Running Backs - 2026 NFL Draft Preview

Ourlads Staff
10/14/2025 11:15PM ET
Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

*Denotes Underclassman

1. Love, Jeremiyah

Notre Dame - 6000 / 214 

Two-year starter, St. Louis, MO. First team All-American in 2024. Shows an ideal blend of size and athleticism. Big enough to take hits and fall forward, fast enough to run away from an entire defense in space. Has six touchdowns of 47+ yards over his last 18 games and his 62 missed tackles forced was number one in the nation in 2024 among backs with under 165 carries. Has not fumbled over his first 350 touches. A complete back with acceleration and deceleration that creates separation from defenders. Times his sharp, explosive cuts well, showing the necessary vision and awareness. Has steadily improved his ball skills as a receiver. Lethal in the open field. Wins in so many ways and rarely goes down on first contact when he’s on an island. Too quick to bounce outside. Needs to be more aggressive between the tackles. Loses some sure yards from obsession with the cutback.

2. Haynes, Justice*

Michigan - 5110 / 205

Three-year starter, Buford, GA. Son of Vernon Haynes, a six-year NFL running back. Spent two seasons at Alabama prior to transferring to Michigan in 2025. Strong and stable runner who bounces between tacklers without being thrown off his path much. Remains patient and on time with his block concepts working up front. Times his acceleration well and now has the gear to run away from defenders in space. Among national leaders in explosive runs. Already has three touchdown runs of 50+ yards. Runs low and balanced with proper footwork to give him options along with staying square and ready for lateral adjustments. Trustworthy ball security with consistent handling mechanics. Has yet to put one on the ground. Has not proven much in the passing game as either a receiver or blocker. Can get rigid through his hips. Lacks the late shake and elusiveness. 

3. Coleman, Jonah 

Washington - 5080 / 227 

Three-year starter, Stockton, CA. Spent two seasons at Arizona prior to transferring to Washington in 2024. All-Pac 12 in 2023 and All-Big 10 in 2024. Compact frame built low to the ground which is hard for defenders to square up and wrap around. Creates tremendous contact balance and play-strength to take on hits and stay upright. Assumes he will break tackles and keep the feet active post-contact. Shows improved lower body twitch and fluidity when moving laterally. Keeps his hips square to the line of scrimmage as he takes on contact. Will lower his pad level and brace himself with forward lean to create more missed tackle attempts. Hits the acceleration button in a hurry. Anticipates space and angles to get the head start. Makes a difference as a blocker. Both violent and technique-savvy. Does not have the final gear to run away from speed in space. Lacks top tier explosion. Lacks creativity and elusive hips as a ball carrier Shows upper body stiffness as a receiver.

4. Singleton, Nicholas 

Penn State - 6003 / 218 

Four-year starter, Shillington, PA. Two-time All-Big 10. A physical marvel with talent oozing out of every variable. Big and strong with a muscle-filled lower body. Explosive from the start with the speed to outrun just about anyone in pursuit. Coordinated as a receiver with the ability to impact the game from multiple angles. Strong enough to push piles and obliterate smaller defenders. Will find green and explode through it, often outrunning angles by pursuers. One-cut-and-go runner with aggressive upfield burst and difference-making power to run behind his pads. Receiver-caliber hands and feel in space post-catch. Has fixed early-career fumble problems. Delayed in his decision making which makes him play slower than he is. Needs to be more assertive. Does not create much on his own. Will run stiff and rigid at times. Gets high and does not break enough tackles for what his body is capable of. 

5. Claiborne, Demond 

Wake Forest - 5095 / 192

Two-year starter, Aylett, VA. All-ACC in 2024. Has an elite speed reputation since his high school days as a sprinter. Earned his stripes as a special teams defender in year one and then led the team in rushing as a sophomore in a rotational role. Easy acceleration. Moves like he is on ice skates with the ability to subtly alter his path without losing speed. Fluid lower body capable of bending in and out of breaks at a high velocity. Balanced against contact. Will bounce off tacklers and move north in a hurry. Shows track-sprinter type movement traits in space with gear after gear. Hands are receiver-caliber and has an arsenal of routes he can run at a high level. Aggressive style makes him more than just a big play threat. Did not fumble until his 448th career touch. Light and does not play with enough power to push piles or consistently fall forward. Will get too cutback-prone. Needs to take what is in front of him. May not be able to sustain blocks in pass protection. Lacks the reach and base to stay on guys. 

6. Price, Jadarian 
Notre Dame - 5110 / 210 

7. Allen, Kaytron 
Penn State - 5110 / 219 

8. Cobb, Jeremiah*
Auburn - 5110 / 200 

9. Miller, Jam 
Alabama - 5100 / 221 

10. Smothers, Hollywood 
North Carolina State - 5110 / 195 

11. Johnson, Emmett 
Nebraska - 5110 / 200 

12. Moss, Le’Veon 
Texas A&M - 6000 / 215 

13. Whittington, Noah
Oregon - 5080 / 201 

14. Hankerson, Anthony 
Oregon State - 5080 / 206 

15. Booth, Davon
Mississippi State - 5100 / 205 

16. Hughes, Makhi 
Oregon - 5100 / 210 

17. Ott, Jaydn 
Oklahoma - 5105 / 208

18. Haynes, Jamal
Georgia Tech - 5090 / 190 

19. Stewart, Terion
Virginia Tech - 5070 / 225 

20. Washington Jr., Mike 
Arkansas - 6020 228 

21. Hemby, Roman 
Indiana - 6000 210 

22. Donaldson, CJ 
Ohio State - 6020 / 232 

23. Diggs, Logan
Mississippi - 6000 / 211 

24. Henry Jr., Robert
UTSA - 5090 / 205

25. Bullock, Kentrel 
South Alabama - 5100 / 205 

26. Campbell, CJ
Rutgers - 5100 / 205 

27. Conners, Dean
Houston - 5113 / 210

28. Mockobee, Devin 
Purdue - 6000 / 202 

29. Walker, Tawee 
Cincinnati - 5080 / 218 

30. Reid, Desmond
Pittsburgh - 5080 / 175 

31. Edwards, Cam 
Connecticut - 5110 / 210 

More Positions at Ourlads' 2026 Draft Hub...