Auburn football: Current, future Tigers agree Tank Bigsby is RB1 of CFB

Auburn football is home to the best running back in CFB this season, says almost everyone. Bigsby was the highest-graded running back after Week 1 with a 90.8, according to PFF. The true sophomore received all the hype heading into this season, and his performance in the Tigers’ first matchup did not disappoint.

Bigsby owned the first half of the game before turning the reigns over to freshman Jarquez Hunter in the third quarter. Bigsby racked up 119 yards for two touchdowns on 13 carries, and also had a 19-yard reception. He took up residence as the Tigers’ leading rusher and tied with fellow RB Shaun Shivers as the leading scorer.

And even though Auburn football played Akron on Saturday and it’s only Week 1, Tank Bigsby has made it clear to a lot of people–analysts, insiders, and players, current and former–that he truly is the best running back in college football this season. One of those people certain about Bigsby’s talent is PFF’s Austin Gayle:

Gayle points out that Bigsby is just one year removed from earning a 2020 rushing grade of 86.9, which was fourth among Power 5 running backs, in a COVID-shortened season, no less. We can expect Bigsby to shoulder a lot of the offensive weight this season and with much success.

Auburn players current and future, agree that Bigsby is college football’s RB1. Quarterback TJ Finley and 2022 running back commit Damari Alston were some of the first to endorse Gayle’s praise:

Keep in mind that Bigsby’s week one stats do not encompass four quarters of gameplay. Bigsby put a 100+ yard game in just two quarters. Many people don’t agree that he’s RB1, throwing out names like Kenneth Walker III, Bijan Robinson, and Zach Charbonnet.

Sooner or later, Bigsby will have a breakout game and put up numbers so impressive that everyone will have to agree that he truly is college football’s RB1.