2026 NFL Draft: Running Back Big Board

The 2026 NFL Draft process is well underway, with Pro Days ongoing after an eventful free agency period that followed the college all-star game circuit. Which running backs made a name for themselves on this 2026 RB big board? How far can teams go and draft potential starters in the 2026 draft? We’re here to answer those questions.

The following subsequent position big boards can be seen as linked below:

Quarterback

Note: All statistics are courtesy of College Football Reference, and all RAS numbers are courtesy of @MathBomb

1. Jeremiyah Love | 6’0 212 | Notre Dame

Love “ran” away with the title of the best running back in the class by a great margin, much like Bijan Robinson of yesteryear. He’s a complete back that does everything and has the talent to do it at an exceptionally high level. It’s expected that he could challenge for a top-five selection with a floor of being a top-15 pick. He has the size and speed to run by, around, and through defenders regularly. The former Notre Dame superstar is a threat to take any run to the end zone and has the production to back it up. His style and athletic profile resemble those of former Oklahoma star rusher DeMarco Murray, who had a lengthy NFL career. Can he maintain his superstar ability against the bigger and faster defenders that await him in the NFL?

Round Projection: Top 15

Player Comp: DeMarco Murray

Statistics: 199 attempts for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns; 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns

RAS: N/A

2. Mike Washington, Jr | 6’1 223 | Arkansas

Washington is a dynamic runner who scored a perfect RAS score after a thrilling Combine performance. He’s at the top of the mountain of running backs not named Jeremiyah Love. The three-time transfer had his best season in 2025 after transferring in from New Mexico State, which is impressive given the Razorbacks’ struggles. The former Arkansas star runner was consistent in touchdown production over the past two seasons, totaling 16. His size-and-speed package provides intrigue for teams that miss out on Love after the first round. While not comparable to Nick Chubb talent-wise, his athleticism is similar to the former star. Washington, Jr., possibly sneaks into the first round, but it’s more likely that he settles into the second round.

Round Projection: First to Second

Player Comp: Nick Chubb (athletically)

Statistics: 167 attempts for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns; 28 receptions for 226 yards and one touchdown

RAS: 10.00

3. Le’Veon Moss | 5’11 203 | Texas A&M

Moss has the talent to be in the upper tier of the running back class if he’s healthy. His health was a big detriment throughout his collegiate career, but when healthy, he’s a force to be reckoned with. The former Aggie is an explosive runner who can hit home runs and also varies his tempo to get tough yards. Teams will scrutinize his medical file with a fine-tooth comb, given his injury history. He profiles like a solid RB2 at the next level with RB1 upside in the right situation. There’s a chance that he could go in the latter stages of Day 2, but early Day 3 is his floor. He compares physically and stylistically to former Florida State and UFL standout Jashaun Corbin.

Round Projection: Late Day 2 to Early Day 3

Player Comp: Jashaun Corbin

Statistics: 77 attempts for 404 yards and six touchdowns

RAS: N/A

4. Jadarian Price | 5’11 203 | Notre Dame

Price is a talented running back in his own right after serving as Love’s understudy for the past couple of seasons. He broke out for 11 touchdowns in 2025 after rushing for ten in the two seasons prior. There’s enough speed and athleticism for him to use in home runs, and his special-teams versatility will endear him to teams. He had a great Combine performance, further solidifying his rocketing stock. There’s a possibility that he sneaks into the early stages of the second round, but Day 2 seems like his “price” point. Stylistically and career-wise, he projects similarly to Tony Pollard, who served as a backup before landing a starting job in Tennessee. Is the former Notre Dame star bound for a similar career as his comparison?

Round Projection: Middle Day 2 to Early Day 3

Player Comp: Tony Pollard

Statistics: 113 attempts for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns; six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns

RAS: 8.39

5. J’Mari Taylor | 5’10 199 | Virginia

After a prolific career at NC Central, Taylor transferred to Virginia, where he led the Cavaliers to an ACC title game berth. He’s a smaller back with great receiving skills out of the backfield and a tough in-between-the-box mentality. Taylor showed enough proof of concept at Virginia to merit a top-five distinction at his position group. Athleticism is a plus to his game. His vision and instincts are major strengths. He’s an underrated runner who struck fear in opposing defenses in the ACC in 2025. His stylistic and physical profile resembles former Illinois running back Josh Ferguson. A middle Day 3 selection should be in the cards for him.

Round Projection: Middle Day 3

Player Comp: Josh Ferguson

Statistics: 222 attempts for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns; 43 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown

RAS: N/A

6. Jonah Coleman | 5’8 220 | Washington

Coleman is a bigger back who elected not to test at the Combine or at Washington’s Pro Day, which will cast some doubt on his stock. He’s considered a ground-and-pound type of back who will get the tough yards but not a home-run hitter. He’ll consistently grind out singles and doubles, though. Coleman needed to test well during the offseason, but declining to do so is a blown opportunity to showcase his speed and agility. He’s also undersized at just 5’8 and is built like a rock. Teams will enjoy his passing-game versatility, as his production there is significantly higher than that of other backs in the class. There are enough skills in his game to warrant an early Day 3 selection. His game resembles that of former Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim.

Round Projection: Early to Mid Day 3

Player Comp: Mohamed Ibrahim

Statistics: 156 attempts for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns; 31 attempts for 354 yards and two touchdowns

RAS: N/A

7. Emmett Johnson | 5’10 202 | Nebraska

Johnson got onto the radar as a junior in 2024 with 500 yards on the ground, but cemented himself as a surefire prospect with a monstrous 2025 season. He isn’t the greatest athlete, but he is effective with the ball in his hands. The former Cornhusker led a revival of hope for the program that’s been stuck in purgatory. He could be selected higher in the draft than his projected Day 3 with a good offseason process. His athletic and stylistic profile is similar to that of former Alabama and Patriots steady veteran Damien Harris.

Round Projection: Early to Middle Day 3

Player Comp: Damien Harris

Statistics: 251 attempts for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns; 46 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns

RAS: 5.79

8. Adam Randall | 6’3 232 | Clemson

Randall is an intriguing prospect who converted to running back late in his career, moving from receiver to the position in 2025. He has the size to outmuscle smaller defenders and the athleticism to match it. Randall is a solid route runner who’s a menace for defenders to keep up with out of the backfield. His production was immense, given Clemson’s faltering program and his only one year at the position. He tested well at the Combine, posting a 9.50 RAS. Physically, he profiles similarly to former TCU running back Sewo Olonilua, while his play style resembles Kalen Ballage.

Round Projection: Middle to Late Day 3

Player Comp: Sewo Olonilua (Physical) / Kalen Ballage (style)

Statistics: 168 attempts for 815 yards and 10 touchdowns; 36 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns

RAS: 9.50

9. Nicholas Singleton | 6’0 219 | Penn State

Singleton made the rare decision to return for a senior season because of a loaded team returning in 2025. It was a questionable decision in hindsight, given the program’s turmoil. His production dipped tremendously from the 2024 campaign as a result. The former Penn State rusher is a home-run threat to score from anywhere on the field, thanks to his speed and athleticism. He participated in the Senior Bowl alongside teammate Kaytron Allen and performed well enough in Mobile. However, Singleton didn’t do much at the Combine as a result (a common theme throughout the draft class). He’ll need to interview well with teams and answer questions about Penn State’s lost 2025 season. Physically and stylistically, he resembles former Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. He should be an early Day 3 selection.

Round Projection: Middle Day 3

Player Comp: Ryan Mathews

Statistics: 123 attempts for 549 yards and 13 touchdowns; 24 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown

RAS: N/A

10. Demond Clairborne | 5’10 188 | Wake Forest

The Wake Forest star spent all four seasons of his career in Winston-Salem, which is a rarity these days. He broke out as a junior, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. He maintained the 1K pace with little dropoff in play, falling just short, but did rush for 10 touchdowns. Claiborne is a lightning-quick runner who is a true dual-threat rusher and receiver, thanks to his speed and quickness. He tested well at the Combine, earning a 7.99 RAS in Indianapolis. The speed demon projects to be a change of pace back at the next level and could be a surprising early- to mid-Day 3 selection. His profile is similar to former Oregon superstar LaMichael James in play style and size.

Round Projection: Middle to Late Day 3

Player Comp: LaMichael James

Statistics: 179 attempts for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns; 28 receptions for 140 yards

RAS: 7.99

11. Kaytron Allen | 5’11 216 | Penn State

Allen leaves Penn State as one of the best running backs in program history, leading the all-time ranks in rushing yards and third in touchdowns. He’s not the most athletic runner in the class, but he has enough athleticism and instincts to play a niche role in the NFL. The former Penn State legend likely won’t be the lead back in the room he goes to, but Allen can be a solid RB2. He participated in the Senior Bowl, performing well, but did not test at the Combine. His CV projects him as a Day 3 selection with an outside chance to go in the middle rounds. His stylistic and athletic profile resembles that of UAB star DeWayne McBride.

Round Projection: Middle to Late Day 3

Player Comp: DeWayne McBride

Statistics: 210 attempts for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns; 18 receptions for 68 yards

RAS: N/A