2026 Rankings: Running Back Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2026 Rankings being expanded to 375 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.  Here we look at those prospects in <strong>2026 Rankings: Running Back Stock Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670005' first='Jahan' last='Abubakar'] (Lincoln Way West)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past year the 6'1" 190 pound Lincoln Way West back ran for 1,019 yards on 182 carries.&nbsp; Slippery in the hole and uses quick side cuts to get loose. Accelerates with ball in hands, takes quality angles, and has good speed. His sudden movements in the hole making guys miss are impressive.&nbsp; Natural pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401611' first='Jaylin' last='Green'] (Brother Rice)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green is one of the top backs out of the Chicago area.&nbsp; The 5'8" 185 pound running back has quick feet and makes guys miss in the hole.&nbsp; Spin moves, and overall is so difficult for defenders to get a clean hit on.&nbsp; Accelerates while making the cut.&nbsp; Can get to the perimeter when needed and is a capable pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1658676' first='Tyler' last='Zdon'] (Grant)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zdon is a 5'9" 195 pound running back that racked up 1853 yards and 24 scores as a junior. His tape jumps out with his home run hitting ability.&nbsp; One cut and go with excellent burst.&nbsp; Big time speed and takes good angles beating defenders at the second and third levels. Really like his vision and how hard he runs.&nbsp; Kid has juice!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667000' first='Treyshaun' last='Strong'] (Prosser)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liked what we saw on tape from Strong.&nbsp; The 5'10" 180 pound back from Prosser is a well-built back.&nbsp; Smooth and easy running style.&nbsp; Puts foot in the ground then gets north and south.&nbsp; Does a nice job of setting up his blocks.&nbsp; Capable pass catcher in screen game.&nbsp; Takes multiple defenders to bring him down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240411' first='Caden' last='Dumelle'] (Jacobs)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interesting tape from this 5'11" 205 pound back.&nbsp; He is a powerfully built back that runs in a style similar to former Arizona State star Cameron Skattebo. Thick body that runs over guys. So tough to bring down. Runs so hard with solid speed and has a nose for the endzone.&nbsp; He can also block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1538530' first='Benjamin' last='Bucher'] (Belvidere North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bucher is a big back at 6'1" and 190 pounds that runs well.&nbsp; Quick acceleration and consistently gets to the perimeter where he rumbles down the sidelines for long gains. Physical downhill runner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807128' first='Isaiah' last='Navarrete'] (United Township)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10" 145 pound running back weaves in and out of defenders in the hole making them miss and running away in the open field.&nbsp; Love the vision he has seeing the whole field along with his cut back ability to make plays sprinting away from the defense.&nbsp; Takes good angles. Despite his lack of weight he can bring some power around the goal line. Catches passes out of the backfield on occasion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='344522' first='Trevor' last='Martino'] (Providence Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martino is a 5'8" 160 pound back that hits the hole and goes.&nbsp; Quick feet in the hole.&nbsp; Can line up in the slot and be used on gadget plays.&nbsp; Solid pass catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1618985' first='Dylan' last='Graves'] (Tuscola)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong and stocky back from Tuscola at 5'9" and 183 pounds.&nbsp; Runs with physicality and is secure with the ball. Vision in tight spaces making quick cuts and getting north and south.&nbsp; Can bounce it outside when needed.&nbsp; Also lines up in wildcat formations for Tuscola.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->