ORLANDO, Fla. – UCF running back and “Hometown Hero” RJ Harvey was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 60th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted running back in UCF history.
Harvey's selection surpasses the previous mark held by Kevin Smith, who was taken 64th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2008. He also becomes UCF’s highest overall draft pick since defensive back Richie Grant was selected 40th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.
During his time in Orlando, Harvey etched his name into the UCF record books, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (48) and second in career rushing yards (3,792). He also recorded 43 rushing touchdowns, ranking second in school history. Harvey became a mainstay in the Knights’ backfield, earning national attention and multiple All-Big 12 honors.
In 2024, Harvey led the Big 12 Conference and ended the regular season with 1,577 rushing yards. His 22 rushing touchdowns tied for the third most in the nation and were the highest among conference running backs. With 25 total touchdowns (22 rushing, 3 receiving), he broke the UCF record for career touchdowns scored, finishing with 48—two more than UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith, who previously held the mark.
Last season, Harvey rushed for more yards than 30 FBS programs, including 20 from Power Four Conferences and five within the Big 12. He became just the second player in UCF history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining Marquette Smith (1994–95).
Harvey rushed for over 100 yards in nine of the Knights' 12 games, with a season-best 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns coming against No. 9 Iowa State.
The UCF star led the Big 12 with 152 points scored and ranked second in the country, trailing only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, while averaging 12.7 points per game. His 54 runs of 10 or more yards ranked second nationally and first in the conference.
For the second year in a row, Harvey was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the top collegiate running back in the country. The Orlando native made program history as the first UCF player to earn semifinalist honors twice or in consecutive seasons, and he was one of only three players nationwide to be a semifinalist in both 2023 and 2024.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Harvey turned heads with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical.
A dynamic and powerful runner, Harvey’s path to the NFL was paved with perseverance. After beginning his collegiate career as a quarterback at Virginia, the Orlando native transferred back home to UCF to become one of the most decorated players in program history.
Congratulations, RJ! And be sure to keep following the Knights on social media to see who gets selected next!
UCF ➡️ Denver
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) April 26, 2025
RJ Harvey is headed to Mile High Country‼️@rjharvey07 | #NFLDraft | @Broncos pic.twitter.com/bBjpY5MlvB