2026 RBs to Know: Elite Speed, Power and Playmaking Ability

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is loaded with dynamic running backs who combine elite speed, vision, and versatility to make a major impact on Friday nights and soon, at the next level. These backs aren't just stat stuffers; they're game-changers. Whether it's breakaway runs, yards after contact, or catching passes out of the backfield, these elite rushers bring a complete skill set and explosive athleticism. From coast to coast, they've put up eye-popping numbers and earned the attention of Power 4 programs for good reason. Here's a breakdown of some of the top 2026 backs to know:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["974380"],"_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-688c4942981f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An elite runner with true game-breaking speed. Ball is a fluid, elusive athlete with a lean frame and dangerous open-field ability. He's not just a threat in the run game, his elite pass-catching ability makes him a complete offensive weapon. His acceleration and lateral quickness separate him from most backs in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["804454"],"_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-688c49429828e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Osborne brings a compact frame and plays with power, balance, and burst. He runs through contact but also has the speed to beat defenders to the edge. His elite quickness and natural feel for the game give him three-down potential at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1507989"],"_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-688c49429832b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lee is a smart, instinctive runner with elite balance and short-area quickness. He excels at finding creases and making defenders miss in tight spaces. His contact balance and vision make him a consistent chain-mover, with the burst to turn small gains into big plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212425"],"_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-688c4942983ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5-foot-10, 192 pounds, Penn is a powerful, well-rounded back who rushed for over 1,040 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns last season. He has the strength to run through tackles and the speed to break big plays. A dependable playmaker for one of Texas' top programs, he's primed for a huge junior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1422283"],"_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-688c49429840f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newton was one of the most dominant backs in Texas last season, racking up 2,011 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns while leading Walnut Grove to a district title. He combines elite vision with excellent footwork and the quickness to make defenders miss at every level. Newton is one of the most productive and polished backs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->