2026 SPRING RANKINGS UPDATE: Running Back Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 running backs with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the running backs, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2408","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2456","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d0503f97b8d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155131"],"_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-67d0503f99d05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] has the film, talent, and work ethic to be considered one of the best running backs in the country. He showcases very good foot speed and athletic ability out of the backfield. His post-snap vision is impressive, allowing him to quickly read defensive fronts and exploit openings with a burst of speed that helps him separate from defenders at the first level. Hodges also demonstrates good foot quickness, agility, and change of direction, enabling him to navigate through gaps effectively and make decisive cuts in the backfield or evade defenders in space. He maintains good contact balance and can withstand contact, using active feet and leg drive to power through tackles. Additionally, Hodges possesses remarkable breakaway speed, which enables him to outrun defenders in the open field. He has received over 10 Power 5 offers in addition to interest from Group of Five schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi Sport Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TerryHodgesJr1/status/1894940046920163661","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TerryHodgesJr1/status/1894940046920163661 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227421"],"_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-67d0503f99d97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='227421' first='Chris' last='Ficklin'] has dominated this off-season, especially at our showcase in January and in the weight room. He displays good fluidity, contact balance, and burst each rep to either break tackles, evade early penetration or attack the running lane quickly. His ability to evade defenders in space is impressive due to his agility and balance. Additionally, Ficklin is able to get upfield quickly post-catch, becoming a multi-threat out of the backfield. Keep an eye on him throughout 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.3 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ChrisJFicklin/status/1898881038480281629","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ChrisJFicklin/status/1898881038480281629 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["955836"],"_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-67d0503f99e15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='955836' first='Griffin' last='Mason'] is an underrated running back throughout the nation. He is a reliable and workhorse running back who consistently gains extra yards after contact and will create something out of nothing. He shows good patience and vision before attacking the LOS and accelerates quickly through the gap. As a north-south runner, he possesses significant power and contact balance, allowing him to break tackles effectively. Mason also has the potential to be a strong receiving threat, both from the backfield and when lined up wide. He's a prospect to add to the recruiting board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.6 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GriffinMason_18/status/1899237743139475805","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GriffinMason_18/status/1899237743139475805 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1404711"],"_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-67d0503f99e99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rancel Orlellana can be utilized as a fullback but has the quickness and power to flash his running-back ability, especially in short-yardage situations. He displays very good lower body strength and power and good contact balance, allowing him to break through contact to create additional yards. Orellana possesses solid post-snap vision, which enables him to read the first-level defenders and identify the running lane quickly to burst through. His leg drive, pad level, and physicality at the POA make him hard to tackle in space. Overall, Orellana is a physical, north-south runner who should be added to a run-first, run-heavy offense. He's a player to watch this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 3.6 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/rancel_orellana/status/1897318548093198457","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rancel_orellana/status/1897318548093198457 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1331934"],"_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-67d0503f99f2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1331934' first='Desmond' last='Gooding Jr']. may be small in stature, but he is tough and quick, reminiscent of a young Darren Sproles. He is an elusive running back with good foot quickness and lateral agility. Gooding Jr. can avoid early penetration and effectively navigate to the cutback line. He can be utilized in the screen game or the short to intermediate passing game, as he poses a significant threat for yards after catch (YAC) due to his solid burst and change of direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DJG2026/status/1835009538933547145","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DJG2026/status/1835009538933547145 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 RUNNING BACKS:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] (Southside)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='401206' first='Nikel' last='Lewis'] (Hamburg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.'] (Forrest City)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='1194202' first='Korri' last='Graham'] (DeWitt)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan'] (Greenbrier)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1157296' first='Titus' last='Cramer'] (Rogers)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1336821' first='Jackson' last='Ward'] (Little Rock Christian)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='1142032' first='Rico' last='Ward'] (Marion)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. [player_tooltip player_id='442007' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'] (Fayetteville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. [player_tooltip player_id='401187' first='Cooper' last='Powell'] (Cabot)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. [player_tooltip player_id='1192186' first='Tavien' last='Clegg'] (Malvern)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. [player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren'] (Booneville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637114,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/ColtonEdwardsHeader.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1637114" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sofia Jordan</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->