A “Too Early” Look at the 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects Class

The 2026 NFL Draft is over ten months away, but fans of Draft Nation never tire of seeking a peek over the horizon at next year’s hot prospects. The running back position has experienced a bit of a renaissance lately, with a more frequent return to being selected in the first round. With a blend of speedy backs, power runners, and three-down options, several prospects look to continue the trend as potential 2026 first-round talents. 

Here's Draft Nation’s overview of the top running back prospects to watch for next April:

1. Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love should be the first running back off the board in next year’s draft. Last season, he ran for 1,125 rushing yards and 237 receiving yards, and scored 19 touchdowns, sporting a gaudy 6.9 yards per carry. Love brings a blend of speed and power, boasting a 38% forced missed tackle rate. He can break tackles with his great contact balance and make defenses pay by taking it to the house. A true dual-threat back, Love will have teams salivating to acquire his services in the upcoming draft.  

2. Kaytron Allen – Penn State

Many were surprised that Allen decided to return to Happy Valley for another season. He could have entered this past draft and gone late in round one. Allen is compact at 5'11" and 217 pounds, making for a power back’s frame but with the agility of a smaller runner. Last year, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and added 153 yards through the air. He’s got great vision and contact balance, helping him to find the right hole in short-yardage situations. He defines what the NFL is looking for in a bell-cow running back. 

3. Justice Haynes – Alabama

Haynes can outright fly. He’s an agile back with the ability to go from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. He can change direction and evade would-be tacklers without losing his speed, and runs well through contact. Teams at the next level can deploy Haynes on all three downs and use him as a receiver effectively on passing downs. 

4. Makhi Hughes – Oregon

Makhi Hughes transferred to Oregon after an eye-popping campaign at Tulane, where he amassed 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hughes plays with great vision that helps him find running lanes and he shows the patience of LeVeon Bell when hitting the right holes. He can also be counted on in the passing game, making him a candidate to be a three-down back at the next level. 

5. Nicholas Singleton – Penn State

Two running backs from Penn State? 

Well, Ohio State just did it with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, and Nicholas Singleton is the “other” Penn State back in this class that will impress scouts and coaches alike. Unlike Allen, Singleton has breakaway speed and jukes defenders regularly, bringing a home run mentality to every carry. Like Judkins and Henderson this past year, both of these Nittany Lion backs will be off the board no later than early day of day two.