Ground Game Kings: Houston Area Senior Rushers Set to Dominate

<p>The Houston area is once again loaded with premier backfield talent, and several returning running backs in the 2026 class are bringing power, speed, vision, and elite production to the spotlight. These senior rushers aren't just stat machines, they're tone-setters for their teams and workhorses that can take over a game from the first snap to the final whistle. With big seasons ahead and recruiting buzz building, here are several top senior running backs to know heading into the fall.</p>   <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most productive all-purpose backs in Texas, Kelly totaled 2,173 all-purpose yards, including 1,677 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He's an electric playmaker with elite quickness, vision, and a killer jump cut. His ability to set up blocks, show patience in the hole, and explode through creases makes him a true home-run threat. Kelly holds offers from SMU, Washington State, UTEP, Louisiana, Colorado State, Pittsburgh, and UTSA.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_datkidej/status/1856850608214458620 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hebert exploded onto the scene as a junior, finishing as the #1 rusher in Texas and #2 in the nation with 3,532 yards and 40 touchdowns. He runs with excellent pad level, quick feet, and a strong lower half that allows him to power through tackles. Combine that with breakaway speed, and you get a back who can take it to the house from any spot on the field. He currently holds offers from UTSA, the University of Louisiana, and Army.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JohnHebert79922/status/1864475330204880975 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cunningham is one of the most complete backs in the region. He brings speed, burst, and elusiveness with the ability to hit the home run from anywhere on the field. With offers from Texas State, Tulsa, Arizona, and Baylor, he enters his senior year as a central figure in Dekaney's offensive attack. A true total-package back, Cunningham is poised for a big final season.<br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson is lightning in a bottle, a fast, explosive runner with elite burst and agility. He posted 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while showcasing his ability to create in space and finish runs with speed. Expect him to take on a bigger role this year as the feature back for Cy Falls. He holds offers from Washington State, Sam Houston State, New Mexico State, Rice, and Arkansas State.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gabrielwilson_2/status/1885468656588439654 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A compact, powerful downhill runner with sneaky wiggle and breakaway speed, Hill is a prototypical one-cut back who wastes no motion. He racked up 1,330 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, averaging an impressive 6.7 yards per carry. Hill recently camped at Texas Tech and San Diego State and holds offers from Midwestern State and East Central Oklahoma. Expect his recruiting stock to rise as he returns to carry the load for a Katy program known for producing elite backs.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/thilljr24/status/1887666626897629429 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A big-bodied bruiser with quick feet, Garrett is a nightmare to bring down. He runs with authority but also shows elite agility in the open field. His combination of size, power, and speed allows him to grind out tough yards or break long runs. Garrett has picked up offers from Sacramento State, California, Memphis, Houston Christian, and Texas Southern.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Javion_garrett/status/1918439459026092280 </div></figure>

The Houston area is once again loaded with premier backfield talent, and several returning running backs in the 2026 class are bringing power, speed, vision, and elite production to the spotlight. These senior rushers aren't just stat machines, they're tone-setters for their teams and workhorses that can take over a game from the first snap to the final whistle. With big seasons ahead and recruiting buzz building, here are several top senior running backs to know heading into the fall.