1 TD
The Exception: Julian Sayin
In contrast, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin finished the 2025 season with 42 carries for -44 yards. This is a rare occurrence, as Sayin hesitated to scramble or run in the open field, especially in crucial moments. However, he showed glimpses of his ability to make plays with his legs, including an outstanding scramble against Washington.
The Running Quarterbacks: Carson Beck and C.J. Stroud
Carson Beck, the national runner-up Miami Hurricanes quarterback, was not known for his scrambling ability. However, when needed, Beck made key plays with his legs, including an 11-yard scramble on 3rd-and-11. C.J. Stroud, another Ohio State standout, also demonstrated his ability to run and make plays in crucial situations, even though his team fell short.
Looking Ahead: Optimism for Julian Sayin
While Sayin's mobility has been a concern, there's optimism that he will improve with experience. His ability to make plays with his feet is evident, and with more time, he may become more comfortable using his legs to evade pressure and make plays outside the pocket.
