Breaking Through: New RBs Added to the '26 Rankings, Pt. 1

Running backs might not always get the same attention as quarterbacks, but they play a crucial role in any team's success. With the latest update to the 2026 rankings, a new group of running backs is starting to get the attention they deserve. These players have been putting in the work, and now they're beginning to see the payoff. In this first part of our series, we'll introduce you to the new RBs added to the '26 rankings, highlighting what makes them stand out and why they're ones to watch moving forward.    [player_tooltip player_id='1369386' first='Javon' last='Bell'] is an incredibly powerful back running the ball for Peoria. Always keeping his legs churning, he rarely ever goes down to the first tackle attempt and frequently shakes off more than that. He does a great job of using his powerful base to power through even hard contact, putting his balance on full display. To be able to absorb that contact and not only stay upright but hardly even change direction is a real testament to his power. Averaging 100 yards per game as a sophomore, Bell has absolutely earned his spot in the 2026 rankings, debuting as the #2 ranked running back in his class — a well-deserved achievement.      [player_tooltip player_id='1369422' first='Courshawn' last='Hill'] shows great patience through the line of scrimmage in Williams Field's offense. He does a nice job of waiting for the right moment to make a move as he progresses through the line of scrimmage, while also not hesitating once the lane does come open. Just because Hill gets wrapped up, doesn't mean he's going down. According to his Twitter, now at 5'11" and 212 lbs, Hill has plenty of strength and shows it often. Even at that size, he still has some decent wiggle and really nice top-end speed so when he does break through the second level, he's a real threat to take it to the house. Hill is a player coaches should be watching closely as he works through his junior season.      Continuing the trend of big-bodied and powerful running backs, Anthony Boone's agility is remarkable for a prospect at 6'0" 197lbs. Not afraid to lower his shoulder and having plenty of strength to run through players, he can also put a move on defenders and get around them instead. He has long arms that can be really effective in pass blocking, adding that extra protection for his quarterback when needed. Part of a talented O'Connor backfield with '25 Bently Corbin, Boone's size could provide a nice counter to Corbin's dynamic play-style. He's a player coaches should keep a close eye on in 2024.      [player_tooltip player_id='1328718' first='Benjiman' last='Saucedo'] joins the ranks alongside other promising running backs in the class of 2026. Although there isn't a ton of film available, his appearance in the latest rankings points to a player with untapped potential. A dual-sport athlete who ran a 13.3 100m on the track as a sophomore, Saucedo has some nice speed. That type of speed isn't expected from a player who's a stalky 5'7" and 180 lbs. If he can translate that athleticism to the football field, he could become a key contributor for Arcadia's offense.

Running backs might not always get the same attention as quarterbacks, but they play a crucial role in any team's success. With the latest update to the 2026 rankings, a new group of running backs is starting to get the attention they deserve. These players have been putting in the work, and now they're beginning to see the payoff. In this first part of our series, we'll introduce you to the new RBs added to the '26 rankings, highlighting what makes them stand out and why they're ones to watch moving forward.