Fantasy Football Expert Excludes Kansas State's DJ Giddens From Top Running Back Prospects

The Wildcats rusher was left off a list of the top rushers in the upcoming draft.

Nov 23, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens (31) finds room to run during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Former Kansas State running back DJ Giddens has seen his draft stock rise in the past months after another prolific season in Manhattan, KS. Giddens had 1,343 rushing yards, 258 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns, featuring multiple 100-yard rushing performances.

However, some still aren't as high on the former Wildcat. Expert Fantasy Football's Joe Orrico left Giddens off his top 12 rookie running back prospects for next season.

2025 Rookie RB Rankings

1. Ashton Jeanty
2. TreVeyon Henderson
3. Kaleb Johnson
4. Dylan Sampson
5. Omarion Hampton
6. Devin Neal
7. Quinshon Judkins
8. Cam Skattebo
9. Ollie Gordon II
10. Damien Martinez
11. LeQuint Allen Jr.
12. Tahj Brooks

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/MIgsXQ0ea0

— Joe Orrico (@JoeOrricoFF) February 25, 2025

Giddens has made headlines as a two-way threat: a rusher and a solid pass-catcher. He could end up on a borderline playoff contender like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Denver Broncos, both in need of offensive help.

K-STATE'S JEROME TANG PUSHES FOR NEW MOTIVATION AFTER UCF LOSS

Kansas State coach Jerome Tang didn't hold back in his criticism of the team's effort after the team dropped to UCF. Tang's usual encouraging messages include reassurance and optimism, but this time, the motivation stemmed from inspiration to improve.

"We're in the second-best league in America this year, but over the last seven years, we've been the best league in America, and that's what we signed up for," Tang said. "I told them, 'As 12-year-olds, they dreamt of playing in games like this, right?' They'd watch TV and go, 'Man, I want to be out there,' right? So now, we got to be sick and tired of it and make the change. We have to do that."

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.