Every top running back broken down with strengths, weaknesses, film breakdowns, and NFL upside. Updated March 2026.
These 2026 NFL Draft RB Prospects give you everything you need — from Day 1 stars like Jeremiyah Love to hidden UDFA gems ready to contribute right away.
These 2026 NFL Draft RB Prospects break down every top running back from Day 1 stars like Jeremiyah Love to hidden UDFA gems.
Quick Summary Jeremiyah Love is the clear No. 1 running back in the 2026 draft class. This Notre Dame junior is an explosive, patient runner with home-run speed and the balance to shed tacklers at the second level. Love was the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s offense the last two years, racking up huge production while staying super durable. He’s a true three-down back who can carry the load and threaten defenses through the air too. We give him a 9.0/10 grade — the highest in this year’s group and a potential Pro Bowl talent right away.
Awards/Honors
2025 Heisman Finalist
2025 Doak Walker Award Winner
2025 Unanimous First-Team All-American
2025 Consensus All-American
2025 Disney Spirit Award Recipient
2026 Senior Bowl Top 300
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2023
Notre Dame
13
71
385
5.4
1
8
77
9.6
1
2024
Notre Dame
16
63
1,125
6.9
17
28
237
8.5
2
2025
Notre Dame
12
199
1,372
6.9
18
27
280
10.4
3
Career
41
433
2,882
6.7
36
63
594
9.4
6
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Blazing home-run speed (4.36 x 40 at the 2026 Combine)
Elite patience and vision, waits for the hole then explodes
Outstanding contact balance and tackle-breaking ability
Soft hands as a receiver and can line up in the slot
Outstanding ball security (just 1 fumble in 433 career carries)
Weaknesses / Concerns
Leaner build means he’s not a pure power back between the tackles
Sometimes hurdles defenders unnecessarily and risks big hits
Pass protection is average and needs NFL coaching
Can get leggy and high in his running style at times
Running Style Breakdown
Patient zone runner who sets up blocks perfectly before hitting the gas
Sudden burst through the hole and elite acceleration to the second level
Spins and bounces off contact like a veteran
North-south runner with the speed to take it to the house from anywhere
Pass Game
Natural hands and reliable check-down option
Can split wide and run real routes (mismatches linebackers)
27 catches for 280 yards and 3 TDs in 2025 alone
Willing in pass protection but still developing
Draft Projection & Final Grade
Projected Round: 1st (Top 10 pick range)
Overall Grade: 9.0 / 10 (Consensus RB1 in the class)
Best Case: Immediate starter and Pro Bowl candidate
Floor: High-end rotational back with big-play ability
Film Notes
vs. Boston College 2025: 94-yard touchdown run. Hit the edge, one cut, and gone. Pure home-run speed.
vs. Syracuse 2025: 171 yards on just 8 carries with 3 TDs. Showed patience and explosion all game long.
vs. USC 2025: 228 rushing yards including multiple broken tackles. Bounced outside and made defenders miss in space.
at Arkansas 2025: Caught two TDs and had 70 receiving yards. Lined up wide and ran away from linebackers.
Screen game vs. multiple teams: Broke three tackles on one play and turned short gains into big ones.
NFL Comparison
Reminds me of a faster Jahmyr Gibbs with the same vision and receiving upside, could be a game-changer in any scheme.
Quick Summary Jonah Coleman is a compact, powerful bowling ball of a running back who runs with serious attitude. Coleman transferred from Arizona to Washington as a junior and just kept producing. He is built to grind out yards after contact and finish drives. He’s a reliable three-down option with soft hands and great ball security, though he’s not a home-run sprinter. We give him an 8.0/10 grade — a true Day 2 steal who can be a workhorse right away.
Awards/Honors
Three-time Dean’s List honoree at the University of Washington.
University of Washington Leadership Hall of Fame.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022
Arizona
12
75
372
5.0
4
8
24
3.0
0
2023
Arizona
13
128
871
6.8
5
25
283
11.3
1
2024
Washington
13
193
1,053
5.5
10
23
177
7.7
0
2025
Washington
12
156
758
4.9
15
31
354
11.4
2
Career
50
552
3,054
5.5
34
87
838
9.6
3
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Excellent contact balance, sheds tacklers like a bigger back
Runs with great leverage and power behind his pads
Soft hands and reliable in the passing game
Outstanding ball security (almost zero fumbles in college)
Strong in short-yardage and goal-line situations
Weaknesses / Concerns
Limited long speed and top-end burst
Not a true home-run threat once he gets to the open field
Quick Summary Jadarian Price is the explosive, big-play running back who backed up Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame. This junior is a physical one-cut runner with elite contact balance, vision, and home-run speed who made defenders miss all over the field. Price carved out a major role behind Love, even with limited carries, he showed he can finish drives, score in bunches, and contribute on special teams. We give him an 8.3/10 grade, the clear No. 2 running back in the 2026 class and a Day 2 steal.
Quick Summary Emmett Johnson had a breakout junior year and led the Big Ten in several categories. He is a patient, elusive running back who took over as Nebraska’s lead back in 2025 and put up huge numbers. He’s got great vision, quick feet to make defenders miss, and reliable hands as a receiver. Not a pure burner but he piles up yards after contact and can handle a full workload. We give him an 8.1/10 grade — a true Day 2 prospect with three-down upside.
Quick Summary Nicholas Singleton is an explosive, big-play running back with elite speed and acceleration that turns small gaps into long gains. Singleton was a five-star recruit who had big production early in his career before a committee approach and a slight dip in 2025. The Penn State senior had a down 2025 statistically but still showed the athleticism and receiving skills that make him a three-down threat. He’s got the burst to be a home-run hitter and the frame to handle contact. We give him an 7.9/10 grade — a high-upside Day 3 prospect with starter potential.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022*
Penn State
13
156
1,061
6.8
12
11
85
7.7
1
2023*
Penn State
13
171
752
4.4
8
26
308
11.8
2
2024*
Penn State
15
172
1,099
6.4
12
41
375
9.1
5
2025*
Penn State
12
123
549
4.5
13
24
219
9.1
1
Career
53
622
3,461
5.6
45
102
987
9.7
9
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Blazing speed and acceleration (4.39 forty at the Combine)
Explosive burst through the hole and home-run ability
Soft hands and reliable receiver out of the backfield
Physical runner who lowers his shoulder and falls forward
Strong pass protection flashes
Weaknesses / Concerns
Inconsistent vision and patience at the line
Upright running style leads to some big hits
2025 production dip (possibly scheme or committee)
Minor foot injury at Senior Bowl needs checking
Running Style Breakdown
Explosive one-cut runner with sudden burst
Long-strider who hits top speed in a flash
Good contact balance and power for his size
Accelerates through the second level instantly
Pass Game
Natural hands and can create mismatches in space
24 catches for 219 yards and a TD in 2025
Lines up in the slot and runs routes effectively
Willing and improving pass protector
Film Notes
2025 vs. multiple teams: Multiple long runs showing elite acceleration once he hits the second level
Screen game: Turned short throws into chunk gains with his burst and vision
Big-play ability: Several 20+ yard runs despite limited touches
Receiving plays: Caught passes out wide and made defenders miss
Goal-line work: Finished drives with power and quick cuts
Draft Projection & Final Grade
Projected Round: 3rd-4th (Pick 80-120 range)
Overall Grade: 7.9 / 10 (Top-10 back in the class)
Best Case: Immediate rotational starter and return specialist
Floor: Change-of-pace back with big-play ability
NFL Comparison
Reminds me of a slightly bigger, more physical version of Jahmyr Gibbs — explosive speed with receiving upside.
Quick Summary Mike Washington Jr is a big, powerful back who was super efficient in 2025. He ran for over 1,000 yards at 6.4 yards per carry and showed blazing speed at the Combine (fastest 40 among all RBs). Reliable hands and tough between the tackles, a true three-down option on Day 2-3.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2021
Buffalo
3
23
132
5.7
1
0
0
0.0
0
2022*
Buffalo
13
150
625
4.2
7
23
135
5.9
1
2023
Buffalo
11
90
362
4.0
2
13
35
2.7
0
2024
New Mexico State
12
157
725
4.6
8
9
74
8.2
1
2025
Arkansas
12
167
1,070
6.4
8
28
226
8.1
1
Career
51
587
2,914
5.0
26
73
470
6.4
3
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Explosive speed and acceleration (4.33 x 40 at 223 lbs)
Efficient runner who breaks big plays
Strong between the tackles and sheds arm tackles
Soft hands as a receiver
Weaknesses
Sometimes runs too high and takes big hits
Pass protection needs NFL coaching
Limited big-play volume before 2025
Scouting Notes
Patient zone runner who hits the hole hard
Good receiver on check-downs and screens
Vs. SEC teams: Multiple 20+ yard runs showing burst
Combine standout: Fastest 40 + elite jumps
NFL Comparison
Like a faster version of a young Josh Jacobs — big body with home-run speed.
Quick Summary Kaytron Allen is a tough, consistent power back who shared carries at Penn State but still put up 1,300+ yards in 2025. He’s a short-yardage hammer with good vision and reliable hands. Not a burner but piles up yards after contact, solid Day 3 value.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022*
Penn State
13
167
867
5.2
10
20
188
9.4
1
2023*
Penn State
13
172
902
5.2
6
14
81
5.8
1
2024*
Penn State
16
220
1,108
5.0
8
18
153
8.5
2
2025*
Penn State
12
210
1,303
6.2
15
18
68
3.8
0
Career
54
769
4,180
5.4
39
70
490
7.0
4
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Strong runner who falls forward for extra yards
Good vision in zone schemes
Reliable pass catcher and blocker
Durable and handles heavy workload
Weaknesses
Average top-end speed
Can get stuffed if the hole isn’t there
Limited big-play ability
Scouting Notes
Power back who excels in short-yardage
Solid receiver on short routes
Multiple 100-yard games in 2025
Good teammate in committee backfield
NFL Comparison
Like a younger Najee Harris — tough, consistent, and reliable.
Quick Summary Demond Claiborne is a speedy, shifty back who led Wake Forest in rushing the last two years. Explosive in space and a good receiver, he’s small but tough and makes defenders miss. Great change-of-pace option on Day 3.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022*
Wake Forest
10
14
57
4.1
0
1
-5
-5.0
0
2023
Wake Forest
10
137
586
4.3
5
3
35
11.7
0
2024
Wake Forest
12
228
1,049
4.6
11
23
254
11.0
2
2025*
Wake Forest
12
179
907
5.1
10
28
140
5.0
0
Career
44
558
2,599
4.7
26
55
424
7.7
2
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Blazing speed and quickness (4.37 forty)
Makes defenders miss in the open field
Reliable hands out of the backfield
Tougher than his size suggests
Weaknesses
Small frame means he gets bounced around
Pass protection is still developing
Vision can be inconsistent
Scouting Notes
Shifty runner who bounces outside
Good on screens and check-downs
Led ACC in rushing attempts in 2025
Explosive in space on kick returns
NFL Comparison
Like a smaller Matt Breida, speed and shiftiness in space.
Quick Summary Seth McGowan is a big, physical back who had a solid 2025 at Kentucky. Strong runner with good combine athleticism and some receiving ability. Older prospect but ready to contribute right away as a backup or short-yardage guy.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2020*
Oklahoma
8
58
370
6.4
3
13
201
15.5
1
2024
New Mexico State
12
152
823
5.4
3
23
277
12.0
3
2025
Kentucky
11
165
725
4.4
12
19
126
6.6
0
Career
31
375
1,918
5.1
18
55
604
11.0
4
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Quick Summary J’Mari Taylor is a speedy, productive back who transferred to Virginia and led the ACC in rushing in 2025. Quick feet, good balance, and a nice receiving threat. Underrated Day 3 sleeper with three-down potential.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2025*
Virginia
13
222
1,062
4.8
14
43
253
5.9
1
Career
13
222
1,062
4.8
14
43
253
5.9
1
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Strengths
Excellent speed and burst (4.39 forty)
Strong contact balance for his size
Good receiver with 43 catches in 2025
Makes defenders miss in space
Weaknesses
Smaller frame limits power inside
Hips a bit tight on cuts
Pass protection still raw
Scouting Notes
Shifty one-cut runner
Strong in the screen game
Led ACC in rushing yards 2025
Good balance and power behind pads
NFL Comparison
Like a quicker, more elusive version of a late-round Tony Pollard.
Scouting Report Compact power back who led Virginia Tech in rushing with explosive burst and tough running between the tackles. Good balance and vision in zone schemes, reliable on short-yardage, but average long speed and can get high in his pads at times.
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Kaelon Black | Indiana
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 211 lbs / 40-time: 4.52
Scouting Report Patient zone runner with solid balance and vision who grinds out yards after contact. Reliable in short-yardage and as a check-down option, but lacks top-end speed and isn’t a true power back inside.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022
James Madison
9
69
333
4.8
3
17
177
10.4
2
2023*
James Madison
13
142
637
4.5
1
27
254
9.4
4
2024
Indiana
13
46
251
5.5
2
4
6
1.5
0
2025*C
Indiana
16
186
1,040
5.6
10
4
36
9.0
0
Career
51
443
2,261
5.1
16
52
987
9.1
6
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’8″ / Weight: 205 lbs / 40-time: 4.45
Scouting Report Speedy, shifty change-of-pace back with quick burst and elusiveness in space. Good hands on screens and check-downs, but tiny frame limits power and he can get bounced around.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2020*
Western Kentucky
12
16
39
2.4
0
3
5
1.7
0
2021*
Western Kentucky
12
101
617
6.1
2
12
58
4.8
0
2022*
Oregon
13
139
779
5.6
5
22
169
7.7
1
2023*
Oregon
4
20
146
7.3
2
10
78
7.8
0
2024
Oregon
14
118
540
4.6
6
24
136
5.7
2
2025*
Oregon
3
129
829
6.4
6
19
98
5.2
1
Career
68
523
2,950
5.6
21
90
544
6.0
4
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’11” / Weight: 210 lbs / 40-time: 4.50
Scouting Report Versatile back with solid vision and balance who can handle a committee role. Good receiver on short routes and durable, but average speed keeps him from being a home-run threat.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022
California
12
170
897
5.3
8
46
345
7.5
3
2023*
California
12
246
1,315
5.3
12
25
169
6.8
2
2024*
California
10
116
385
3.3
4
24
222
9.3
1
2025
Oklahoma
7
21
68
3.2
0
2
10
5.0
0
Career
41
553
2,665
4.8
24
97
746
7.7
6
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’9″ / Weight: 205 lbs / 40-time: 4.47
Scouting Report Quick small-school back with burst and elusiveness who makes defenders miss. Solid on screens and returns, but small frame limits inside power and he needs work in pass protection.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2023*
UTSA
13
127
588
4.6
11
19
115
6.1
0
2024*
UTSA
11
130
706
5.4
7
21
199
9.5
1
2025*
UTSA
11
151
1,045
6.9
9
18
114
6.3
2
Career
35
408
2,339
5.7
27
58
428
7.4
3
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’9″ / Weight: 198 lbs / 40-time: 4.42
Scouting Report Speedy productive back with home-run ability in space and good hands. Dangerous on screens and outside runs, but undersized frame and raw pass protection hold him back.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2024*
Pitt
11
184
966
5.3
5
52
579
11.1
4
2025*
Pitt
7
60
278
4.6
2
23
317
13.8
2
Career
18
244
1,244
5.1
7
75
896
11.9
6
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’9″ / Weight: 190 lbs / 40-time: 4.46
Scouting Report Quick and tough ACC back with good vision and return ability. Elusive in space and solid on kick returns, but small build limits power and he’s not a between-the-tackles hammer.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2021
Georgia Tech
2
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0.0
0
2022
Georgia Tech
9
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
0.0
0
2023*
Georgia Tech
13
174
1,059
6.1
7
20
151
7.6
1
2024*
Georgia Tech
13
169
944
5.6
9
28
166
5.9
3
2025*
Georgia Tech
13
124
531
4.3
5
33
257
7.8
0
Career
50
467
2,534
5.4
21
81
574
7.1
4
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 6’3″ / Weight: 232 lbs / 40-time: 4.50
Scouting Report Huge converted WR with surprising speed and big-play potential in space. Strong receiver and athletic freak, but still raw running between the tackles and needs NFL coaching.
Year
School
Games
Att
Rush Yds
Y/A
TDs
Rec
Rec Yds
Y/R
TDs
2022*
Clemson
12
0
0
0.0
0
10
128
12.8
0
2023*
Clemson
13
0
0
0.0
0
22
250
11.4
0
2024
Clemson
12
4
44
11.0
0
16
155
9.7
2
2025*
Clemson
13
168
814
4.8
10
36
254
7.1
3
Career
50
172
858
5.0
10
84
787
9.4
5
An asterisk (*) indicates bowl stats are included. Bold season totals indicate player led conference.
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 205 lbs / 40-time: 4.48
Scouting Report Quick elusive Georgia backup with good hands and burst in space. Solid in a committee and on screens, but limited volume and not a power back between the tackles.
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 6’2″ / Weight: 232 lbs / 40-time: 4.55
Scouting Report Big physical Ohio State back with good size and short-yardage power. Willing blocker and goal-line finisher, but average speed and limited receiving keep him as depth.
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 205 lbs / 40-time: 4.52
Quick Summary Tough Alabama backup who runs hard between the tackles, falls forward consistently, and is reliable on short-yardage and check-downs — solid UDFA depth option.
Grade UDFA • 6.9/10
Roman Hemby | Maryland
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’9″ / Weight: 198 lbs / 40-time: 4.48
Quick Summary Quick Maryland back who flashed big plays with speed and elusiveness in space, plus solid return ability — good change-of-pace UDFA add.
Grade UDFA • 6.8/10
Armoni Goodwin | Oklahoma State
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’11” / Weight: 210 lbs / 40-time: 4.50
Quick Summary Steady Oklahoma State back with good balance after contact and solid vision in zone schemes — classic reliable UDFA depth guy.
Grade UDFA • 6.8/10
Rahsul Faison | Appalachian State
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 202 lbs / 40-time: 4.45
Quick Summary Speedy small-school back with home-run ability in space and dangerous on screens/kick returns — great UDFA special-teams gem.
Grade UDFA • 6.7/10
LJ Johnson Jr | Texas A&M
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 208 lbs / 40-time: 4.55
Quick Summary Tough Texas A&M back who grinds out yards inside and falls forward in short-yardage — solid physical UDFA depth piece.
Grade UDFA • 6.7/10
Jalen Berger | Michigan State
Class of 2026 / Age: 23 / Height: 6’0″ / Weight: 215 lbs / 40-time: 4.52
Quick Summary Big Michigan State back who pounds the ball between the tackles with good power and balance — reliable UDFA short-yardage option.
Grade UDFA • 6.6/10
Alton McCaskill | Houston
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’11” / Weight: 198 lbs / 40-time: 4.47
Quick Summary Quick Houston back with burst and soft hands on screens/check-downs — nice gadget/return UDFA prospect.
Grade UDFA • 6.7/10
Le’Veon Moss | LSU
Class of 2026 / Age: 22 / Height: 5’10” / Weight: 212 lbs / 40-time: 4.50
Quick Summary Tough LSU back who runs hard and low with good goal-line vision — consistent UDFA depth and short-yardage add.
Grade UDFA • 6.6/10
All of these 2026 NFL Draft RB Prospects are broken down with film notes, stats, and NFL upside so you can see exactly who the Patriots (and every team) should target.