The hype surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft running back class is well documented, but a Virginia Tech speedster was the star of stars in the 40-yard dash.
Bhayshul Tuten, who rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior in 2024, clocked a blazing unofficial 4.32 on his second attempt to follow his unofficial 4.38 on the first attempt. With the official 40 times minted, Tuten stands .06 seconds ahead of the field with an official 4.32, well ahead of Texas running back Jaydon Blue in second at 4.38.
Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten runs a 4.32u!
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
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In addition to his No. 1 40 time, Tuten had the top vertical jump (40.50"), tied for the second-best broad jump (10'10"), and had the best 10-yard split (1.49).
Did Bhayshul Tuten's 2025 NFL Draft stock rise?
So, what does this mean for Saturday's standout at the next level? Everyone will have their draft rankings, but one, for instance (PFF), has Tuten ranked at 180 on its big board, 20th among running backs. With today's performance, it's hard to imagine him being the 20th running back off the board - no matter how much depth the class has.
It was the year of the big play running back in the NFL in 2024, and Tuten is one of those home run hitters. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 183 carries and had a run of at least 20 yards in nine of 11 games, including an electric 83-yard house call in a 266-yard, three-touchdown performance against Boston College.
266 rushing yards…the most by any player against a Power 4 team this season 😳
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 21, 2024
ACC RB of the Week? You’re darn Tuten. pic.twitter.com/mTKbGNjcdL
While he hasn't had the opportunity to perform on the biggest game stages to this point, Tuten, at 5'11", 203 pounds, has a similar frame to Jahmyr Gibbs in addition to his breakaway speed. Gibbs had 13 runs of 20+ yards in 2024, behind only Derrick Henry (19) and Saquon Barkley (17). Gibbs also had three runs of 40+ yards, including a long of 70.
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Don't expect Tuten to go No. 12 overall like Gibbs did in the 2023 NFL Draft or even in the first or second round. But regardless of where he gets picked, Tuten, along with many others from this elite running back class, will continue to change the game with the current running back renaissance.