The 2025 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is getting prepared now for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2026 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Running Backs.
Allen was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, who signed with Penn State out of Florida. He produced as a freshman, totaling 867 rushing yards, 188 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Allen helped the team win 11 games. In 2023, he had 902 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Penn State was able to win 10 games in 2023. For the 2024 season, Allen tallied 1,108 rushing yards, 153 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the team to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the CFP Semi-Finals. He is a well-built running back who has solid power and contact balance at 5-foot-11 and 217 pounds. Allen showed good pass protection, squaring up defenders and looking for work. He has solid vision and can stick his foot in the ground and cut decently well. While he isn’t the most elusive running back and won’t provide a lot as a receiver, he has played well enough to be considered early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Haynes was a four-star recruit who signed with Alabama out of Georgia in the class of 2023. He played some during his freshman season, registering 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In 2024, Haynes had a larger role in the backfield, totaling 448 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns. He helped the Crimson Tide to win nine games. He has solid size at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds. Haynes has good agility, acceleration and contact balance, which all helps him in small areas. While he has good hands, he hasn’t been used as a receiver very much in his career. He doesn’t have the greatest longspeed and can improve his pass pro to boost his stock.
In the class of 2023, Love was a four-star recruit who signed with Notre Dame out of Missouri. As a freshman, he totaled 385 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Fighting Irish win 10 games that season. In 2024, Love broke out with 1,125 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. He led the team to the National Championship Game last season. Love has plenty of acceleration and speed as a home-run threat at the position. He is a good athlete and receiver, with the ability to split out wide. His power is just average and his pass pro can improve to really help his game. Love is the frontrunner to be the first running back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ott was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 who stayed in-state to play for Cal. He impressed as a freshman, putting up 897 rushing yards, 345 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. The team won five games that season. In 2023, Ott produced a lot with 1,315 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Cal took a step back to four wins despite his good play. He battled injury in 2024, totaling just 385 rushing yards, 222 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He is listed at a solid size of 6-foot and 196 pounds, which helps give him good power and contact balance. Ott has good speed and can create big plays. He has nice hands and has been productive as a receiver out of the backfield. His injured ankle really limited him last season and he can work on his pass pro. He could have better contact balance as well. Ott is set for a big season at Oklahoma.
As a five-star recruit in the class of 2022, Singleton stayed in-state to play for Penn State. He had an impressive first season, accruing 1,061 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Penn State won 11 games that season. In 2023, Singleton totaled 752 rushing yards, 308 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He aided the Nittany Lions in winning 10 games. For the 2024 season, Singleton totaled 1,099 rushing yards, 375 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6-foot and 220 pounds, Singleton has good size and power for an NFL running back. He has solid acceleration, speed and agility. Singleton has third down value, as he is good in pass pro and has receiving production. He is a straight up runner, which makes it hard for him to cut quickly and can see pressure in pass pro better. Singleton shares a backfield with Allen and both can be picked early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
CJ Baxter, Texas Longhorns- Baxter had an impressive freshman season, but was hurt last year for Texas. If he is able to come back healthy, a big season should be in store for the former prized recruit.
Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies- Coleman had one good season of production at Arizona then transferred to Washington, where he had another one. His physical running style should help him have another good year, boosting his stock.
Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets- Haynes is an elusive, speedy back who creates explosive plays. With over 2,000 rushing yards the last two seasons, the former receiver is adjusting to the position well.
Makhi Hughes, Oregon Ducks- After two highly productive seasons at Tulane, Hughes is now playing for Oregon where he will get the chance to go up against even better competition.
Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M Aggies- Moss has improved in every season at Texas A&M and his bruising running style gives the Aggies a few running backs to lean on this season.
Rueben Owens, Texas A&M Aggies- Owens was injured for most of 2024, but was a former big-time recruit. He and Moss should create a good backfield duo for the Aggies this season.
Jahiem White, West Virginia Mountaineers- White has had two productive seasons at West Virginia and will now get to play for Rich Rodriguez. He’s a smaller back, but he is productive.
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