Oregon State Running Back Announces Major Return for 2025, Promising Bigger Things Ahead
Oregon State Beavers fans have reason to celebrate this offseason as redshirt junior running back Anthony Hankerson has officially announced he will return for his senior season in 2025. Hankerson, whose announcement came in a heartfelt message thanking Beaver Nation and expressing excitement for the future, is clearly ready to take his game—and the Beavers—to the next level. As he put it: “Thankful for Beaver Nation, super excited for next year! This year was a teaser, let’s run it back but better! Go Beavs!”
This decision is huge for the Oregon State football program, particularly for head coach Trent Bray, offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson, and running backs’ coach Thomas Ford. Hankerson’s return means that the Beavers will have a reliable and proven leader in the backfield, a position that has been a key to their offensive success. With the powerful, versatile running back back in action, OSU’s offense looks poised for another successful season.
A Stellar 2024 Season
In 2024, Hankerson proved to be one of the breakout stars of the season. After two solid seasons at Colorado, where he logged 68 carries for 274 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, and 78 carries for 319 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore, Hankerson exploded in his first year with the Beavers. He finished the season with a career-high 232 carries, 1,082 rushing yards, and 15 touchdowns—numbers that were not only a personal best but also ranked among the top performers in the nation.
His 15 touchdowns tied him for 23rd in the country, and his 1,082 rushing yards rank 18th for a single season in Oregon State history. Hankerson showed his dominance by rushing for over 100 yards in five games, including a career-best 155-yard performance in the season opener against Idaho State. Another standout performance came against Nevada, when he carried the ball 28 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns, putting the Beavers in a strong position for the rest of the season.
The Road to Leadership
While Hankerson shared carries with senior running back Jam Griffin early in the season, his role expanded significantly after Griffin was sidelined for the year following an injury against Colorado State. With Griffin out, Hankerson stepped into the lead back role, becoming the bell cow for Oregon State’s offense. Freshman Salahadin Allah was also worked into the rotation, but it was Hankerson who carried the bulk of the workload and continued to perform at a high level.
Depending on the future of quarterback Ben Gulbranson, Hankerson could be poised to be Oregon State’s top returning offensive player in 2025. His overall grade of 75.9 from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2024 was an impressive indicator of his value to the team. With the Beavers losing some key players from the offense, including Griffin, Hankerson’s experience and production make him an essential piece for the team’s plans moving forward.
A Commitment to Beaver Nation
The 2024 season saw Hankerson’s value rise exponentially, and while his production definitely attracted attention from NFL scouts and other programs, Hankerson made it clear that his heart remains in Corvallis. His decision to stay with the Beavers and “run it back” for another season speaks to his loyalty and belief in the team’s potential.
For Coach Bray and the rest of the coaching staff, Hankerson’s return is nothing short of a blessing. With an elite-level running back like Hankerson leading the charge, the Beavers have a solid foundation to build upon for the 2025 season. His combination of power, vision, and versatility makes him one of the best running backs in the conference, and the Beavers will lean heavily on him as they aim to improve on their 2024 success.
As Oregon State continues to solidify its place among the Pac-12’s top teams, Hankerson’s commitment only strengthens their chances of taking that next step. With a full year of experience under his belt and the support of a talented offensive line, Hankerson could be poised for an even bigger season in 2025. The Beavers are definitely in good hands with Hankerson in the backfield, and for fans, the future has never looked brighter.
The Bottom Line
Oregon State fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Anthony Hankerson will be back for one more ride in 2025. His return sets the stage for a potentially magical season, and with other key players like Trent Walker and Van Wells also returning, the Beavers will be well-equipped to challenge for a spot near the top of the Pac-12. The 2024 season was just a taste of what’s to come, and with Hankerson leading the charge, next year is shaping up to be something special.
So, as Hankerson himself said, let’s “run it back—but better.” The Beavers are ready for the next chapter. Go Beavs!
