2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">new set of rankings</a>&nbsp;for the Class of 2026 dropped on Thursday. We published&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/look-inside-process-of-compiling-26-update/">an overview</a>&nbsp;on how the update came together for more context and insight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, we dove into positional ratings with a slick, interactive breakout chart from Prep Network designers. It provides a view of all the guys ranked at each spot. Click on a player's name and it takes you to his profile. Pretty slick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running backs in this recruiting cycle already have the interest of colleges with their performances. Expect to see these guys take steps forward this fall and new dudes to emerge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reports on Stock Risers and New Additions appear below the chart.</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":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c0baf16e687"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STOCK RISERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240413' first='Evan' last='Allie'], 5-10, 175, Algona:</strong> Allie complemented quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='252221' first='Alex' last='Manske'] well last season, both guys exceeding 700 yards on the ground. Mankse also found the versatile running back in the passing game, something that should continue in 2024. Allie has a good feel for toting the rock inside the tackles. He succeeds in setting up blocks, utilizing good vision and has a knack for changing direction on a dime, as we see in his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15144334/65355f2a02b14a0a3c3016a6">10-grade highlight video</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401666' first='Armon' last='Williams'], 6-0, 195, Bettendorf:</strong> The highlight videos on his<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18019783/Armon-Williams/highlights"> Hudl page</a> provide a glimpse of why the stock is rising for Williams. He's a big back that would be more likely to run over you thsn around the defender. While he thrives as a straight ahead ball carrier, Williams has wiggle to his game as well. He also helps as a return man with big-play ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEW ADDITIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358179' first='Dashny' last='Munyakazi'], 6-0, 170, Central City: </strong>As a Central City sophomore, Munyakazi carried the call 10 times for 170 yards and four touchdowns. That's production. He also stood out as a defensive back, picking off two passes. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16968287/65f387fd664b460a18546353">sophomore highlight video</a>, Munyakazi includes big plays on defense. That certainly could end up being his future. He impresses with the ball in his hands, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269122' first='Avery' last='Favors'], 5-10, 175, Bishop Heelan:</strong> Favors enters the rankings after a productive offseason that included him impressing Prep Redzone during a combine in Council Bluffs. He picked up summer camp invitations from Alabama, Indiana and Southern Illinois, and stood out <a href="https://x.com/HeelanStrength/status/1765043934936347091">during offseason workouts</a> at Heelan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360044' first='Hunter' last='Curley'], 6-0, 180, Wapsie Valley: </strong>The update brings Curley into the rankings after he showed he can gain yards after taking a handoff or after catching a pass. He intercepted two balls as a defensive back, and some colleges might prefer him there. He's a good baseball player as well, which speaks to his athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358955' first='Broox' last='Stockman'], 5-7, 155, Montezuma: </strong>A viewing of Stockman's individual game videos on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18017205/Broox-Stockman/highlights">Hudl page</a> provides evidence as to why he's a new addition in the rankings. Stockman is a tough guy to catch with his speed. He can gash defenses when rushing and looks really dangerous in the receiving game. He also piled up 74.0 tackles and a pick on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PREVIOUS POSITION BREAKDOWNS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-o-linemen/">Offensive Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-wr/">Receiver</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/przia-2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-tight-ends/">Tight End</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-secondary/">Defensive Back</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->