The Film Room: 2026's Top Five Ohio Running Backs

Today, we move on to the running back position for our next installment in the film room series. Similar to my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/01/the-film-room-2026s-top-five-ohio-quarterbacks/">quarterback article</a>, the initial rounds of coverage will highlight the top five players from each position group, and then we will dive deeper into our rankings. With that said, let's dive into our top five running backs.    [player_tooltip player_id='308291' first='Shahn' last='Alston'] committed to USC a month ago and aims to reinvigorate the Trojans program with his fierce rushing ability. Alston runs with a strong base and powerful legs, enabling him to push through tackles and gain momentum effectively. He is patient and can burst through, whether up the middle or by bouncing it outside. When he makes a cut, he does a great job of maintaining his speed down the field. Everything Alston does is precise, and I can't wait to see what he accomplishes in his senior season.      Ohlinger is a D6 star for Grandview Heights and is looking to lead the Bobcats far next season. My favorite quality a running back can demonstrate is contact balance, and Henry is great with it. He excels at keeping his legs churning through contact and quickly recovers to continue rushing. His footwork complements his ability to maneuver in a skinny fashion through the zone run system. When in open space, few players will be able to bring him down if they can catch him. If you haven't heard the name [player_tooltip player_id='900785' first='Henry' last='Ohlinger'], it's one that fans of P4 programs will come to recognize in 2025.      Hooks is a Swiss Army knife for the Lakota East football program. He can line up and damage the defense as a running back from shotgun, pistol, or under-center formations, or as a slot receiver. He has an explosive release and accelerates quickly. He frequently looks to bounce outside because there aren't many athletes who can bring him down when he reaches full speed. His 4.5-second 40 time is evident, and he can take the ball to the end zone in no time. He fights through contact effectively and doesn't shy away from it. [player_tooltip player_id='899781' first='Ryder' last='Hooks'] brings energy to the field, and I expect to see his name getting more offers throughout his senior season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1540687' first='Favour' last='Akih'] is making a name for himself on the recruiting trail, and his impressive junior campaign supports his recent offers and visits. Akih may be one of the most explosive runners I have seen from the class of 2026 from the snap of the ball. In addition to his explosiveness, he possesses remarkable top-end speed, recording a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. He demonstrates good physicality when facing contact and can push with his arms to create space effectively. While he isn't used out wide as a receiver, he can be very beneficial for quarterbacks under duress as he excels at remaining available as a checkdown option and can make plays out of seemingly nothing in that role. I am eager to see what 2025 brings for Akih as he aims to elevate his status not just in our state but nationally as one of the top running back prospects.      [player_tooltip player_id='402356' first='Robert' last='Lathon'] is the only player on this list that I saw live in 2024, and his bruising style of play was just as impressive in person as it was on film. Lathon has an excellent build for a running back and possesses a lot of physicality. He can run through defenders with both his upper and lower body and utilizes his hands effectively in that part of the game as well. He excels at finding lanes and can get tight to enter the second level and explode. Lathon has several D1 offers and will look to expand that list in 2025 with a revamped offense at Bishop Hartley.

Today, we move on to the running back position for our next installment in the film room series. Similar to my quarterback article, the initial rounds of coverage will highlight the top five players from each position group, and then we will dive deeper into our rankings. With that said, let's dive into our top five running backs.