2026 RBs Poised For Huge Senior Seasons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offseason is just getting underway, but we're already looking ahead to the 2025 season, where a strong crop of senior running backs could dominate on-field headlines. Consider this a companion series to our watchlist highlight series, where we've already taken a look at <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/2026-watchlist-rb-check-in/">2026 watchlist RBs poised for breakout seasons</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, we're looking at guys who are well-established, but could be among the state's best in 2026. Here are five 2026 RBs who could have huge senior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Senior RB Stars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1346327"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d1c45e9d237"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few players have been as efficient on the ground as the absurdly powerful Franklin, but that's to star power at the quarterback position, Franklin hasn't been needed as a workhorse. That could change in 2025 as Seventy First will go with a new quarterback for the first time in four seasons. That means Franklin, who ran for over 1,200 yards on just 117 carries last season could get more than 10 touches a game. If he does, don't be surprised if he puts up huge numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1122961"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d1c45e9d2b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a huge junior season at North Lincoln, Wingate moved from an athlete designation to a pure running back in our system, then transferred to Maiden. The move to a more modern offense could kick start his recruitment. College coaches need to look past his testing numbers and see that the speed and power on the field translate. His vision is among the best in the class and he's nearly impossible to bring down at the second and third levels, leading to plenty of long runs. Expect a huge senior season from the 205-pounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1593034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d1c45e9d2fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCombs only had 30 more carries in 2024 than he did in 2023, but more than doubled his season yardage, thanks to a move from 4.6 to 7.3 yards per carry. He broke out with his first two 100-yard outings in his final two games of 2024 and should carry that momentum into his senior season. A home run threat due to his speed, McCombs got better at attacking the hole as the season went and that allowed him to find more open space and create more chunk runs. Expect him to get closer to reaching his potential as an elite explosive runner in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1525230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d1c45e9d340"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weddington always seems to have guys come out of nowhere at the running back position to have huge years. That was Anson in 2024, as injuries forced him into extended action. Now, he's the expected star of the offense and a guy who can put up huge numbers, both as someone who can pick up tough yards between the tackles, and as a guy who can hit the home run. Expect big things from Anson in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1301239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d1c45e9d385"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Akers didn't get the recognition he probably deserved after a breakout junior season, but he's going to turn heads as a senior. He has good vision and the ability to find open space once he gets through the hole, allowing him to break off some big runs. He has good long speed and is developing lateral quickness to beat linebackers in the hole. As he continues to develop, he's one to watch and a candidate to jump into our rankings in the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->