MN 2029 RBs Poised to Break Out in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2029 class for Minnesota is already filled with some impressive prospects, but one position that stood out was the RB group, with 8 of our top 20 ranked players in that class being RBs, more than any other position so far, and along with several other unranked prospects within the same group, this cumulative unit has an opportunity to break onto the scene in 2026 as big-time weapons in the backfield. We take a look at 6 RBs in MN from the Class of 2029 to watch out for in 2026!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1270305"],"_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-69c9dc4865d76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1270305' first='Fua' last='Taumalolo'] already is a huge athlete for his age, and he flashed potential as a tough bruiser on the ground throughout his freshman season. The Fullback was utilized often within the varsity lineup in 2025 and he was effective in this role, using his size and physicality to churn ahead through contact and maul defenders to create lanes for his RBs. Taumololo is not easy to tackle in the open field, bouncing off of defenders with ease, and flashing a surprising amount of speed to break away for a long run. Taumalolo should see a significant increase in his usage entering his sophomore season and should become a staple of this Eagles' offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715740"],"_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-69c9dc4865e26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite playing in a loaded backfield for the Huskers, [player_tooltip player_id='1715740' first='Johnathan' last='Nelson'] flashed in his limited reps and is due for a major breakout season in 2026 as he moves up toward the top of the RB depth chart. Nelson boasts solid size for his age, and participates in track during the offseason, having recently posted a sub-minute long 400 meter dash time. That speed showcases itself on the gridiron, having averaged just under 6 YPC on his limited workload, and could very well continue to build upon that as a playmaker for Holdingford's offense going forward with a heavier workload. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699579"],"_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-69c9dc4865eac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Springfield should be in fine hands going forward as they continue their rebuild, with [player_tooltip player_id='1699579' first='Conner' last='Schmitt'] flashing as a talented ball-carrier to lead an impressive group of underclassmen for the Tigers. Schmitt may not see more playing time immediately as he may more likely move into the Tigers No. 2/3 RB role, but after averaging 13 yards per run on 11 carries and scoring 3 TDs on his few reps, Schmitt should have more opportunities to pound the rock for the varsity lineup. An underrated athlete who possesses the speed, power, and agility to create big plays in the backfield, Schmitt will be a promising piece for the Tigers' offense to watch going forward as he continues his development. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1691372"],"_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-69c9dc4865f23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brainerd's offense took a big hit this offseason with [player_tooltip player_id='1652933' first='Jayden' last='Barnum'] finishing his senior season, and one name who could be in line to replace him as the primary bell-cow in their backfield is [player_tooltip player_id='1691372' first='Asa' last='Hemsworth']. While he didn't see much playing time in the varsity lineup as a freshman, he flashed explosive potential in the JV lineup, running well outside of the perimeter, changing direction on a dime, and proving to be difficult to tackle while flashing an impressive amount of strength for his size to churn through contact. Hemsworth should easily find more playing time in the varsity lineup in 2026 with a chance to be considered as a potential candidate for the No. 1 position on the depth chart going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716537"],"_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-69c9dc4865f96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While his position within the Cougars' offensive depth chart may not see a significant rise in 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='1716537' first='Tyson' last='Macken'] should be on watch as he continues to grow to potentially become a stud on their offense when the time comes. Despite being a smaller back, Macken uses his size to his advantage, proving slippery and able to fit through tight seams, and he's quick in the open field, allowing him to break free and break away from defenders to the end zone. Macken could certainly benefit over time with some bulk to his frame, but his future for the Panthers looks bright, even if results don't come immediately. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716528"],"_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-69c9dc4866006"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1716528' first='Dillan' last='Kusumoto'] is another bigger back with a thicker lower base that can bruise the line single-handedly with his strength. Kusumoto flashed in his limited playing time on the varsity lineup for the Blaze, proving as a capable runner who can drag several defenders ahead through contact, fighting for extra yardage on every play. Kusumoto also boasts a solid level of agility and speed around the edge, evident as well by his reps at DE, doing a great job at getting outside the Tackle and creating plays outside of the perimeter. Kusumoto may become a regular feature for Burnsville's offense entering 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->