.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The 2026 running back class won't go down as one of the best. But it does have a top back in Jeremiyah Love who can stack up with recent first-rounders such as Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton.
Love seems to have endless options among the top 10 teams picking, but he is bound to give that team a reliable, well-rounded workhorse for many seasons to come. Once Love is gone, the wait might be a little long for the No. 2 back — his Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price — to come off the board.
Here's breaking down the top of an overall weak group:
MORE: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
Ranking the 10 best running backs in 2026 NFL Draft
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
Love is a powerful, explosive runner who is just as adept at pounding well between the tackles and bursting for big gains outside. He possesses rare strength, balance and vision. He can also stay on the field for third downs to contribute wherever needed in the passing game.
Draft projection: Early first round
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame (5-11, 203 pounds)
Price is a nifty quick runner who follows his blocks well and is adept at making the most of even the smallest holes. He would be ideal in a zone-blocking scheme but can thrive anywhere as a complementary back with his style.
Draft projection: Second round
MORE: Sporting News' mock draft with first-round trades
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
Don't be fooled by his smallish frame. Coleman plays bigger and stronger than his size in the vein of Frank Gore. Although he has limited explosiveness to pull off home run plays, he can knock out chunk runs with some toughness after initial contact.
Draft projection: Late second round
4. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)
Washington has worked his way up boards by showing well-rounded qualities to run effectively inside or outside with a little bit of juice once he gets into the open field. He is a big runner who operates more like a smaller, shiftier one.
Draft projection: Late second round to third round
MORE: NFL power rankings 2026 after free agency
5. Seth McGowan, Kentucky (6-0, 223 pounds)
McGown is a bit like LeGarrett Blount with his combination of power and big-run ability but he needs to shore up liabilities with ball security and pass protection to get enough chances to display that juice.
Draft projection: Third to fourth round
6. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)
Johnson is a steady, compact runner who can flash some extra zip. He has strong hands to protect the ball and contribute as a receiver. He is most dangerous once he can break through holes and get into open field.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
7. Kaytron Allen, Penn State (5-11, 216 pounds)
Allen is the better of the two Nittany Lions prospects with some compact running in the Johnson mold and also will be valued to help out as pass blocker and receiver.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
MORE: Biggest, strongest, fastest from 2026 NFL Combine
8. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest (5-10, 188 pounds)
Claiborne is a tough runner with good quickness but he's best suited running for chunks on the perimeter as chance of pace who flashes home-run explosiveness.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
Dan Rainville/Hanover Evening Sun/Imagn
9. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (6-0, 219 pounds)
Singleton does a lot of little things well, like his former college teammate Allen, but his role in the NFL might be best suited as a bigger change of pace who has some impact as a receiver on third downs.
Draft projection: Fifth to sixth round
10. Eli Heidenreich, Navy (6-0, 198 pounds)
Heidenreich is an intriguing fullback hybrid with some explosive receiving qualities to go with some tough power running and blocking. A team will need to be creative in getting him on the field as a straight-up offensive weapon. He has surprised many with his flat-out track speed in the process.
Draft projection: Fifth to sixth round
English (US)