Next Up: 2026 RBs Poised for Breakout Seasons

The 2026 running back class is loaded with talent, featuring dynamic playmakers ready to make a name for themselves. As they head into a crucial offseason, these rising stars are refining their skills, adding strength, and preparing to dominate under the Friday night lights. Whether it's explosive speed, elite vision, or power between the tackles, each of these backs brings something special to the field. College programs looking to add game-changing ball carriers to their future rosters should keep a close eye on these emerging prospects. Here's a look at some of the top 2026 running backs primed for breakout seasons.    A physical runner with an aggressive downhill style, Unruh excels at shedding tacklers and gaining tough yards between the tackles. His combination of balance and vision allows him to consistently find creases in the defense and maximize every carry. Unruh also showcases soft hands in the passing game, making him a versatile threat out of the backfield. His offseason focus on improving acceleration and top-end speed has already translated to noticeable improvements in his breakaway ability. Expect him to be a workhorse back and a leader for his team this upcoming season.     Andrews is an explosive playmaker with elite lateral quickness and the ability to turn short gains into big plays. His ability to read blocks and make defenders miss in tight spaces makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With a strong lower body and powerful leg drive, he consistently breaks through arm tackles and finishes runs with authority. Andrews has also worked on his pass protection, making him a complete three-down back. He's already drawing interest from Power Five programs, and another strong season could cement him as a top-tier prospect.     Foreman is a physically dominant back with the rare blend of size, speed, and power that college recruiters covet. He runs with a violent style, punishing defenders at the point of contact while maintaining impressive burst in the open field. His ability to lower his pads and drive forward makes him a consistent short-yardage and goal-line threat. Foreman has also improved his receiving skills, showing the ability to run crisp routes and catch passes in stride. With his imposing frame and all-around skill set, he has the tools to be a future star at the next level.     Rainey is a dynamic speedster who thrives in space, using his elite agility and acceleration to create mismatches against defenders. His ability to change direction without losing momentum makes him especially dangerous on outside runs and in the return game. Despite his smaller frame, Rainey runs with toughness and has shown improved strength to break through initial contact. His pass-catching ability out of the backfield makes him a dual-threat weapon who can be utilized in various offensive schemes. If he continues to refine his route running and ball security, he could be one of the most exciting backs in the 2026 class.     Wynn is a patient runner with excellent vision, allowing him to identify cutback lanes and make decisive moves at the line of scrimmage. His strong footwork and ability to accelerate out of his cuts give him an edge in one-on-one situations. Wynn is also a disciplined and intelligent player, understanding when to be patient and when to hit the hole with urgency. He has steadily improved his pass-blocking technique, making him an asset in both the running and passing game. With his well-rounded skill set, Wynn is poised to be a major contributor in the upcoming season.     Hurth is a powerful, bruising back who thrives on contact and wears down defenses over the course of a game. His exceptional lower-body strength allows him to push piles and fight for extra yards, making him a reliable option in short-yardage situations. Despite his power, he has deceptive speed and can break away for long runs when given space. Hurth has been working on his lateral agility to become more effective in making defenders miss at the second level. With his work ethic and physicality, he has the potential to be a dominant force in his junior season.     Robinson is a well-balanced back with a smooth running style and the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His combination of speed and vision makes him dangerous in zone-run schemes, allowing him to find openings and explode upfield. Robinson is also a threat in the passing game, running sharp routes and displaying reliable hands. He has spent the offseason focusing on his strength and durability, which should help him withstand a heavy workload. With his versatility and playmaking ability, Robinson is set to be a breakout star in 2026.

The 2026 running back class is loaded with talent, featuring dynamic playmakers ready to make a name for themselves. As they head into a crucial offseason, these rising stars are refining their skills, adding strength, and preparing to dominate under the Friday night lights. Whether it's explosive speed, elite vision, or power between the tackles, each of these backs brings something special to the field. College programs looking to add game-changing ball carriers to their future rosters should keep a close eye on these emerging prospects. Here's a look at some of the top 2026 running backs primed for breakout seasons.