Pound The Rock: Must See Class of 2026 Houston Area Rushers

The Houston area continues to produce elite talent at the running back position, and the 2026 class is loaded with must-see rushers who are primed for dominant senior seasons. These backs put together standout performances as juniors, showcasing explosiveness, vision, power, and game-breaking speed. Whether it's their ability to break off long runs, fight for tough yards between the tackles, or contribute as versatile playmakers, these running backs have already proven themselves as some of the top returning talents in Texas. With colleges taking notice and big seasons ahead, these are the names you'll want to keep an eye on in 2025.    Hebert put together an unbelievable junior season, establishing himself as one of the most dominant running backs in the country. The Houston-area standout rushed for an eye-popping 3,532 yards and 40 total touchdowns, making him the No. 1 rusher in Texas and No. 2 in the nation in rushing yards.   Hebert's game is built on elite speed, elusiveness, and quickness in space, making him a nightmare for defenders at all levels. Whether it's breaking off long runs or making defenders miss in tight quarters, he is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. His production and skill set have already earned him offers from Montana State, Dartmouth, Yale, and Cornell, and his stock is expected to continue rising as one of the top running backs in the 2026 class in Houston.     Cunningham is an elite talent and one of the top returning rushers in Houston heading into the 2025 season. He has blazing speed, superb quickness, and shifty movement in space, Cunningham is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. His stout, compact build allows him to run with great forward lean, making him tough to tackle while maintaining his explosiveness through the hole.   Cunningham's dynamic skill set has already caught the attention of major college programs, earning offers from Tulsa, Arizona, Baylor, Boston College, Tulane, Syracuse, UTEP, UTSA, and Oklahoma. With his ability to break big plays and consistently produce at a high level, he is primed for another dominant season as one of the premier rushers in Houston.     Hill has the skill set of a gamebreaker at the running back position and is one of the top returning rushers in Houston. He runs with great pad level, allowing him to absorb contact while maintaining balance, and his superb vision helps him find running lanes with ease. A powerful runner between the tackles, Hill thrives in tough-yardage situations and has a nose for the end zone in the red zone.   Coming off an impressive season where he rushed for 1,330 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, and scoring 20 touchdowns, Hill earned First Team All-District honors. With his combination of strength, vision, and red-zone efficiency, he's primed for another standout season as one of the premier backs in the Houston area.     Garrett is a physical, powerful running back who brings a rare combination of size, speed, and versatility to the position. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he is a downhill runner who punishes defenders but also has the wiggle to make plays in tight spaces. Once he gets to the second level, his game-breaking speed makes him a threat to take it to the house on any carry.   Garrett isn't just a dominant rusher—he's also a receiving threat out of the backfield, showcasing great hands and the ability to make plays in the passing game. His well-rounded skill set has already earned him offers from Lamar, Toledo, Cal, Southern Miss, and Arkansas State. With his size, power, and speed, Garrett is poised to be one of the most sought-after running backs in his class in the Houston area.     Drinkard is a big-time playmaker with the ability to change the game every time he touches the ball. With elite speed, shiftiness in space, and a compact build, he's a game-breaking threat both as a rusher and an all-purpose weapon. His explosiveness and elusiveness make him one of the most exciting returning players in District 20-6A.   Drinkard put up 1,740 all-purpose yards, including 1,560 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning him First Team All-District honors. His versatility and playmaking ability make him a name to keep an eye on as he looks to return and dominate his senior season.     Brown is an elite runner with a stout, compact build and a well-rounded skill set that makes him one of the most dynamic backs in his class. His quickness and elusiveness in space, paired with superb field vision, allow him to navigate defenses with ease. He has a natural ability to set up blocks and find running lanes, while also possessing the power to churn out tough yards between the tackles.   Brown's ability to shift gears and break away with speed makes him a true home-run threat. Coming off a standout season where he rushed for 1,350 yards, averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per carry, he has solidified himself as a premier playmaker. His production has already earned him offers from UTEP, Navy, New Mexico State, Texas State, North Texas, and Lamar, and his stock is only rising as he heads into his senior season.

The Houston area continues to produce elite talent at the running back position, and the 2026 class is loaded with must-see rushers who are primed for dominant senior seasons. These backs put together standout performances as juniors, showcasing explosiveness, vision, power, and game-breaking speed. Whether it's their ability to break off long runs, fight for tough yards between the tackles, or contribute as versatile playmakers, these running backs have already proven themselves as some of the top returning talents in Texas. With colleges taking notice and big seasons ahead, these are the names you'll want to keep an eye on in 2025.