As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, running back rankings are taking shape, highlighted by one elite prospect. Ahead of next week's NFL Scouting Combine, analysts have compiled a top-10 big board for the position, though clarity diminishes significantly after the top spot.

The Blue-Chip Prospect: Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love is considered one of the few true blue-chip prospects available in the entire 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of position. He possesses the necessary size, speed, vision, contact balance, and athleticism to become an elite NFL running back.

Love delivered a standout performance at the NFL Combine, clocking an impressive 4.36 time in the 40-yard dash. Furthermore, he demonstrated his pass-catching versatility by successfully completing drills as a wide receiver. Many project Love to be the overwhelming favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2026.

Notre Dame Backfield Depth

Love’s backup at Notre Dame, Jadarian Price, proved to be an instinctive runner when given opportunities. Price averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2025 and secured 11 touchdowns despite playing behind Love. Increased playing time should translate into starting-caliber production at the professional level.

Tier Two Running Backs and Key Contenders

Sleeper and Power Backs

Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr. is highlighted as perhaps the most underrated running back in this draft class, combining terrific size, speed, and instincts. Washington impressed at this year's Panini Senior Bowl after rushing for 1,070 yards in 2025, having previously played for Buffalo and New Mexico State.

Washington University's Jonah Coleman is viewed as a prospect who can immediately fill a short-yardage role due to his dense frame built for punishing defenders. However, Coleman may lack the top-end speed to be a true three-down back.

Versatile and Downhill Runners

Nebraska's Emmett Johnson projects as a potential bellcow, displaying savvy running and explosive jump-cut ability. In 2025, Johnson rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he has proven valuable in the passing game with 85 receptions and five scores over the previous two seasons.

Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne is an incredibly shifty and elusive back with eye-popping burst, capable of forcing difficult open-field tackles against safeties and linebackers. His primary area for improvement is speeding up his processing behind the line of scrimmage.

Additional Prospects Rounding Out the Top Ranks

Power and Injury Concerns

Kaytron Allen is characterized as a downhill thumper who excels in short-yardage situations through sheer power, though he lacks top-tier athleticism and is not projected as an impactful pass catcher.

Kentucky's Seth McGowan, a former player at Oklahoma and New Mexico State, broke out in 2025 with 12 rushing touchdowns. He is another violent, downhill thumper who might secure a rotational role but often gains only the yards blocked for him.

Speed and Scheme Fit

Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss generates explosive gains with rapid foot speed and lowers his pads effectively to run through defenders. Injuries have been a career concern, and his physical style may best suit a power/gap scheme, potentially limiting his versatility.

Kaelon Black, who surprisingly was excluded from the NFL Scouting Combine, rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns for Indiana in 2025. Despite being a six-year college veteran, which may invite ageism, Black runs with intentional violence.

Analyst Note

Justin Melo, publisher of NFL Draft on SI, compiled these rankings. Melo has extensive professional experience covering the NFL Draft across various platforms, including The Draft Network and USA Today SMG.