2026 Rankings Update: Top Running Backs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest edition of the Prep Redzone Illinois Class of 2026 has been unveiled.&nbsp; Here we dive into the top players at each position.&nbsp; Today we look at <strong>2026 Rankings Update: Top Running Backs</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669537' first='Maxwell' last='Warner'] (Whitney Young)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warner has become among the premier backs in the Illinois 2026 class with a big junior season for the Dolphins.&nbsp; The 5'10" 185 pound running back is explosive with his cuts in the open field.&nbsp; Strong and powerful build.&nbsp; Effective running east and west to get the angle on the perimeter as well as going right at the defense up the middle.&nbsp; Game breaker in the open field that can run away from defenders.&nbsp; Tough to bring down in the hole.&nbsp; Slashing running style with excellent footwork.&nbsp; Capable pass catcher especially setting up his blockers on screen plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801711' first='Dominic' last='Dileonardi'] (Geneva)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dileonardi really pops on tape with his speed and game breaking ability.&nbsp; He likes to get to the perimeter and out run opponents in the open field. Jump cuts and go.&nbsp; Accelerates with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Vision at the line of scrimmage and will make guys miss in hole.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401606' first='Greyson' last='Kelly'] (Batavia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly is a versatile offensive weapon at 5'11" and 190 pounds. Lines up as a running back, wildcat QB, and is a big time pass catcher.&nbsp; As a runner he gets behind his blockers and explodes downfield. Good size and strength with burst.&nbsp; Runs behind his pads. His biggest value is as a pass catcher. Can do it exceptionally well out of the backfield and slot.&nbsp; He has excellent hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Craig Peacock (Joliet Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peacock is a 5'11" 160 pound running back that is silky smooth as a player.&nbsp; Good size and lanky frame. Explodes through the hole and is very slippery with the rock.&nbsp; Shifty making defenders miss.&nbsp; Good pass catcher out of the backfield and is a solid kick returner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585217' first='Reggie' last='Gray'] (Morgan Park)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big fan of this Morgan Park 5'9" 190 pound back after we saw him in the playoffs.&nbsp; He has speed for days!&nbsp; Slippery with the ball in his hands as he is extremely tough to get a clean hit on.&nbsp; Runs very hard with excellent vision to the next level and makes guys miss in the hole. Best football is ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585253' first='Madden' last='Wilson'] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson was a contributor on the 7A state champs this past season.&nbsp; The 5'9" 175 pound back brings speed and versatility to the table.&nbsp; Can contribute as a runner, on gadget plays, and as a pass catcher out of the backfield where he shows natural hands.&nbsp; Slippery and creative with the ball in his hands in the open field. Likes to bounce plays to the perimeter to use his speed around the corner.&nbsp; Can also bring the power when he needs to inside the 5 yard line. Legs never stop churning and has a sweet jump cut to avoid defenders in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585196' first='Brody' last='Gish'] (Lincoln Way East)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really enjoy watching Gish run.&nbsp; He impresses with his home run speed and ability to make something out of nothing. Vision and ability to break tackles.&nbsp; Quick feet and smooth acceleration.&nbsp; Effective jump cut guy and burst through the line of scrimmage. Also like what he brings as a natural pass catcher out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->