On the Radar: 2026 Running Backs

[player_tooltip player_id='402007' first='Jaylen' last='Burke']: Balanced Playmaker Leading St. Francis Backfield   [player_tooltip player_id='402007' first='Jaylen' last='Burke'] has quickly become one of the top running back prospects to watch out of Baltimore power St. Francis Academy. In just seven games last season, Burke exploded for over 1,000 rushing yards, proving himself as a consistent and reliable offensive weapon. His production has already caught the attention of college programs, as he currently holds 5+ offers, including from Dartmouth, Delaware State, and Rhode Island.   What makes Burke stand out is his versatility as a ball carrier. He brings a rare balance of speed, strength, and shiftiness, making him difficult to defend. Burke has the power to run through contact and the vision to hit cutback lanes. His ability to string together quality runs against top competition highlights both his durability and his playmaking instincts.   Burke has the tools to thrive at the next level, and as he continues to develop physically and refine his game, expect his recruitment to expand even further.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jaylenburke1_/status/1922951255472627955 </div></figure>      Bradly Matthews: Explosive Playmaker with Game-Changing Speed   Bradly Matthews put together one of the most dominant seasons in the region in 2024, rushing for over 2,000 yards and finding the end zone an incredible 32 times. His production has translated into recruiting momentum, as the elusive back now holds eight offers, most recently adding Butler University to his list.   What jumps off the tape is Matthews' ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces and then hit a second gear that separates him from the pack. He's a true breakaway threat, capable of turning routine carries into long touchdowns with his burst and long speed. Matthews also showcases impressive toughness, consistently breaking tackles and fighting for extra yardage after contact.   With his rare combination of elusiveness, acceleration, and power through traffic, Matthews has the skill set to be a difference-maker at the next level. Following a monster junior campaign, expectations are sky-high heading into 2025, where he looks poised to continue his dominance and further raise his recruiting stock.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BradlyM_3/status/1929964087863087504 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='283989' first='Taariq' last='Denson']: Compact, Powerful Runner with Next-Level Toughness   At 5'9” and 190 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='283989' first='Taariq' last='Denson'] runs with the kind of power and balance that makes him a challenge to bring down. A physical back with a strong lower body, Denson consistently churns out tough yards, using his vision to identify lanes and his balance to stay upright through contact. Once he finds daylight, he accelerates with purpose, finishing runs with authority.   Denson already holds 5+ offers, highlighted by Wisconsin and Syracuse, both programs known for producing physical ball carriers. His style fits the mold of a workhorse back who can handle volume while also delivering explosive plays when he gets into the second level.   With his compact frame, toughness between the tackles, and ability to bounce off defenders, Denson has the skill set to thrive at the next level. As his recruitment heats up, expect more Power Five programs to get involved.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Taariqdenson/status/1951084740938772930 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1432079' first='Nick' last='Blagmon']: Physical Runner with Patience and Finishing Power   [player_tooltip player_id='1432079' first='Nick' last='Blagmon'] brings a determined style to the backfield, blending patience with toughness to maximize every carry. He does an excellent job of letting plays develop, showing vision and discipline before accelerating through the hole at full stride. Once he reaches the second level, Blagmon's ball-carrying instincts allow him to navigate pursuit angles and consistently move the chains.   What sets him apart is his physicality. Rather than shying away from contact, Blagmon embraces it, driving defenders backward and finishing runs with authority. His combination of vision, patience, and strength gives him the profile of a reliable, hard-nosed back who can wear down defenses over four quarters.   As his game continues to develop, Blagmon projects as a back capable of handling a heavy workload while also providing steady production in critical situations.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NickBlagmon/status/1854216207383351532 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1611712' first='Darius' last='Moore']: Versatile Playmaker with Game-Changing Speed   [player_tooltip player_id='1611712' first='Darius' last='Moore'] is one of those players who impacts the game in every phase, offense, defense, and special teams. His versatility makes him a constant threat, and his ability to flip field position as a return man adds significant value.   Moore plays with a dynamic blend of speed and shiftiness. In the open field, he has the home-run speed to take any touch the distance, while his agility and ability to change direction at full stride make him a nightmare for defenders in space. Whether it's breaking off a long run, turning a short gain into an explosive play, or creating momentum-changing returns, Moore has the skill set to keep defenses on edge.   Currently holding offers from Morgan State and Seton Hill, Moore's production and versatility should continue to draw more attention as his 2025 campaign unfolds. With his explosiveness and all-around playmaking ability, he projects as a high-upside prospect capable of thriving at the next level.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/theonly1_darius/status/1927506303271801163 </div></figure>