PRZMN 9-Man Rushers to Watch in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN's 9-Man league is notable for boasting an impressive array of standouts in the backfield, and it isn't uncommon to see teams boast at least one or two highly productive rushers in their backfield each season. What makes the 9-man league unique is it's ability for its stud athletes to contribute in so many different facets for their teams, but today, we take a look at 7 pure RBs within MN's 9-man league that will look to lead the way powering through the ground in 2026!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2241733,"_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-6a4ba3a782e6e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his first year as the varsity starter for Border West, [player_tooltip player_id='2241733' first='Dylan' last='Groebner'] took the reins in the backfield and did an excellent job leading the way for a loaded unit. Groebner finished with 962 rushing yards (6.9 YPC) and 11 TDs while adding 15 receptions for 191 yards and a receiving TD. Groebner didn't have a lot of tape on him, but boasts great size and physicality for the position as well as impressive speed within the conference, as evident after finishing 2nd at the 100m at the Little-8 Conference Track Meet back in May, along with several other standout performances for their track team this spring. Groebner should continue to lead the way for the Buccaneers' backfield in 2026 as he looks to top 1000+ yards in his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1629939"],"_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-6a4ba3a782f62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1629939' first='Bryce' last='Nielsen'] is one of my personal favorites rushers in the conference, flashing as a bulldozer of a ball-carrier who can rumble over opposing defenses, showcasing all the makings of a bruising Fullback that we don't see often in football these days. Nielsen ran for 983 yards (5.9 YPC) and 9 rushing TDs in 2026 while adding 14 receptions for 198 yards and 2 receiving TDs in 2025. With the frame, tenacity, and raw strength to take on defenders and refusing to go down at first contact, Nielsen is constantly driving and churning for additional yardage, flashing brilliantly as a short-medium yardage runner while contributing well in the passing game as well. I am intrigued to see whether Nielsen will continue to pursue this role at the next level, but I think Nielsen has the potential to make that transition as a potent power Back at the college ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2241741,"_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-6a4ba3a782fe9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking a big step forward as the leader for Wabasso's backfield, [player_tooltip player_id='2241741' first='Joseph' last='Rohlik'] flashes the makings of a potent scamper back with all-purpose value. Rohlik ran for 900 yards (7.5 YPC) and 11 TDs while adding 6 receptions for 100 yards and a TD on offense. He also recorded 46 tackles and 2 INTs on defense. A sneaky runner with great balance and precision weaving his way around the perimeter, Rohlik does exceptionally well working through space, and when he breaks into the open field, there is no catching him on his breakaway runs, making him dangerous in the outside-zones and as a checkdown option. Rohlik will look to continue the Rabbits' positive momentum following their first winning campaign since 2020. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2241746,"_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-6a4ba3a783061"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite his primary position being on defense, [player_tooltip player_id='2241746' first='Eli' last='Walkup'] undoubtedly flashed as an immediate standout for the Comets, playing a huge role in guiding the team to the 9-man state championship game as a freshman. Walkup ran for 754 yards (4.8 YPC) and 5 TDs, finishing as the second-leading rusher on the team behind only star QB Ethan Swedberg. Walkup wasn't a particularly flashy runner, but was very much consistent in generating positive momentum in the backfield, proving to be a nice companion piece for the more explosive Swedberg. With Swedberg's departure this offseason, Walkup will have a much more expansive role on the Comets' offense in 2026, and he could end up as a massive breakout candidate this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581339"],"_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-6a4ba3a7830c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> While Kingsland suffered an unfortunate first round exit in the playoffs in 2025, they are still looking to contend prominently within the 9-man conference, and a potential breakout for the Knights is in the makings with [player_tooltip player_id='1581339' first='Bently' last='Wiersma']. Wiersma ran for 518 yards (7.1 YPC) and 4 TDs in 2025 while adding 7 receptions for 61 yards and a receiving TD. A slippery and agile RB who is able to weave through defenses and is dangerous outside the perimeter, Wiersma also flashes impressive athleticism, including a 365 lb max squat, a 455 lb max deadlift, and a 4.64 40 yard time to flash some improbable testing numbers among his fellow competition. Wiersma's athleticism and potential is impossible to ignore, and as he enters the 2026 season as the centerpiece for the Knights' offense, a big campaign in 2026 could bring a significant recruiting push by the end of his senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2002905"],"_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-6a4ba3a783125"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='2002905' first='Alex' last='Davis'] as one of the most versatile all-purpose players in the 9-man conference entering the 2026 season, and he is expected to have a huge role for the Vikings' offense this season. Davis ran for 414 yards (12.2 YPC) and 6 TDs in 2025 while adding 2 receptions for 15 yards. Davis sees the field very well, and he's immediately proven to be quite a force in the backfield, considering how effective he was despite working on a lighter workload, despite the fact that three players on the offense had at least 75+ carries in 2025. I'm really excited to see what Davis will accomplish in his senior season with a full workload of carries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2241812"],"_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-6a4ba3a78317b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding out this list is another figurehead of a loaded backfield in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2241812' first='Jackson' last='Jenniges']. Jenniges led the Dragons last season with 469 rushing yards (8.5 YPC) and 8 TDs while adding 2 receptions for 54 yards and a receiving TD. A speedy, dynamic Back who can shed through contact and find the open lanes in the outside zones, Jenniges is consistently able to rack up big yardage on the ground, and has already garnered a lot of trust from the Dragons' coaching staff as their go-to guy on the ground. It will be intriguing to see how he further develops into this role over the next two seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->