2026 Rankings: Breaking Down The Running Backs

Some of the running backs in the 2026 class have been making their mark since they were freshman. Some burst on the scene last season. And some of them finally have clear space on their rosters and are ready to seize their opportunity. Let's dive in to the class.    BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill'] Broome   McGill is a beast. He's on the top of a LOT of wish lists, and it's easy to see why. He runs with a balance of speed and power, able to go through you as quickly as he can go past you. He's got good hands out of the backfield, and is a matchup nightmare. And he's only getting stronger. Last week, a social media video showcased his new squat max: 655 pounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='473027' first='Meliq' last='McGowan'] Goose Creek   The things McGowan can do are special. He put up nearly 2,000 combined yards a year ago, and was the focal point for the Gators' offense. He's got great vision, the ability to bounce a run outside with plenty of speed, and he rarely goes down at first contact.   [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] Gaffney   McDowell will cause a lot of sleepless nights among defensive coordinators. Not only did he lead the Indians in rushing last season with more than 1,300 yards, he was also third on a team that tossed it around a lot, with nearly 600 receiving yards. He accounted for 17 total TDs, and covering him out of the backfield with a LB is a TOUGH ask.   [player_tooltip player_id='402503' first='Michael' last='Doe'] North Augusta   Doe's film is an interesting watch. Sometimes, you'll see him bowling over defenders. Sometimes, he's run by them so fast that there aren't even defenders in the frame by the time he scores. The things you'll always notice? He's a burner, he seems to adore contact, he's got good hands, and he's an absolute nightmare in space.   [player_tooltip player_id='473024' first='Ryan' last='Campbell'] Fort Dorchester   Campbell announced his presence on the statewide scene in the 5A state championship game as a freshman, and he's only gotten better. He can get to the edge in a hurry, he's got breakaway speed, and he's tough enough to fight through first contact reliably. He's also so athletic that even broken plays often turn out the Patriots' way when the ball's in his hands.    FOUR RISING STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='617664' first='Brayden' last='Williams'] Saluda   Williams has a great burst and gives the Tigers a legit big-play threat on every snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='473022' first='BJ' last='Jones'] Newberry   Jones is physical, but more than that, he's rugged. He takes hits and keeps going, absorbing contact and spinning off to convert big runs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1025807' first='Eli' last='Foster'] Eastside   Foster is a good bet to be the heir apparent in an offense that prioritizes the run. He was second on the team in rushing a year ago behind a workhorse back in [player_tooltip player_id='448996' first='Kalvin' last='Banks'].   [player_tooltip player_id='473020' first='Martin' last='Ford'] Midland Valley   The Mustangs are another team that relies heavily on the run, and with feature back Travon Dunbar graduated, everybody in the backfield moves up a peg. That means Ford will get considerably more work than last year, when he showed flashes of brilliance with a 7.7 yards per carry average.    THREE DARK HORSE CANDIDATES   [player_tooltip player_id='1025778' first='Dominick' last='Felton'] Dillon   Felton's explosive, and could be the latest in a long line of standout feature backs for the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267270' first='Dante' last='Caldwell'] Swansea   Caldwell was among the fastest athletes at the Carolina Coaches Classic, and THE fastest among 2026 and 2027 players at the Joanne Langfitt Challenge.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267286' first='Amadre' last='Wooden'] Batesburg-Leesville   Wooden had nearly 1,000 yards of total offense last season, and he's a true weapon in the Panthers' deceptive wing offense, whether he's carrying it or catching it.    From top to bottom the 2026 class has a bunch of RBs ready to turn a bunch of heads. The list will only grow as the season progresses.

Some of the running backs in the 2026 class have been making their mark since they were freshman. Some burst on the scene last season. And some of them finally have clear space on their rosters and are ready to seize their opportunity. Let's dive in to the class.