Early Signing Period: Where are top 2026 running backs headed?
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Ahead of the Early Signing Period rush, USA TODAY High School Sports is turning the spotlight on the top running backs in the class of 2026
Aside from quarterbacks, no position group is as hit-or-miss as the running back position. This class, in particular, is one of the better ones in recent memory when it comes to talent at the top of the group.
We’ve already looked at the top 10 quarterbacks in the cycle. Here’s a deeper look at the top 10 backs that headline the 2026 class.
1. Savion Hiter – Louisa County (Va.)
Height: 5-11.5
Weight: 200
Commitment Status: Committed to Michigan
Summary: Thinking about what Hiter and Bryce Underwood could do in the immediate future should have Wolverine fans salivating. He helped lead his high school program to an 11-1 record this season, with scouts noting the five-star talent as the full package.
2. Ezavier Crowell – Jackson (Ala.)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Commitment Status: Committed to Alabama
Summary: Many think that Crowell is the top running back this cycle, and they have a legit argument. Alabama has a future star, a top-tier talent who averaged nearly 200 yards on the ground during his senior campaign.
3. KJ Edwards – Carthage (Texas)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
Summary: Texas A&M has two of the best backs in the 2026 cycle committed to the program, with Edwards being one of the Aggies’ top overall pledges. On a potent Carthage offense, he rushed for 1,399 yards and 21 touchdowns.
4. Derrek Cooper – Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas
Summary: Texas has been looking for that next elite back, and the Longhorns may have found that talent in Cooper. Committed to Texas since July 20, he leads Chaminade-Madonna’s rushing attack, which has continued to rise in the Super 25 rankings.
5. Brian Bonner – Valencia (Santa Clarita, Calif.)
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 185
Commitment Status: Committed to Washington
Summary: Bonner’s one of two double-digit scoring backs for the Vikings and has shown Washington fans that they should be more than excited about their future with him in the backfield. He finished his senior season with 1,051 yards and 13 touchdowns on 113 carries.
6. Jonathan Hatton Jr. – Steele (Cibolo, Texas)
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 205
Commitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
Summary: Mike Elko’s put together a solid 2026 class, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and Hatton Jr. figures to be a major piece for the Aggies’ future. He rushed for more than 1,250 yards this year in a competitive UIL landscape.
7. Tradarian Ball – Texas High (Texarkana, Texas)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Commitment Status: Committed to Oregon
Summary: Ball is one of the many standout backs in the Tigers’ loaded running back room. The future Duck is second on the team in rushing, totaling 872 yards and nine touchdowns on 140 carries.
8. Javian Osborne – Forney (Texas)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 200
Commitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
Summary: Is Osborne Notre Dame’s next great back after Jeremiyah Love? The potential is there as he’s gone off this season, rushing for over 2,000 yards, with 32 touchdowns.
9. Damarius Yates – Kemper County (De Kalb, Miss.)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 190
Commitment Status: Committed to Ole Miss
Summary: Yates was a standout for the Wildcats in 2025. Although the team went 7-7 this season, he rushed for 2,080 yards and 30 touchdowns.
10. Shahn Alston – Harvey (Painesville, Ohio)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 205
Commitment Status: Committed to USC
Summary: Alston’s team had their struggles this year, but he did not. The future Trojan averaged just under 155 yards per game, finishing the season with 1,548 yards and 29 touchdowns on 172 carries.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Early Signing Period: 10 highest-rated running backs in 2026 class
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos