With the 2026 college football season creeping up, CBS Sports has been busy sizing up the best positional groups in the Power Four. This time around, Blake Brockermeyer is spotlighting the running backs, ranking the top 10 rooms in the country.
Unlike lists that just chase star names or flashy stats, this ranking leans into depth, experience, and the different flavors each backfield brings. Let’s dig into the top 10 running back rooms for 2026—there’s a lot to talk about.
1. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes snag the top spot, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. Mark Fletcher Jr. is back for his senior year after a monster 2025—1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus some jaw-dropping moments in the Playoff.
He’s not doing it alone. CharMar Brown, a junior, chipped in 474 yards and seven scores, while sophomore Girard Pringle Jr. flashed real breakaway ability with 375 yards and four touchdowns.
Supporting Cast
Let’s not forget Jordan Lyle. He kicked off 2025 as Miami’s lead back, hit some bumps, but still adds another dimension to this already stacked group. Miami’s backfield looks as deep and varied as any in the country.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders bring back a ton of experience with juniors Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. Together, they nearly cracked 2,000 rushing yards and found the end zone 20 times last season.
Dickey handled most of the heavy lifting—1,124 yards and 14 touchdowns. Williams mixed in 868 rushing yards and 388 through the air, giving Tech some real flexibility.
Dynamic Duo
Dickey’s got that rare mix of patience and explosion, while Williams is just flat-out fast. With questions at quarterback, these two might be the heartbeat of the offense.
3. Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s backfield is young but already making noise. Sophomores Jordan Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. racked up over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns last year.
Davison was the steady hand with 667 yards and 15 scores. Hill? He averaged a wild 8.75 yards per carry—hard not to notice that.
Explosive Potential
With these two, Oregon’s got the kind of backfield that can break a game open. That’s going to matter if they want to make a real Playoff run.
4. Louisville Cardinals
Louisville gets both of their main guys back: Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown. Isaac missed a few games but still managed 8.75 yards per carry and seven touchdowns.
Keyjuan brings more of a power element, churning out 7.33 yards per carry and six scores. It’s a nice one-two punch.
Power and Lightning
When you’ve got both speed and strength in your backfield, you’re tough to stop. Louisville’s running game is going to keep defenses honest.
5. USC Trojans
USC’s top runners are back, including sophomore King Miller and junior Waymond Jordan. Jordan led the way before an ankle injury, but Miller stepped up with 972 yards and eight touchdowns.
That’s a backfield with some real upside.
Quality Depth
Throw in four-star freshman Deshonne Redeaux, and there’s more than enough depth. USC’s got options if someone goes down or just needs a breather.
6. Florida Gators
Junior Jadan Baugh is back after leading Florida with 1,170 yards and eight scores. Transfers Evan Pryor (from Cincinnati) and Logan Montgomery (from East Carolina) round out the group.
That’s a lot of experience and fresh legs in the mix.
Power Running
Baugh runs with real power, and the extra depth should keep him fresher late in games. Florida’s running game won’t be easy to slow down.
7. Missouri Tigers
Missouri’s backfield is in a bit of flux. Junior Ahmad Hardy is recovering from a gunshot wound, so junior Jamal Roberts—last year’s backup—looks set to take over.
Transfers Xai’Shaun Edwards and Malae Fonoti are also in the mix. It’s a group with some question marks, but there’s talent.
Depth and Resilience
Missouri’s going to need everyone ready early on. We’ll see how quickly they can gel.
8. Texas Longhorns
Coach Steve Sarkisian shook things up, bringing in Raleek Brown from Arizona State and Hollywood Smothers from NC State. Brown had 1,141 yards last year, and Smothers wasn’t far behind with 939.
That’s a big injection of speed and versatility for Texas.
Massive Upgrade
This duo gives the Longhorns a spark they missed in 2025. There’s a lot to like if they settle in fast.
9. Ohio State Buckeyes
Sophomore Bo Jackson leads the Buckeyes after a breakout freshman year—1,090 yards and six touchdowns. He’s got help from Ja’Kobi Jackson, a JUCO standout who transferred from Florida.
It’s a classic Ohio State blend of power and speed.
Powerful Boost
This group should keep the Buckeyes’ offense humming, especially with Bo Jackson’s big-play ability.
10. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s sticking with their committee approach. Juniors Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens combined for 1,473 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Transfer Dante Dowdell from Kentucky joins in, adding a tough short-yardage option.
Punishing Running Game
Georgia’s got this huge offensive line, and their backfield runs deep.
It all adds up to a running game that’s just plain punishing.
If you want a closer look at the rankings, check out CBS Sports’ Top 10 running back rooms.
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