2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Back

Jeremiyah Love


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

This page was last updated Jan. 23, 2026. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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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 | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


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1. Notre Dame image Jeremiyah Love*, RB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): Top-16.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
  • ’24 – Blake Corum, Michigan
  • ’23 – Bijan Robinson, Texas

1/24/26: In 2025, Love was incredible. He dominated the competition as a ball carrier, receiver, blocker, and clutch playmaker. Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 27 catches for 280 yards with three touchdowns receiving, and Love blocked really well in pass protection. Some team sources grade Love similarly to Saquon Barkley coming out of Penn State. Here is a hot press on how team evaluators compare Love to other high first-round running backs like Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Leonard Fournette, and Ezekiel Elliott. I project Love to be a high first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

In 2024, Love had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish, producing a lot of clutch plays to help the Irish reach the National Championship. As a sophomore, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,125 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards.


Rushing Passing Stats

Season Team Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Rec Red Yds Rec TD
2023 ND 71 385 5.4 1 36 71 385.00 1.00
2024 ND 163 1125 6.9 17 98 163 1125.00 17.00

Game Log

Date Opponent Result Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Receptions Receiving Yds Rec Avg Receiving TD Rec Lng
1/20/2025 OSU 8 34-23 4 3 .8 0 2 2 5.00 2.5 0.00 7.00
1/9/2025 PSU 6 27-24 11 46 4.2 1 9 1 6.00 6 0.00 6.00
1/2/2025 UGA 2 23-10 6 19 3.2 0 5 1 2.00 2 0.00 2.00
12/20/2024 IU 10 27-17 8 108 13.5 1 98 2 18.00 9 0.00 10.00
11/30/2024 USC 49-35 13 99 7.6 1 19 3 38.00 12.7 0.00 20.00
11/23/2024 ARMY 19 49-14 7 130 18.6 2 68 1 6.00 6 1.00 6.00
11/16/2024 UVA 35-14 16 137 8.6 2 76 1 2.00 2 0.00 2.00
11/9/2024 FSU 52-3 9 19 2.1 1 5 1 13.00 13 0.00 13.00
10/26/2024 NAVY 24 51-14 12 102 8.5 2 64 1 -2.00 -2 0.00 0.00
10/19/2024 GT 31-13 14 36 2.6 1 10 3 57.00 19 0.00 25.00
10/12/2024 STAN 49-7 6 53 8.8 1 39 1 25.00 25 0.00 25.00
9/28/2024 LOU 15 31-24 11 34 3.1 1 9 5 27.00 5.4 1.00 32.00
9/21/2024 M-OH 28-3 11 60 5.5 1 15 1 9.00 9 0.00 9.00
9/14/2024 PUR 66-7 10 109 10.9 1 48 2 18.00 9 0.00 14.00
9/7/2024 NIU 16-14 11 79 7.2 1 34 2 10.00 5 0.00 8.00
8/31/2024 TA&M 20 23-13 14 91 6.5 1 29 1 3.00 3 0.00 3.00
Stats from ESPN 7/28/2025


2. Notre Dame image Jadarian Price*, RB, Notre Dame
Height: 5-10. Weight: 203.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
  • ’24 – Jonathon Brooks, Texas
  • ’23 – Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama


<> 1/24/26: Price averaged six yards per carry for 674 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. He has also been a dynamic kick returner with two returns for touchdowns. Price would be a starter at most schools, but at Notre Dame, he is stuck behind Jeremiyah Love. Price is a tough runner with speed, good instincts, and elusiveness. In 2024, Price averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 746 yards with seven touchdowns. Price is an early-round talent as well.


Rushing Passing Stats

Season Team Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Rec Red Yds Rec TD
2023 ND 47 272 5.8 3 54 47 272.00 3.00
2024 ND 120 746 6.2 7 70 120 746.00 7.00

Game Log

Date Opponent Result Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Receptions Receiving Yds Rec Avg Receiving TD Rec Lng
1/20/2025 OSU 8 34-23 3 13 4.3 0 9 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
1/9/2025 PSU 6 27-24 7 13 1.9 0 12 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
1/2/2025 UGA 2 23-10 10 37 3.7 0 8 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
12/20/2024 IU 10 27-17 11 32 2.9 0 20 1 8.00 8 0.00 8.00
11/30/2024 USC 49-35 12 111 9.3 1 36 1 -1.00 -1 0.00 0.00
11/23/2024 ARMY 19 49-14 10 53 5.3 2 14 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
11/16/2024 UVA 35-14 6 44 7.3 0 20 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
11/9/2024 FSU 52-3 7 95 13.6 1 65 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
10/26/2024 NAVY 24 51-14 5 19 3.8 0 7 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
10/19/2024 GT 31-13 8 69 8.6 0 23 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
10/12/2024 STAN 49-7 12 49 4.1 1 16 1 4.00 4 0.00 4.00
9/28/2024 LOU 15 31-24 3 18 6 0 16 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
9/21/2024 M-OH 28-3 6 39 6.5 0 14 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
9/14/2024 PUR 66-7 8 86 10.8 1 70 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
9/7/2024 NIU 16-14 4 24 6 0 15 1 -1.00 -1 0.00 0.00
8/31/2024 TA&M 20 23-13 8 44 5.5 1 47 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
Stats from ESPN 7/28/2025


3. Wake Forest image Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
Height: 5-9. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
  • ’24 – Trey Benson, Florida State
  • ’23 – Kendre Miller, TCU

1/24/26: In 2025, Claiborne averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had 28 catches for 140 yards. In 2024, Claiborne ran well for Wake Forest, averaging 4.6 yards per carry for 1,049 yards with 11 touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns. Claiborne lacks size for the NFL, but is a gritty and shifty runner.



4. Washington image Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Height: 5-9. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 3-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
  • ’24 – Ray Davis, Kentucky
  • ’23 – Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

1/24/26: In 2025, Coleman averaged 4.9 yards per carry for 758 yards with 15 touchdowns. He had 31 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns. In 2024, Coleman averaged 5.5 yards per carry for 1,053 yards with 10 touchdowns. He had 23 catches for 177 yards. Coleman ran well for the Arizona Wildcats in 2021, averaging 6.8 yards per carry for 871 yards with five touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 283 yards with a touchdown. Coleman has a short, strong build with some quickness.



5. Penn State image Nicholas Singleton*, RB, Penn State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 224.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 3-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
  • ’24 – Marshawn Lloyd, USC
  • ’23 – Devon Achane, Texas A&M

1/24/26: In 2025, Singleton averaged 4.5 yards per carry for 549 yards with 13 touchdowns. He had 24 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. He has not played as well this season. In 2024, Singleton ran well for the Nittany Lions, averaging 6.4 yards per carry for 1,099 yards with 12 touchdowns. He was also a nice contributor as a receiver out of the backfield with 41 catches for 375 yards with five touchdowns. Singleton flashed in 2023 and 2022 while splitting carries.


Rushing Passing Stats

Season Team Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Rec Red Yds Rec TD
2022 PSU 156 1061 6.8 12 87 156 1061.00 12.00
2023 PSU 171 752 4.4 8 24 171 752.00 8.00
2024 PSU 172 1099 6.4 12 58 172 1099.00 12.00

Game Log

Date Opponent Result Rushes Yds Avg TD Lng Receptions Receiving Yds Rec Avg Receiving TD Rec Lng
1/9/2025 ND 7 27-24 15 84 5.6 3 13 2 33.00 16.5 0.00 23.00
12/31/2024 BOIS 3 31-14 12 87 7.3 1 58 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
12/21/2024 SMU 11 38-10 14 90 6.4 1 18 2 7.00 3.5 0.00 7.00
12/7/2024 ORE 1 45-37 10 105 10.5 0 41 4 43.00 10.8 1.00 22.00
11/30/2024 MD 44-7 13 87 6.7 2 18 3 17.00 5.7 0.00 9.00
11/23/2024 MINN 26-25 13 63 4.8 1 15 6 37.00 6.2 0.00 14.00
11/16/2024 PUR 49-10 7 40 5.7 1 10 2 20.00 10 0.00 13.00
11/9/2024 WASH 35-6 7 45 6.4 0 13 3 14.00 4.7 0.00 7.00
11/2/2024 OSU 4 20-13 6 15 2.5 0 4 6 54.00 9 0.00 19.00
10/26/2024 WIS 28-13 12 49 4.1 0 18 3 37.00 12.3 1.00 27.00
10/12/2024 USC 33-30 OT 10 26 2.6 0 10 4 39.00 9.8 1.00 14.00
9/28/2024 ILL 19 21-7 16 94 5.9 1 14 2 25.00 12.5 0.00 16.00
9/21/2024 KENT 56-0 11 81 7.4 0 18 2 22.00 11 1.00 17.00
9/7/2024 BGSU 34-27 13 119 9.2 1 41 1 14.00 14 1.00 14.00
8/31/2024 WVU 34-12 13 114 8.8 1 40 1 13.00 13 0.00 13.00
Stats from ESPN 7/30/2025


6. Texas A&M image Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-0. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 3-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
  • ’24 – Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
  • ’23 – Zach Evans, Ole Miss

1/24/26: In 2025, Moss averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 404 yards and six touchdowns. Injuries limited him to seven games. In 2024, Moss averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 765 yards with 10 touchdowns. He had 10 catches for 141 yards. Moss is a physical back with good vision and can pick up yards after contact. Moss was a rotational backup before taking over as the starter in 2024. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry for 484 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.



7. Virginia image J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
Height: 5-9. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – R.J. Harvey, Central Florida
  • ’24 – Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
  • ’23 – DeWayne McBride, UAB

1/24/26: In 2025, Taylor averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 1,062 yards with 14 touchdowns. He had 43 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown. Taylor has a strong build and shows some nice shiftiness as a receiver. He could be a sleeper that is a nice value.



8. Virginia image Kaelon Black, RB, Virginia
Height: 5-10. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
  • ’24 – Audric Estime, Notre Dame
  • ’23 – Kenny McIntosh, Georgia

1/24/26: Black played six seasons of college football, and he was a tough runner for the National Champion Hoosiers. In 2025, Black averaged 5.6 yards per carry for 1,040 yards with 10 touchdowns. He had four catches for 36 yards, but in 2023, Black had 27 catches for 254 yards and four touchdowns. Black is a strong downhill runner with impressive quickness and power.



9. Penn State image Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
  • ’24 – Bucky Irving, Oregon
  • ’23 – Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky

1/24/26: Allen is a physical downhill runner who can pick up yards after contact. In 2025, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 1,303 yards with 15 touchdowns. He had 18 catches for 68 yards. Allen could be a nice No.2 back that rotates in the NFL and helps in short-yardage.



10. Arkansas image Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Woody Marks, USC
  • ’24 – Dillon Johnson, Washington
  • ’23 – Chase Brown, Illinois

1/24/26: Washington ran well for the Razorbacks in 2025, averaging 6.4 yards per carry for 1,070 yards with eight touchdowns. He also contributed 28 catches for 226 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound Washington is a strong and physical runner with a thick build for the NFL. The 2026 draft is not a good class of running back talent, so if Washington plays well at the Senior Bowl, he could be a riser.



11. Minnesota image Darius Taylor*, RB, Minnesota
Height: 6-0. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Damien Martinez, Miami
  • ’24 – Will Shipley, Clemson
  • ’23 – Tyjae Spears, Tulane

1/24/26: In 2025, Taylor averaged 4.7 yards per carry for 670 yards and four touchdowns. He had 30 catches for 300 yards. Taylor has a solid build and was a tough runner for the Gophers in 2024. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 986 yards with 10 touchdowns. He was also impressive as a receiver with 54 catches for 350 yards and two scores. Team sources say Taylor is talented but has durability issues that hurt how high they can grade him.



12. Alabama image Jam Miller*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-10. Weight: 211.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Donovan Edwards, Michigan
  • ’24 – Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
  • ’23 – Sean Tucker, Syracuse

1/24/26: In 2025, Miller played with some injuries and was not very impressive. He has averaged 3.9 yards per carry for 504 yards and three touchdowns. He had 19 receptions 109 yards. Miller did not play in the season opener. Miller averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 668 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 16 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. Miller was part of a strong platoon with Justice Haynes. In 2023, Miller averaged 4.9 yards per carry for 201 yards and a touchdown. He caught four passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.



13. South Carolina image Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina
Height: 6-0. Weight: 218.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – D.J. Giddens, Kansas State
  • ’24 – Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
  • ’23 – Eric Gray, Oklahoma

1/24/26: In 2025, Faison averaged 4.9 yards per carry for 470 yards with three touchdowns. He had 19 receptions for 118 yards. Faison has a strong build and power. He could rise with a good Senior Bowl performance.



14. Kentucky image Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Trevor Etienne, Georgia
  • ’24 – Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
  • ’23 – Roschon Johnson, Texas

1/24/26: McGowan has been a consistent power runner over the past three seasons. In 2025, he averaged 4.4 yards per carry for 725 yards with 12 touchdowns. He had 19 catches for 126 yards. McGowan is a sleeper who has some upside.



15. Clemson image Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
  • ’24 – Kendall Milton, Georgia
  • ’23 – Tank Bigsby, Auburn

1/24/26: In 2025, Randall has averaged 5.0 yards per carry for 779 yards with nine touchdowns. He had 31 catches for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Randall is a powerfully built big back who could be a rotational contributor.



16. Georgia image Josh McCray, RB, Georgia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Rocket Sanders, South Carolina
  • ’24 – Daijun Edwards, Georgia
  • ’23 – Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State

1/24/26: In 2025, McCray has averaged 2.5 yards per carry (53 carries) for 135 yards and three touchdowns. McCrary has five yards on three catches thus far. In 2024, McCray flashed some ability while playing for Illinois. With the Fighting Illini, McCray averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 609 yards with 10 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if McCray can become the featured runner for the Bulldogs



17. Georgia Tech image Jamal Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
Height: 5-9. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Jordan James, Oregon
  • ’24 – Jase McClellan, Alabama
  • ’23 – Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State

1/24/26: In 2025, Haynes had 531 yards on 124 carries (4.3 average) and five touchdowns. He had 33 catches for 257 yards. In 2024, Haynes was a solid runner for the Yellow Jackets, averaging 5.6 yards per carry for 944 yards with nine touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 166 yards and three scores. Haynes could stand to add some weight for the NFL.



18. BYU image L.J. Martin*, RB, BYU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Devin Neal, Kansas
  • ’24 – Rasheen Ali, Marshall
  • ’23 – Evan Hull, Northwestern

1/24/26: In 2025, Martin averaged 5.5 yards per carry, 1,305 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He had 36 receptions for 255 yards. Martin is a big power back for the Cougars and runs hard. In 2024, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 718 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 10 catches for 98 yards and two scores. It will be interesting to see if Martin gets featured more in 2025.



19. Nebraska image Emmett Johnson*, RB, Nebraska
Height: 5-11. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Tajh Brooks, Texas Tech
  • ’24 – Tyrone Tracy, Purdue
  • ’23 – Tiyon Evans, Louisville

1/24/26: In 2025, Johnson averaged 5.6 yards per carry for 1,451 yards with 12 touchdowns. He had 46 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns. In 2024, Johnson averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 598 yards and a touchdown. He had 39 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson flashed some toughness and running ability. It would help him to gain some strength for the next level.



20. Iowa State image Carson Hansen*, RB, Iowa State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2026): 5-7.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Jaydon Blue, Texas
  • ’24 – Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
  • ’23 – Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota

1/24/26: In 2025, Hansen averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 952 yards and six touchdowns. He had 19 receptions for 134 yards. In 2024, Hansen averaged 5.0 yards per carry for 752 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had 13 catches for 88 yards and two scores. Hanson is a big power back, and he could rise now that he has a year of experience.



21. Alabama image Richard Young*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): 7-FA.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Montrell Johnson, Florida
  • ’24 – Kimani Vidal, Troy
  • ’23 – SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech

1/24/26: Young had 64 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns. Young is big, strong, and has some quickness, but needs to earn more snaps to climb. He was behind a few other backs last year and averaged 5.4 yards per carry for 146 yards and two touchdowns.



22. Georgia image Cash Jones, RB, Georgia
Height: 5-9. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 7-FA.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Kalel Mullings, Michigan
  • ’24 – Emani Bailey, TCU
  • ’23 – Tavion Thomas, Utah

1/24/26: In 2025, Jones had 13 carries for 15 yards. He had 20 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. Jones showed enough talent as a backup to make it onto NFL team’s preseason watch list. However, Jones is going to need to earn carries and produce a lot more to get drafted into the NFL.



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 | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


New - Build your own Prospect Rankings or view other Reader's Rankings