52 career rushing touchdowns
Points are being scored at an all-time rate in college football but those points come primarily through the air. Thatâs why James Grayâs 52 career touchdowns on the ground seem safe from ever being topped.
From 1896-89, Gray averaged 13 rushing TDs per year and had three-straight years with at least 11 to end his career. That included 18 in his senior season, second-most in a season in program history behind Bam Morrisâs 22 in 1993.
Last season, SaRodorick Thompson had 12 rushing touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Given that he also had three the year before as a true freshman, heâs actually on pace to top Grayâs mark thanks to the new NCAA rule allowing players to play four games in a year and still retain their ability to redshirt. All he needs to do now is average 12.4 TDs per year for the next three seasons. Thatâs a tall task.
In the âAir Raidâ era of the program, DeAndre Washington in 2015 and Taurean Henderson in 2004 and 2005 are the only players to run for more than 12 TDs in a season. Washington had 14 as a senior, which brought his career total to 23, not even half of the way to Grayâs record.
However, from 2002-05, Henderson ran for 50 touchdowns. That included 16 as a junior and 17 as a senior. Thus, it is conceivable that Gray could be surpassed.
Still, that doesnât seem likely for many of the same reasons that Hanspardâs single-season rushing record seems safe.  The way running backs are utilized now is different than the way RBs were utilized even back in Hendersonâs day as it was far less common to rotate backs as it is now. Thus, it wouldnât be smart to bet on anyone passing Gray, but for now, SaRodorick Thompson is on pace.