2026 Rankings: Breaking Down The Running Backs
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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…
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Continue ReadingSome 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.
Rank
|
Player
|
Height
|
High School
|
Commitment
|
Weight
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
5’10”
|
Broome
|
||||
2 |
6’0″
|
Goose Creek
|
||||
3 |
5’10”
|
Gaffney
|
||||
4 |
5’9″
|
North Augusta
|
||||
5 |
5’9″
|
Fort Dorchester
|
||||
6 |
5’9″
|
Saluda
|
||||
7 |
5’9″
|
Newberry
|
||||
8 |
5’11”
|
Eastside
|
||||
9 |
5’10”
|
Midland Valley
|
||||
10 |
5’9″
|
Dillon
|
||||
11 |
5’11”
|
Swansea
|
||||
12 |
5’10”
|
Batesburg-Leesville
|
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Continue ReadingBREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE
Jaylen McGill Jaylen McGill 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Broome | 2026 State SC 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.
Meliq McGowan Meliq McGowan 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Goose Creek | 2026 State SC 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.
Jaiden McDowell Jaiden McDowell 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2026 State SC 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.
Michael Doe Michael Doe 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB North Augusta | 2026 State SC 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.
Ryan Campbell Ryan Campbell 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Fort Dorchester | 2026 State SC 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
Brayden Williams Brayden Williams 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Saluda | 2026 State SC Saluda
Williams has a great burst and gives the Tigers a legit big-play threat on every snap.
BJ Jones BJ Jones 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Newberry | 2026 State SC 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.
Eli Foster Eli Foster 5'11" | 165 lbs | RB Eastside | 2026 State SC 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 Kalvin Banks Kalvin Banks 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Eastside | 2024 State SC .
Martin Ford Martin Ford 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Midland Valley | 2026 State SC 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
Dominick Felton Dominick Felton 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Dillon | 2026 State SC Dillon
Felton’s explosive, and could be the latest in a long line of standout feature backs for the Wildcats.
Dante Caldwell Dante Caldwell 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Swansea | 2026 State SC 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.
Amadre Wooden Amadre Wooden 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Batesburg-Leesville | 2026 State SC 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.