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. He’s 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:
Ranking the 10 best running backs in 2026 NFL Draft
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
Love is a powerful runner who’s just as good at pounding between the tackles and bursting for big gains outside. He’s got 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 quick runner who follows his blocks well and makes the most of even the smallest holes. He’d be ideal in a zone-blocking scheme but can thrive anywhere as a complementary back with his style.
Draft projection: Second round
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
Don’t be fooled by his frame. Coleman plays bigger and stronger than his size in the vein of Frank Gore.
He doesn’t have the explosiveness to pull off home run plays. But 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 he can run effectively inside or outside with some juice once he gets into the open field. He’s a big runner who operates more like a smaller, shiftier one.
Draft projection: Late second round to third round
5. Seth McGowan, Kentucky (6-0, 223 pounds)
McGowan is a bit like LeGarrett Blount with his combination of power and big-run ability. But he needs to shore up problems 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 runner who can flash some extra zip. He has strong hands to protect the ball and contribute as a receiver.
He’s most effective 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. He’ll also be valued to help out as pass blocker and receiver.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
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 change of pace who flashes home-run explosiveness.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
9. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (6-0, 219 pounds)
Singleton does a lot of little things well, like his former college teammate Allen. 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 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
