2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions

Ranking the top 10 running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images / Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The best overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft is arguably Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. That sentiment grew stronger at the NFL Combine. Love put forth a clean evaluation, running a blazing-fast 4.36 and completing drills as a wide receiver to showcase his pass-catching versatility and all-around skill set.

Beyond Love, things get muddy at running back. Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr., Washington's Jonah Coleman, Love's backup at Notre Dame Jadarian Price, Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne, and Nebraska's Emmett Johnson are among the ball-carriers in the RB2 mix. The NFL Combine helped provide more clarity on this position battle. Some sleepers also emerged.

The NFL Combine concluded on Sunday. We've responded by updating our positional rankings, with some movement at running back. After gathering information in Indianapolis, these are the top 10 running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Top 10 Running Backs in the 2026 NFL Draft: Post Combine Update

1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love is among the very few blue-chip prospects in the entire 2026 NFL Draft regardless of position. Love possesses every trait required to develop into an elite running back at the next level. Size, speed, vision, contact balance, and athleticism are present all throughout his evaluation. The Notre Dame standout has dynamic and explosive ability, and he's also an excellent pass catcher. He'll be the overwhelming Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite in 2026.

2. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Love's backup Jadarian Price was limited by being the handcuff to the most talented offensive player in the nation. When he was afforded opportunities, Price proved to be an instinctive runner with short-area quickness and the vision needed to exploit rushing lanes. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2025 and scored 11 touchdowns despite playing behind Love. More opportunity should lead to starting-caliber production at the next level.

3. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr. is arguably the most slept-on running back in this class. Washington possesses terrific size, speed, and instincts. He made a noticeable impression at this year's Panini Senior Bowl after rushing for 1,070 yards in 2025. He previously played at Buffalo and New Mexico State.

4. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson projects as a potential bellcow at the next level. The Cornhuskers performer is a savvy runner with explosive jump-cut ability. In addition to rushing for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, Johnson also registered 85 receptions for five more scores over the previous two seasons and has proven to be an asset in the passing game.

5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne is an incredibly shifty and elusive running back with eye-popping burst. A foot-race winner, Claiborne puts the last-line-of-defence in a bind when forcing safeties and linebackers to make open-field tackles. He needs to speed up his process behind the line of scrimmage.

6. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Jonah Coleman should carve out an immediate role as a short-yardage back. He possesses a dense frame that is built to punish defenders upon contact. Coleman lacks the top-end speed and explosion required to be a true three-down back, but he could be effective in a backfield tandem with a shiftier runner.

7. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

Kaytron Allen is another bowling ball at running back. He's a downhill thumper who lacks top-tier athleticism, nor does he project as an impactful pass catcher. Allen will move the chains in short-yardage situations through sheer power.

8. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

Kentucky running back Seth McGowan played at Oklahoma and New Mexico State before joining the Wildcats. The Mesquite, Texas native broke out in 2025 by rushing for 12 touchdowns. McGowan is another downhill violent thumper who could carve out a rotational role, but he rarely picks up more yards than what's blocked for him.

9. Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M

Le'Veon Moss lowers his pads to run through defenders. The Texas A&M running back generates explosive gains with rapid foot speed. Injuries have been a concern throughout Moss' career, and his physical style is best suited for a power/gap scheme, possibly lacking the versatility to fit into other systems.

10. Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana

Kaelon Black was among the surprise exclusions from the NFL Scouting Combine. The National Championship winner rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns for Indiana in 2025. Ageism will play a role as Black is a six-year college veteran, but he's a hard-nosed back who runs with intentional violence.

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