2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Back



The top 2026 Running Back prospects available for the 2026 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2027 prospect. ** – denotes 2028 prospect.

This page was last updated July 2, 2024. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

1. Boise State image Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 1-3.

7/1/24: In 2023, Jeanty averaged 6.1 yards per carry for 1,347 yards with 14 touchdowns. He also was a tremendous receiving back with 43 receptions for 569 yards and five scores. Jeanty has a strong build with impressive speed and athleticism.



2. Oklahoma State image Ollie Gordon II*, RB, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 211.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

7/1/24: Gordon was one of the most effective running backs in college football in 2023, as he ripped off 1,732 yards with 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also showed functional receiving ability for a big back, with 39 catches for 330 yards and a touchdown. As a runner, Gordon has impressive vision and contact balance and can pick up yards after contact. He has quality speed for a big back with a straight-line burst to outrun some defenders on long runs. Gordon has soft hands and is natural catching the ball. He could stand to improve his knee bend to run more behind his pads as he is prone to running upright. He also requires some steps to hit top speed, so improving his burst would be helpful for the NFL.



3. Ohio State image Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

7/1/24: In 2023, Judkins ran well for Ole Miss averaging 4.3 yards per carry for 1,158 yards with 15 touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 149 yards and two scores. After the season, he transferred to Ohio State. Judkins was even more productive as a freshman when he ran for 1,567 yards with 16 touchdowns. Judkins is a physical back that has a strong build.



4. California image Jaydn Ott, RB, California
Height: 5-9. Weight: 208.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

7/1/24: Ott ran well for Cal in 2023, showing good size, strength, and quickness. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 1,305 yards with 12 touchdowns. He had 26 receptions for 196 yards and two scores. Ott was very productive as a receiver the previous season, catching 46 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns.



5. Georgia image Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Height: 5-9. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

7/1/24: After the 2023 season, Etienne transferred to Georgia from Florida. With the Gators in 2023, Etienne averaged 5.7 yards per carry for 753 yards and eight touchdowns. He also notched 21 receptions for 172 yards. Etienne played really well as a freshman and produced for the Gators despite not getting a big work load. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 118 carries for 719 yards and six touchdowns. He also had nine catches for 66 yards. Etienne is a physical runner with a strong build and quickness.



6. North Carolina image Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Height: 5-11. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2025): 3-4.




7. Kansas State image D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 216.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2025): 3-4.




8. Arizona image Jonah Coleman, RB, Arizona
Height: 5-9. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.




9. Georgia image Brandon Robinson, RB, Georgia
Height: 5-10. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.




10. Alabama image Justice Haynes*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.




11. Alabama image Richard Young*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.




2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P