Under the Radar No More: 2026 RBs Destined for Stardom

The recruiting landscape is always evolving, and each year, a new wave of talent emerges from the shadows, ready to make their mark. The Class of 2026 is no exception, with several running backs who have quietly been building their résumés and proving they belong in the national conversation. While they may not have garnered the spotlight just yet, their combination of vision, explosiveness, and relentless work ethic is impossible to ignore. As the recruiting cycle heats up, these under-the-radar backs are primed to take center stage and solidify themselves as future stars. Let's take a deep dive into the rising prospects who are destined for stardom.    [player_tooltip player_id='1046451' first='Braylon' last='Outlaw'] is a dynamic running back with elite vision and lateral quickness that makes defenders miss with ease. His ability to explode through the hole and maintain top-end speed sets him apart from his peers. Outlaw's footwork and balance allow him to shed arm tackles and turn short gains into big plays. He also contributes as a receiving threat, adding versatility to any offensive scheme. With his strong work ethic and continued development, Outlaw is poised to dominate the next level.     Mac Benefield is a power back with a punishing running style that wears down defenses over four quarters. His strong lower body and low center of gravity make him a nightmare to tackle in one-on-one situations. Benefield excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, consistently converting tough runs into first downs and touchdowns. While he thrives between the tackles, he also has sneaky breakaway speed to take runs to the house. As he refines his receiving skills, Benefield will be an every-down back at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1279419' first='Braylon' last='Bigham'] is an explosive back with a rare combination of speed and agility that makes him a home-run threat on every carry. His ability to accelerate through the second level and separate from defenders is second to none. Bigham's quick change of direction and elite burst allow him to excel in both zone and gap schemes. He possesses great hands out of the backfield, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. With his game-breaking ability, Bigham is on track to become a must-watch prospect.     Brandez Eason is a complete running back who combines speed, power, and vision to dissect defenses. His patience in setting up blocks and his decisive cuts make him a perfect fit for a variety of offensive schemes. Eason's balance and toughness allow him to break through contact and extend plays after initial hits. He's also a valuable asset on special teams, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. As he continues to refine his skills, Eason has the potential to be one of the top backs in his class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1006484' first='Cameron' last='Phinizee'] is a well-rounded back with elite acceleration and field awareness, allowing him to find open lanes with ease. His ability to make defenders miss in space makes him a dangerous weapon both as a rusher and receiver. Phinizee's vision and patience set him apart, as he consistently finds cutback lanes and maximizes every carry. He's also a disciplined pass protector, making him an asset in any offensive system. With his natural playmaking ability, Phinizee is a name to watch in the 2026 class.

The recruiting landscape is always evolving, and each year, a new wave of talent emerges from the shadows, ready to make their mark. The Class of 2026 is no exception, with several running backs who have quietly been building their résumés and proving they belong in the national conversation. While they may not have garnered the spotlight just yet, their combination of vision, explosiveness, and relentless work ethic is impossible to ignore. As the recruiting cycle heats up, these under-the-radar backs are primed to take center stage and solidify themselves as future stars. Let's take a deep dive into the rising prospects who are destined for stardom.