To round out our top five running backs in the class of 2026 in the state of Kentucky, I have Jayden Gibson Jayden Gibson 5'8" | RB Breathitt County | 2026 State KY from Breathitt County. Jayden is coming off a strong freshman year in which he finished as the team’s leading rusher with 127 carries for 770 yards and eight touchdowns. Gibson is a physical, downhill runner with the ability to break tackles without losing stride. Once he hits the open field, Gibson has shown the ability to use his speed and elusiveness to break away for long runs. Gibson is off to a great start to his sophomore year as he has carried the ball 30 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns through the first two games of the season. Jayden doesn’t currently hold any offers but I expect college coaches to have their eyes on his if he continues to impress over the next few seasons.

Few first-year offensive performers in the region ultimately matched the contributions made by Gibson in his first year of high school competition. Most often aligning as the single running back in the Bobcats’ spread formations, he exhibits the acumen, physicality and durability to provide a consistent inside running threat that forces defenses to occupy the tackle box. Carrying the ball 127 times for 770 yards and 8 touchdowns in 12 games last year, he demonstrated increasing patience and vision as the season progressed, enabling him to consistently move the chains with good forward lean, exceptional ball security and the ability to run through initial contact with defenders. Also an adept blocker and receiver, he hauled in 3 receptions last fall for 27 yards.