Ranking the NFL's 25 best running backs for the 2026 season, from Jahmyr Gibbs to Jadarian Price

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Running backs seem like they have made a big comeback in terms of their importance in the NFL. In reality, having a dynamic, versatile option to boost the rushing attack and passing game has remained most relevant, even with so much attention being put on quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Follow the recent money for proof. Right at the top of Sporting News' RB rankings ahead of the 2026 season, you'll find two recent higher draft picks now making more than $22 million a season with new contracts. More young rising stars also got big raises when extended by their teams.

From the two first-round backs from 2023 through the two first-round backs just taken in '26, here's SN's look at the 25 best from the 32 teams:

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NFL running back rankings 2026

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (age: 24)

Gibbs will be running solo as "Sonic" with Dan Campbell and the rest of Detroit's offensive coaches ready to elevate him to explosive workhorse status with David Montgomery traded to the Texans. Gibbs won't disappoint as the complete big-play package with every touch, from home runs to tough red zone running.

2. Bijan Robinson, Falcons (age: 24)

Robinson is only a smidge behind his 2023 first-round draft mate Robinson as a complete back. There's plenty on him to carry the Falcons offense, and he's proved to be a durable force when maxing out his workload. Atlanta will lean on him plenty with such a shaky QB situation.

3. James Cook, Bills (age: 26)

Cook is coming off winning his first rushing title and has exceeded expectations for him in Buffalo, proving to have more promise than older brother Dalvin. Cook has a perfect blend of power and receiving juice to be the ideal complement to Josh Allen in the prolific rushing Joe Brady offense.

4. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (age: 30)

McCaffrey didn't slow down much last year as he needed to go back to further expanding his role as a receiver with San Francisco having some blocking issues. He has hit 30, but still has one or two more top productive seasons left in him in Kyle Shanahan's offense to confirm his Hall of Fame status.

5. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (age: 27)

Taylor has his groove back as Indianapolis' clear top offensive option under Shane Steichen, but he falls behind the others with some past injury issues and inconistency. He still is an MVP- and OPOY-caliber threat.

James Lang-Imagn Images

6. Derrick Henry, Ravens (age: 32)

Henry keeps chugging along as the best and most feared straight-up power back of his era. With his two-season work in Baltimore playing off Lamar Jackson and finishing drives often while extending his durability, Henry is pounding his 6-3, 252-pound frame into the Hall of Fame.

7. De'Von Achane, Dolphins (age: 24)

Achane has gone from a speedy big-play back to a well-rounded option, now the essential life blood of the new-look offense with no more established home-run wide receiver threats. He benefited well under Mike McDaniel but can continue to respond well as the go-to guy playing off a new mobile starting QB, Malik Willis.

8. Saquon Barkley, Eagles (age: 29)

Barkley needs a little bit more healthy production to join McCaffrey and Henry on the surefire track to Canton. His massive all-time 2024 season through the playoffs led to some wear-related regression in a transitional offense in '25. The former Giant will keep benefiting from teams also needing to worry about Jalen Hurts.

9. Chase Brown, Bengals (age: 26)

Brown gets the nod for most underrated back in the league because he plays for such a pass-happy Cincinnati offense in which Joe Burrow and marquee wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the headliners. But Brown is proving he handle high volume as a versatile producer, aka the new Austin Ekeler.

10. Omarion Hampton, Chargers (age: 23)

Hampton will now get to benefit from McDaniel's run-friendly play-calling in Los Angeles and be the big-time workhorse Jim Harbaugh needs to take pressure off Justin Herbert and help open up the passing game. Hampton can also explode for big plays and scoring, with health being the biggest second-year key.

11. Ashton Jeanty, Raiders (age: 22)

Jeanty is also a second-year first-round back hoping to break out from the AFC West after being capped production-wise because of the Raiders' dysfunction, including Chip Kelly's misfit offense. Jeanty should rebound for bigger things in the balanced attack under Klint Kubiak with a revamped line featuring well-paid center Tyler Linderbaum.

12. Travis Etienne Jr., Saints (age: 27)

Etienne comes back to the Bayou via free agency, timed well with the venerable Alvin Kamara breaking down more with volume and age. Etienne can have a big year featured in Kellen Moore's offense that once led Barkley to his best season. His versatility and nose for goal-line burst will be a huge lift to a budding offense.

13. Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs (age: 25)

Walker cashed in on his great season as the Seahawks' early-down back, powering his way to dominant Super Bowl 60 MVP honors vs. the Patriots. He's no luxury signing for Kansas City. The Chiefs needed to restore their strong balance and dedication to the run with Patrick Mahomes, well timed with Eric Bieniemy's return to Andy Reid's offense.

14. Javonte Williams, Cowboys

Williams lived up to the early promise he had a special back in Denver before a major knee injury and Dallas' gamble on him paid off big-time last season. Williams also got rewarded for a new deal and is the ideal finisher for their pass-centric offense.

15. Kyren Williams, Rams (age: 26)

Williams comes in behind Brown as being underrated. He just steadily leads Los Angeles' backfield as Sean McVay's most durable and reliable runner. This Williams also does what's needed in the passing game when called upon.

Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

16. Breece Hall, Jets (age: 25)

Hall came back to the new-look Jets' offense featuring the return of Geno Smith. Hall is also getting well removed from his major knee injury to the point that he will be a busy veteran on a team loaded with young options beyond Garrett Wilson.

17. Josh Jacobs, Packers (age: 28)

Jacobs might not see the field for a while because of off-field reasons and Green Bay will miss his consistency, despite the buzz around finally healthy backup MarShawn Lloyd. Jacobs has been solid through his time with the Raiders and Packers, even with some ups-and-downs. He still has a little more left as a workhorse despite his previous wear.

18. D'Andre Swift, Bears (age: 27)

Ben Johnson is back to being a "Swiftie" as there are high overall expectations for the offense with what Swift and Kyle Monangai do in the running game. Swift also figures to be more unlocked as a receiving weapon to complement Caleb Williams' impressive young array.

19. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (age: 27)

Warren and Rico Dowdle will play a huge part in the Steelers getting what they need in the running game to take pressure off Aaron Rodgers. Warren is also invaluable on passing downs as a receiver and sound blocker.

20. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (age: 23)

Tuten gets a massive opportunity to lead Jacksonville's backfield with Etienne gone. He makes the list for his Frank Gore-like compact power running at 5-9, 209 pounds.

21. Cam Skattebo, Giants (age: 24)

Skattebo needs to watch it on the backflips so he can prove doubters about his durability wrong. The Giants upgraded depth behind him with the same concern. Should he stay on the field, Skattebo is a high-energy Swiss Army knife who benefits well in his friendly team-up with running QB Jaxson Dart.

22. Blake Corum, Rams (age: 25)

Corum makes the list as the best No. 2 back from any team in the league. Should Williams go down or show some wear, Corum is capable of providing McVay with the same kind of no-nonsense production.

23. TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots (age: 23)

Henderson was shot out of a cannon in his rookie season as a threat to take every carry the distance with his burst to the open field and flat-out speed. Still supported well by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Patriots will hope Henderson can become a little more complete in Year 2.

24. Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals (age: 21)

Love isn't "starting" right away in Arizona, in a surprise crowded committee that includes free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier, Robinson's former ace backup. But the upside for the No. 3 overall rookie draft pick is huge, to the point that he can be Gibbs' or Robinson's place on this list in two to three seasons.

25. Jadarian Price, Seahawks (age: 22)

Price is a direct replacement for Walker and will be needed more than that early with ideal passing-down back Zach Charbonnet on the shelf. Price came out of Love's shadow at Notre Dame to establish his own brand of rushing pop. He's well positioned for the Super Bowl champions in the new offense under Brian Fleury.

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