The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and with all 32 teams already making moves in free agency, we have a good sense of what their needs are.
Some organizations may focus on the running back position, and there's a wide variety of options in this class. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love leads the crop of prospects, but there are a few others who could make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Let’s break down and rank the best running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft. Use PrizePicks Team Picks for an opportunity to turn your 2026 NFL Draft knowledge into cash if you’re right.
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Best Running Backs in the 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Top 10
Here are the top 10 running backs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
- Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price
- Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr.
- Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
- Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton
- Washington RB Jonah Coleman
- Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
- Kentucky RB Seth McGowan
- Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne
- Indiana RB Kaelon Black
Top 5 Running Back Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
We analyze the top running backs for the 2026 NFL Draft below, also highlighting their strengths and weaknesses and forecasting their roles in the NFL.
Use PrizePicks Team Picks to make predictions on where players could land in the 2026 NFL Draft and more.
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5. Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton
Nick Singleton third RB drafted: Yes 3.33x
Unfortunately for Singleton, he broke his foot at the Senior Bowl, which ended all his pre-draft activities, yet it may not impact his draft stock.
His numbers might have regressed from the previous season, going from 6.4 yards per carry in 2024 to 4.5 in 2025, although not all the blame goes to him. Penn State fired head coach James Franklin in the middle of the season and also lost QB Drew Allar to a season-ending injury.
Singleton has big-play ability, including 14 career carries of 40 yards or more. While he can be a fantastic north-south runner, he isn't known to move east-to-west to elude tackles.
He's an above-average receiver who can catch in the flat and run shorter routes, but he struggles as a pass blocker, which isn't ideal if a change is made at the line of scrimmage to keep him in to block.
Singleton doesn't profile as someone who leads a backfield, but he can potentially become a change-of-pace back in the NFL.
4. Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr.
Mike Washington Jr. third RB drafted: No 1.14x | Yes 2.04x
After spending three years in Buffalo and one at New Mexico State, Washington’s single year in a Power Five conference was memorable, seeing him log 6.4 yards per carry and 8 TDs at Arkansas.
Those numbers got the attention of NFL scouts, but he also posted a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at 6-foor-1, 223 pounds, showing he has both size and speed.
Washington is one of the most impressive pure rushers in this draft. It doesn’t feel like he’s running, but more like he's gliding. He’s smooth through the line of scrimmage and can weave around defenders, then break away in the open field. When you factor in his physicality, he's tough to take down.
Ball security could be a concern, with 10 fumbles over the last three seasons. If that pops up in the NFL, he may lose out on opportunities.
Ideally, Washington can correct this and become a productive piece for a team’s backfield.
3. Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
Emmett Johnson third RB drafted: Yes 2.08x
Do not base an assessment on Johnson’s 4.56-second 40-yard dash because on the field, he’s all business.
As a runner, he has everything you’re looking for: vision to find lanes, burst off the line, fancy footwork that gets others dancing, and the ability to bounce off defenders.
Johnson could be the best receiving back in this class. He’s not just a check-down option; he has a versatile route tree that makes him a legitimate threat in the passing game, very similar to Atlanta Falcons halfback Bijan Robinson.
This is someone who may end up being a steal in the draft, being selected later but having a huge impact.
2. Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price
Jadarian Price second RB drafted: No 3.7x | Yes 1.23x
How many times is a backup of the top prospect right behind them in the overall rankings? Price played second fiddle to Love his entire tenure in South Bend, but he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 6.0 YPC with 18 rushing TDs over the last two seasons.
Price has the physical traits you want in a RB, like fantastic initial burst and fighting for extra yards after contact. He also has an above-average football IQ. He’s patient behind the line, waiting for holes and setting himself up well.
Teams might be apprehensive because Price played a backup role in college and hasn't experienced a heavy workload. Whoever drafts him gets a player who can come in and contribute right away, even in a limited capacity.
1. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
Jeremiyah Love drafted top five: No 2.38x | Yes 1.49x
Most experts believe Love is the best RB prospect in this draft and should be the first one taken. Some even predict his name will be called within the first five picks.
The former Notre Dame RB could have an immediate impact on his future team, just as the aforementioned Robinson and Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs recently did in their rookie seasons.
Love is a versatile runner who makes big plays, exploding and possessing excellent instincts to find his gaps. He’s even better when he gets into the open field, boasting fantastic footwork and a nice spin move that can leave a defender unbalanced.
He’s also an above-average pass catcher, which is immensely valuable in today’s NFL.
Whichever team selects Love projects to have a super impactful RB.
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Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
The RB position is stacked in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jeremiyah Love looks like the top player at the position, but there are still plenty of backs who could make an impact at the next level.
On PrizePicks Team Picks, there is a chance to make predictions on this RB class for the 2026 NFL Draft. You can also make calls on team selections, position groups, and more. Additionally, the NFL tab is already open with Super Bowl LXI winner picks available.
Keep it right here with the Playbook for continued NFL predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.
