2026 Draft Eligible Running Backs - Early Top 5
Early preseason ranking for my top draft-eligible running backs.
2026 NFL DRAFT
Newt Westen
All summer, I’ve been diving into 2024 film, breaking down the top draft-eligible running backs for the 2026 NFL Draft. Some of these guys might stick around in college another year, but this group is loaded with talent. Starting with an honorable mention for Nicholas Singleton and counting down from No. 5 to No. 1, here are the best running backs in the country. Let’s get into it!
Honorable Mention, Nicholas Singleton
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 227 lbs
School: Penn State
Nicholas Singleton’s a tough runner with a sturdy frame for the 2026 draft. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield pops, with a 1.62 yards per route run, and his hard-nosed style makes him a reliable ball carrier. His vision can be spotty, though, often taking only what the line gives without creating extra yards. If Singleton gets more creative with his runs in 2025, he could jump up draft boards.
5. Jonah Coleman
Height: 5’8½”
Weight: 227 lbs
School: Washington
Jonah Coleman’s a shifty runner who brings juice to the 2026 draft class. His great vision between the tackles lets him find holes fast, and his zero fumbles on nearly 400 carries show elite ball security. His compact, dense frame adds solid contact balance for a smaller back. Pass protection is a weak spot, though, as he gets overpowered by linebackers too often, especially given his frame. Coleman’s quick, elusive style makes him tough to bring down. If he steps up his blocking game in 2025, he could be a reliable NFL back with consistent yardage.
4. Makhi Hughes
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 210 lbs
School: Tulane (transferred from Tulane)
Makhi Hughes is a quick-footed playmaker who lights up the 2026 draft. His explosive burst and 5.3 yards per attempt let him hit holes with speed, and his quick feet make him a nightmare for defenders. His vision isn’t great, though, missing cutbacks that could unlock bigger plays. Hughes’ electric running style sets him apart, and his move to Oregon gives him a bigger stage. If he gets more creative with his runs and adds third-down value in 2025, he could be a dynamic NFL back with breakout potential.
3. Darius Taylor
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 215 lbs
School: Minnesota
Darius Taylor’s a bruising runner who makes defenses pay, making him a top 2026 prospect. His patience in reading blocks and 1.42 yards per route run as a receiver show his versatility as a three-down threat. His lack of shiftiness, favoring power over finesse, limits his ability to dodge tacklers. He also lacks home run speed to take advantage of the open space in front of him. Taylor’s physicality and receiving skills make him a well-rounded back. If he adds some agility to his game in 2025, he could be a workhorse NFL back with serious upside.
2. CJ Baxter
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 220 lbs
School: Texas
CJ Baxter’s smooth running and patience make him a prime 2026 draft prospect, despite injury concerns. His excellent burst and great contact balance let him shrug off tacklers, and his fluid movement stands out. A 2024 preseason knee injury raises durability red flags that could cloud his high ceiling. Baxter’s got low mileage from limited college snaps, giving him a fresh frame. If he comes back healthy in 2025 and proves he can stay on the field, he’s got the tools to be a star NFL back with three-down versatility.
1. Jeremiyah Love
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 206 lbs
School: Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is the top dog in the 2026 running back class, a dynamic playmaker with unreal potential that jumps off the tape. His elite elusiveness, with jump-cuts that leave defenders lost, and plus receiving skills in the slot make him a true three-down threat, backed by a 91.1 PFF rushing grade. He’s not explosive off the line, though, sometimes dancing too much instead of attacking downhill. With low wear from Notre Dame’s rotation, Love’s poised for a huge 2025, and if he adds downhill aggression, he’s got the makings of an NFL superstar with a sky-high ceiling.