2026 NFL Draft RB rankings: Any future standouts beyond obvious No. 1?

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAYThu, April 2, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTC

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The primary conversation surrounding running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft will likely stop and start with one name.

Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love figures to once again stoke the flames of just how much value even the most talented players at the position can return. The all-purpose dynamo could become the first ball carrier to crack the top five picks since Saquon Barkley was taken No. 2 in 2018.

Beyond Love, however, there might be a shortage of starting-caliber options, as the position appears to be one of the thinner groups in this year's class. Still, mid-to-late-round surprises almost inevitably materialize, with the likes of Kyle Monangai and Jacory Croskey-Merritt having made significant marks just last year as seventh-round rookies.

Here are our rankings of the top 10 running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft:

1 / 02026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn't seem so outlandish when it's being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he's extremely unlikely to be caught. He's far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field - particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it's rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won't likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It's fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class' difference-makers.

2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Many players with Price's capabilities might rue being stuck behind a truly rare talent such as Love. The Fighting Irish's backfield dynamic, however, still permitted the backup to give a tantalizing taste of all that he can bring to an offense while leaving him fresh for his future team. The 5-11, 203-pound back is fluid in all phases as a runner and consistently leverages his advanced instincts. He's nowhere near as elastic or explosive as Love, but he could still handle a featured role.

3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas

In three years at Buffalo and one at New Mexico State, Washington posted relatively modest production. But averaging 6.4 yards per carry in his lone season at Arkansas put him firmly on the NFL radar, and his stellar combine showing - which included a 4.33-second 40-yard dash from the 6-1, 223-pounder - set him apart as one of the most physically gifted backs in this class. Washington frequently resembles a slalom skier, preferring to navigate traffic by weaving around rather than redirecting instantaneously. More often than not, that approach pays off for him, but he might have trouble shaking opponents in tight quarters at the next level. There are ball-security problems to iron out, and he might never factor heavily into the passing game, but Washington still figures to be one of the few backs in this class capable of more than committee work.

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4. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

After a breakout season in which he led the Football Bowl Subdivision with an average of 151.8 yards from scrimmage per game, Johnson saw his star fade a bit at the NFL scouting combine, where he posted lackluster testing marks. But those numbers reflected what was already known about the 5-10, 202-pound ball carrier: His game doesn't hinge on pure speed or explosiveness. Instead, Johnson makes a consistent mark as a discerning runner who can squeeze through small holes and redirect when defenders overpursue. He might not take many of his carries the distance, but he can pace a rushing attack and also be a consistent contributor catching balls out of the backfield.

5. Nick Singleton, Penn State

Upon suffering a broken foot at the Senior Bowl, Singleton was shelved for the remainder of the pre-draft process. Were it not for the injury, the 6-0, 219-pound back might have established himself as the premier athlete at his position group. Singleton reels off chunk gains with ease when given a runway, as reflected by his 14 carries of 40-plus yards in his career at Penn State. But he's too often disinterested in letting blocks develop or throttling down to evade oncoming defenders. With significant added value as a receiver and returner, however, Singleton should entice teams who want a big-play back, even if he's not yet prepared for a robust workload.

6. Jonah Coleman, Washington

At 5-8 and 220 pounds, Coleman is a bowling ball of a ball carrier who seldom goes down on first contact. He's hardly the most quick-twitch runner, but he manages to sidestep oncoming tacklers enough to stay out of their grasp. Coleman has an advanced feel for the finer points of the position, exhibiting the patience, instincts and overall reliability to maximize the yards created for him. He might not create much more than that, however, so he might top out as a rotational asset.

7. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest

For better or worse, Claiborne is easily the most chaotic runner in his class. The Tarik Cohen-style jump cuts occasionally produce bursts of brilliance when he somehow finds daylight amid traffic. Yet his improvisational tendencies create an all-or-nothing binary on too many of his carries. The 5-10, 188-pounder also rarely manages to fight through first contact, and his discomfort in the passing game - particularly as a blocker - renders him a one-note contributor. Claiborne can be a scintillating change-of-pace option for a scheme that embraces his frenetic approach, but consistency might prove as elusive as he is.

8. Adam Randall, Clemson

A former wide receiver with less than two years of experience at his position, Randall is still finding his way as a runner. Yet it's not hard to see the appeal of incorporating a 6-3, 232-pound breakaway threat who can create mismatches in the passing game. What Randall lacks in tempo and decisiveness in the flow of the game he makes up for with big-play ability and an all-purpose skill set. He could be an Antonio Gibson-style weapon for an offensive coordinator willing to get creative with his usage.

9. Roman Hemby, Indiana

After four years at Maryland, Hemby joined the Hoosiers and paced the ground game with his hard-charging style. Dancing in the backfield isn't a problem for the 6-0, 207-pounder, who's constantly looking to get downhill. That mindset can also cap his upside, however, as he often sacrifices patience and creativity in favor of barreling ahead. He'd still likely be a welcome addition to many attacks as a short-yardage battering ram.

10. Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M

It's easy to wonder how Moss' college career might have panned out had it not been for the incessant injuries, including torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in 2024. The 5-11, 203-pounder grinds out tough yards, punishing defenders who falter in their tackling form. Don't expect too much more than that, though, as he doesn't consistently make defenders miss or outrace them when he has a crease. Expanding his repertoire in the passing game will be necessary for him to take on anything more than a workman-like role in a backfield.

1 / 0Seahawks to be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks

2026 - "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" will debut on Tuesday, Aug. 11. This is the first time that the Seahawks will be featured on "Hard Knocks."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL Draft RB rankings: Who follows Jeremiyah Love at top of list?

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