Rasheen Ali Bio
Rasheen Ali, born on February 16, 2001, is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd and was selected by Baltimore in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ali brings a blend of explosiveness as a runner and reliability on special teams to the Ravens’ backfield.
Early Life and Background
Rasheen Ali grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. At Shaker Heights, he developed into a promising running back prospect, earning a three-star recruit rating from national scouting services. Coming out of high school, he received an offer from Hampton before ultimately committing to Marshall, where he would spend the formative years of his football career.
His decision to attend Marshall allowed him the opportunity to grow within the Thundering Herd program and showcase his skill set against top competition. The strong running back tradition at Marshall, combined with early playing time, helped shape Ali into one of the most productive rushers in college football during his breakout sophomore season.
Path to American Football
Ali’s path to professional football began during his college years at Marshall, where he quickly emerged as a dynamic playmaker. As a true freshman in 2020, he appeared in six games and logged 22 rushing yards on five carries while also contributing 76 kick return yards, signaling his two-way value as a runner and return specialist.
By his sophomore season in 2021, Ali had become one of the nation’s premier running backs. He finished that year with 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 250 carries, earning Team MVP honors, All-Conference USA First Team recognition, and a spot on the FWAA Freshman All-American team. His rapid ascent established him as a top prospect for the NFL draft.
Rasheen Ali Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Rasheen Ali began his college career with the Marshall Thundering Herd during the 2020 season. In a limited freshman role, he rushed for 22 yards on five carries across six games and added 76 yards as a kick returner, gaining valuable experience in both phases of the game.
His sophomore campaign in 2021 was a breakout year. Ali amassed 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 250 carries, cementing his reputation as a workhorse running back. He was named Team MVP, an All-Conference USA First Team selection, and a FWAA Freshman All-American, while also appearing on the Maxwell Football Club’s Freshman of the Year Watch List.
Marshall Comeback and Senior Seasons (2022–2023)
The 2022 season proved challenging for Ali, as he sat out most of the year due to injury and used a medical redshirt. He returned for the final three games and finished with 273 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ali capped the season by earning MVP honors of the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bowl after rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He also joined the Thundering Herd track team during the 2022 offseason, further demonstrating his athletic versatility.
In 2023, Ali continued to produce at a high level. He rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 4 victory over Virginia Tech, earning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. His strong play that season led to an invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl, but he ruptured his biceps tendon during practices preceding the game and was unable to play.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2024–Present)
Rasheen Ali was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round, 165th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft. Shortly after the draft, he was placed on injured reserve on September 5 due to a neck injury, briefly delaying the start of his professional career. He was activated on October 12 and made his season debut exclusively on special teams in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders.
In his second season, Ali saw his role expand within the Ravens’ offense. During Week 11, he was used in first-team plays against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he recorded his first targeted reception for 15 yards. As he continued to develop under Baltimore’s coaching staff, he remained a key contributor on special teams and an emerging option in the rushing attack.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ali is recognized for his explosiveness as a runner and his reliability in kickoff return duties. His experience as both a between-the-tackles rusher and a perimeter threat gives him a versatile skill set. His strong work ethic, combined with his contributions on special teams, makes him a dependable complementary piece within Baltimore’s offensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ali’s signature moments was his 2021 sophomore season at Marshall, when he scored 23 touchdowns and earned All-Conference USA First Team honors. He also earned MVP honors at the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bowl and gained national recognition with his 2024 Senior Bowl invitation, despite the injury that kept him out of the game itself.
Rasheen Ali Career Wins
Throughout his football career, Rasheen Ali has earned recognition across multiple levels of competition. His achievements at Marshall, combined with his selection in the 2024 NFL draft, highlight a steady progression from high school prospect to professional player.
Marshall Thundering Herd Highlights
During his time with the Marshall Thundering Herd, Ali recorded one of the most productive single seasons in program history with 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2021. He earned All-Conference USA First Team honors that year and was named MVP of the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bowl. His 2023 campaign included a standout 180-yard, two-touchdown performance in a win over Virginia Tech, further cementing his legacy as one of Marshall’s top running backs.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond Marshall, Ali earned recognition as a Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week in 2023. His invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl also served as a milestone, marking him as one of the top senior running back prospects in the country heading into the NFL draft.
Rasheen Ali Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Rasheen Ali’s family background remains limited. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and developed his football skills at Shaker Heights High School, where his athletic potential was first recognized by college scouts.
Personal Life
Ali keeps his personal life largely private. He relocated from Cleveland to pursue his college career at Marshall and later moved to Baltimore after being drafted by the Ravens in 2024. He continues to focus on his development as a professional football player with the organization.
2025 Season Performance
Rasheen Ali entered the 2025 season as a developing piece of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense and a key contributor on special teams. After being limited to special teams duties during much of his rookie year due to injury, his expanded role in 2025 has provided him with new opportunities to contribute as a runner and receiver.
Through the early portion of the 2025 campaign, Ali has continued to grow within the Ravens’ system. His versatility as a kickoff returner and running back gives Baltimore flexibility in situational football, and his steady involvement in practice has positioned him for a larger role as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, Ali’s progression in the 2025 season will be a key storyline to watch for the Ravens. With Baltimore competing in a competitive AFC North, his emergence as a reliable complementary back and return specialist could play a meaningful role in the team’s postseason push.