Iowa 2029 RBs Poised to Breakout in 2026

With many freshman standouts emerging through the 2025 season across Iowa, we take a look at some of the playmakers in the backfield that have either already found a prominent role getting a solid bulk of carries for their offense as well as players who could be primed to take over as figureheads of the run game and could become breakout stars across the state in the backfield. We take a look at 6 RBs from the Class of 2029 to watch out for in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='2075338' first='Gabe' last='Kaufman'] was able to generate an impressive amount of production on the ground as a freshman and is slated for even bigger results in 2026. Kaufman generated 746 total yards (7.6 YPC) and 5 rushing TDs during his freshman season. Playing as the No. 2 RB in Creston's full-house offense, Kaufman excelled running outside the perimeter with his sharp acceleration off the handoff along with his quick agility and change of direction. Kaufman also played well as a regular Tailback, attacking the open gaps up the middle and continuously pushing for forward progress. Kaufman is slated to move up to the No. 1 RB position entering his sophomore season, where paired with his dual-threat QB [player_tooltip player_id='1844844' first='Tanner' last='Ray'] should form a dangerous 1-2 punch in the run-game.     Despite the emphasis for Underwood's offense being on the air, they were able to generate solid success on the ground with over 2000+ yards of total rushing. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2075350' first='River' last='Allen'] contributed nicely to that total, rushing for 353 yards (7.1 YPC) and 7 TDs. Allen finished with the 2nd highest yards per carry on the team behind senior Riley Sealock, and while utilizing a lighter workload, Allen flashed his explosiveness and quick burst through the open gaps up the middle as a nimble Tailback. With Sealock and starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='1221934' first='Garrett' last='Luett'] departing this offseason, Allen's workload will be increased greatly entering his sophomore season, and he may quickly find himself becoming a reliable piece of the Eagles' offense going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='2075357' first='Brody' last='Otten'] will have to battle for reps on one of the most potent run offenses in the 8-man league, but he was able to generate solid numbers with the numerous reps he got as a freshman. Otten ran for 291 yards (6.6 YPC) and 4 TDs while adding a 25 yard TD reception. Otten's production came often in garbage time in the midst of blowout wins for the Wheelers, though Otten flashed as a steady runner who can scamper outside the perimeter and slip through creases for a big gain. Otten may not see prominent reps still as 3 of the 4 leading rushers for the Wheelers are all returning for their junior seasons, though Otten should continue to generate strong production with the reps that come his way.     [player_tooltip player_id='2074451' first='Caden' last='Clear'] helped generate a spark of electricity for East Union's offense, guiding the Eagles to their first winning season since 2019. Clear ran for 236 yards (5.4 YPC) and 6 TDs while adding 11 receptions for 102 yards and a receiving TD. Clear works well in the open space, utilizing his sharp footwork and breakaway speed to generate most of his production after contact and after the catch, providing as a solid dual-threat RB while also flashing value as a kick returner. Clear's role on the Eagles' offense should continue to expand as they look to extend their newfound success going forward.     Brady Tufte emerged in his freshman year with a prominent amount of carries in Northwood-Kensett's backfield, and he's already slated to become the Vikings' leading bull-runner in 2026. Tufte ran for 330 yards and 2 TDs. Tufte had freshman hiccups as he was limited at times as a short-yardage runner, but when he breaks through open seams, he shows potential to be a dangerous runner that can shift gears quickly, and despite his size, he's tough to bring down easily. Tufte's role will become much bigger in 2026 as he moves up to the No. 1 RB position in his sophomore year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2075355' first='Svend' last='Skaggs'] is another young RB who helped give sparks to a struggling offense last season. Skaggs was the leading RB for Davis County, finishing 2nd in rushing yards behind only his QB Cason Young. Skaggs ran for 325 yards and 2 TDs while adding 3 receptions for 17 yards and a receiving TD. Skaggs flashed as a durable runner who was able to consistently get solid chunk yardage on his carries while flashing nimble footwork and subtle stop-and-go movements that could make him a very dangerous open-field runner when given the opportunity. With Young's graduation, Skaggs is expected to become the leading work-horse in the run-game for the Mustangs, and he should quickly rise as a central piece of their offense to watch out for in 2026.

With many freshman standouts emerging through the 2025 season across Iowa, we take a look at some of the playmakers in the backfield that have either already found a prominent role getting a solid bulk of carries for their offense as well as players who could be primed to take over as figureheads of the run game and could become breakout stars across the state in the backfield. We take a look at 6 RBs from the Class of 2029 to watch out for in 2026!