June Rankings Update: 2026 Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have officially released another rankings update in the state of Arkansas for the class of 2026. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 running backs with analysis. Over the next month, I will breakdown these rankings by position in each class with other segments included.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2408","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2456","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668b84a211f1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668b84a22a0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] showcases speed and elusiveness in the backfield. Hodges is the 4th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Hodges is a well-balanced back, hurting you with his legs but can be physical at the point of attack. Displays good post-snap vision to read defensive fronts quickly to attack the hole. Good foot quickness and burst through the holes, showcasing good agility, change of direction and footwork to also work backside. Good natural balance to withstand contact along with active feet and leg drive. Has the second level breakaway speed with impressive vision. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List:&nbsp; Arkansas, Auburn, Arkansas State, Baylor, Florida State, North Texas, Oregon, Ole Miss, Purdue, USC &amp; UNLV</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – Multi Sport Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/TerryHodgesJr1">(1) Tjhodges2026 (@TerryHodgesJr1) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1152116"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668f2e4411c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] brings athleticism and power to the backfield. McLaughlin is the 9th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. He displays a quick first step, allowing him to burst through gaps, creating separation from first level defenders. Post snap, he has good patience and vision, enabling to follow blockers and break through penetration, showcasing his physicality due to good contact balance, active feet and leg drive to gain extra yards after contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: Lyon</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 4.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/omclaughlin2026">[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] (@omclaughlin2026) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1194202"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668f2e441219"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1194202' first='Korri' last='Graham'] is a physical, north and south runner that's hard to bring down in open space. Graham is the 21st rated overall player and 3rd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. He displays good post-snap patience as he follows his blockers with vision to locate the opening and showcase his good burst and acceleration to separate from the first level into the backend of the defense. Good balance, pad level and leg drive to break tackles consistently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: None ATM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/GrahamKorri">(2) [player_tooltip player_id='1194202' first='Korri' last='Graham'] 2026🏈 (@GrahamKorri) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401206"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668f2e44125c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401206' first='Nikel' last='Lewis'] has very good speed, fluidity and athleticism. Lewis is the 26th rated overall player and 4th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Good one-cut ability with impressive burst to break away from the second level after making the first initial cut. Good balance to withstand contact with good vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage. Attacks with active feet, leg drive and good acceleration through contact. Good upper and lower body power and strength to consistently break tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: None ATM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 4.43 40 / 3.5 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/IManmeeze">(3) [player_tooltip player_id='401206' first='Nikel' last='Lewis']🥇 (@IManmeeze) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227421"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6668f2e44129d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227421' first='Chris' last='Ficklin'] brings good change of direction ability while showcasing good vision behind the line of scrimmage. Ficklin is the 27th rated overall player and 5th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Ficklin displays good explosion through the tackles, finding the correct hole with vision and making his way through the second level. Demonstrates good fluidity as he's able to change direction quickly when locating a backside opening. Solid in pass protection with a strong anchor, giving his quarterback time to throw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: None ATM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 4.58 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/ChrisJFicklin">(3) [player_tooltip player_id='227421' first='Chris' last='Ficklin'] (@ChrisJFicklin) / X</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 RUNNING BACKS IN THE CLASS OF 2026:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1192186' first='Tavien' last='Clegg'] (Malvern)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='442007' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'] (Fayetteville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='401187' first='Cooper' last='Powell'] (Cabot)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] (Marion)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='401190' first='Isiah' last='Reese'] (Joe T. Robinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. [player_tooltip player_id='212208' first='Donald' last='James Jr.'] (Dumas)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. [player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren'] (Booneville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. [player_tooltip player_id='806080' first='Brady' last='O. Penister'] (Junction City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. [player_tooltip player_id='260932' first='Tremane' last='Turner'] (Fordyce)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. [player_tooltip player_id='222544' first='Corey' last='Crusterson Jr.'] (Joe T. Robinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16. [player_tooltip player_id='630510' first='Malachi' last='Hamilton'] (Arkadelphia)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17. [player_tooltip player_id='364847' first='Jazaveon' last='Daniels'] (Magnolia)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->