As Jeremiyah Love prepares to make the jump to the NFL, the devy landscape at running back feels more uncertain than usual. There isn’t a deep pool of clear-cut, can’t-miss prospects at the top. While names like Bo Jackson and Ahmad Hardy are worth monitoring as potential difference-makers at the next level, it feels as though the position is still waiting for the next wave of true breakouts to emerge.
One of the most battle-tested strategies is to consistently build and maintain a pipeline at running back. The position turns over quickly, and the most successful players are often those who can cycle through assets, developing backs, selling at peak value and replenishing before veteran options hit the dreaded second-contract cliff. This current uncertainty makes it even more important for devy managers.
However, there is reason for optimism in this incoming class. Several high-profile prospects not only arrive with elite traits, but also land at Power Four programs with relatively clear paths to early playing time. That early opportunity is critical, as nothing boosts devy value faster than production, and this group has multiple candidates who could rise quickly.
The Top 11 2026 College Football Freshmen Running Backs | Devy Fantasy Football
Ezavier Crowell (Alabama Crimson Tide)
5’11” | 221 lbs | Jackson High School, Ala.
Ezavier Crowell is one of the premier running back prospects in the 2026 class, bringing a rare combination of size, burst, vision and physicality to the position. A highly productive high school runner who reclassified up a year, he enters college with the profile of a true every-down back capable of handling a heavy workload. Crowell’s game is built on decisive running and violent finishing ability. He processes blocks quickly, keeps his feet active behind the line of scrimmage and bursts through creases with impressive acceleration for a back of his size. Once he gets downhill, he consistently runs through contact and falls forward, making him a difficult player to contain between the tackles. Beyond his power profile, Crowell also brings legitimate big-play ability and receiving value. He has shown soft hands out of the backfield and even some slot usage, giving him the skill set to impact a game in multiple ways.
Strengths
- Bellcow frame and build: Possesses the size and strength to handle a significant workload as an every-down running back.
- Vision and processing: Quickly identifies lanes and pairs active footwork with strong run instincts behind the line of scrimmage.
- Contact balance and power: Runs through tackles with ease and consistently falls forward to finish runs.
- Burst and long speed: Accelerates quickly through the hole and has the top-end speed to turn open-field opportunities into touchdowns.
- Receiving upside: Displays soft hands and passing-game utility, including experience catching the ball out of the backfield and from the slot.
Concerns
- Reclassification adjustment: Reclassifying up a year could create an early adjustment period as he acclimates to college speed and physicality.
- Elusiveness in space: More of a decisive, downhill runner than a true make-you-miss specialist in the open field.
- Workload transition: Entering college with a massive high school workload may raise questions about long-term wear, even if there are no immediate red flags.
Projection
Projecting as a high-end every-down running back, Ezavier Crowell has the traits to become a featured option at the Power Four level. His blend of size, contact aggression, burst and vision gives him the profile of a back who can handle volume while also creating explosive plays. He can push for meaningful work early in his career playing for Alabama and his physical running style and passing-game skill set should make him difficult to keep off the field, especially as he adjusts to the pace of the college game. Long term, Crowell has the tools to develop into one of the top running backs in College Football and a future early-round NFL Draft prospect if his trajectory continues.
Savion Hiter (Michigan Wolverines)
5’11” | 210 lbs | Louisa County High School, Va.
One of the most complete running back prospects in recent recruiting cycles, Savion Hiter combines burst, power, vision, balance and long-speed in a ready-made frame. He is built to handle work between the tackles but explosive enough to create chunk plays on the perimeter, entering college with the profile of a true feature back.
Hiter wins with a mature feel for the position. He is decisive without being rushed, allowing blocks to develop before quickly charting his path and exploding through daylight. His low pad level, strong lower half and natural balance make him difficult to bring down, while his acceleration allows him to separate once he reaches the second level. Although he has not been heavily featured as a receiver, he brings the physical tools and overall athletic profile to project as a true three-down option at the next level.
Strengths
- Complete running back skill set: Brings an impressive blend of burst, vision, power, balance and agility.
- Ready-made frame: Already carries college-ready size and strength with the build to handle inside volume.
- Vision and patience: Shows strong instincts behind the line of scrimmage and consistently finds the correct lane.
- Breakaway speed: Has the acceleration and long speed to turn creases into explosive gains.
- Inside-outside versatility: Effective running between the tackles or bouncing runs to the perimeter.
Concerns
- Receiving résumé: Has not been heavily utilized as a pass catcher, leaving that area less developed on tape than the rest of his profile.
- Level of competition: Dominated high school opponents, but much of that production came against below-average competition.
- Immediate workload split: May begin his college career in a committee before fully taking over lead-back duties.
Projection
KJ Edwards (Texas A&M Aggies)
5’10” | 190 lbs | Carthage High School, Texas
KJ Edwards is a dynamic running back prospect whose burst, vision and receiving ability make him one of the more dangerous all-purpose backs in the 2026 class. A highly productive runner with verified speed, he brings a modern skill set to the position, combining explosive cutback ability with the versatility to impact the passing game.
Edwards is at his best when he can press a lane, stay patient behind his blocks and explode through daylight. His acceleration and top-end speed make him a home-run threat any time he gets to the second level, while his low center of gravity and competitive running style allow him to finish above his size. He is not a power back, but he consistently runs hard and shows enough contact balance to maximize yardage. With experience as both a runner and receiver, Edwards enters college with the profile of a versatile offensive weapon capable of fitting a variety of backfield roles.
Strengths
- Elite acceleration and speed: Possesses high-end burst and top-end speed that make him a constant big-play threat.
- Vision and patience: Sees the field well and allows blocks to develop before decisively attacking creases.
- Cutback ability: Dangerous one-cut runner who can quickly redirect and punish overaggressive defenses.
- Receiving value: Proven pass-catching ability out of the backfield with enough ball skills to contribute in multiple alignments.
- Low-center running style: Runs with good pad level and competitiveness, helping him finish above his size.
- Scheme versatility: Fits especially well in zone concepts, but has enough all-around skill to contribute in different run-game structures.
Concerns
- Play strength: Not built to run through defenders consistently and may never be a true power back.
- Ball security: Can get loose with the football when fighting for extra yardage.
- Footwork consistency: Needs to continue refining his gear-down and re-acceleration in tighter spaces.
- Durability monitoring: Missed time during high school with turf toe and other minor setbacks.
Projection
Looking like a high-upside all-purpose back, KJ Edwards is capable of making an impact in a modern offense that values explosiveness and versatility. His skill set at speed, vision and receiving gives him the tools to contribute both on early downs and in passing situations.
At Texas A&M, Edwards has the type of profile that could earn him touches early, especially if he continues to develop physically and sharpens his technical consistency. His ability to function as a zone runner and passing-game weapon makes him a natural fit for a committee role with the upside to grow into more. Long term, his athletic profile and three-down competency give him legitimate NFL potential if he continues refining his game and maintaining his explosiveness.
5’9” | 185 lbs | Texas High School, Texas
One of the most versatile offensive weapons in the 2026 class, Tradarian Ball brings a hybrid skill set that blurs the line between running back and wide receiver. A dynamic playmaker with track-verified speed, he enters college with the ability to impact an offense from the backfield, the slot or in motion-based packages designed to get him the ball in space.
Ball’s best trait is his explosiveness. He accelerates quickly, changes direction with little wasted movement and is dangerous once he gets the ball on the perimeter. His receiving background is a major part of his profile, as he looks natural running routes, catching the football and transitioning into a runner. While he improved as a more traditional runner during his senior season, his greatest value may still come from his flexibility as an offensive chess piece. With his multi-phase skill set, Ball projects as a player who can create mismatches and stress defenses in a variety of ways.
Strengths
- Offensive versatility: Legitimate ability to contribute at running back, in the slot or as a motion weapon within a spread offense.
- Explosive acceleration: Sudden burst and top-end speed make him a dangerous big-play threat in space.
- Open-field playmaking: Dangerous with the ball in his hands thanks to quick transitions, speed variation and lateral agility.
- Improved running instincts: Showed growth as a senior in patience, finishing runs and maximizing available yardage between the tackles.
- Return game upside: Athletic profile and ball skills give him additional special teams value.
Concerns
- Positional projection: Hybrid skill set may leave some uncertainty about whether his long-term role is at running back, receiver or as a true utility weapon.
- Feature-back profile: Lacks ideal bellcow size and may never be a high-volume between-the-tackles runner.
- Interior consistency: While improved as a runner, his most natural value still appears to come in space rather than as a grinder inside.
Projection
Tradarian Ball projects as a flexible offensive weapon capable of contributing in a variety of roles at the college level. His speed, receiving skill set and ability to function both in the backfield and out wide make him a strong fit for a modern spread offense that values mismatch creation. At Oregon, his path to touches may come first through versatility rather than traditional running back volume. If used creatively, he can carve out an early role as a hybrid playmaker who adds value as a receiver, runner, and return option. Long term, Ball’s clearest path to high-end value may be as a multi-dimensional offensive weapon rather than a classic feature back, although his athletic traits and versatility still give him intriguing NFL upside.
6’0” | 210 lbs | Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Fla.
Derrek Cooper is a powerful downhill running back whose physical running style and explosive bursts through the line make him one of the most punishing backs in the 2026 class. A two-way standout earlier in his career, Cooper also saw time at linebacker, bringing a defensive mindset to the position and consistently attacking defenders with power and urgency.
With a game built around north-south efficiency, Cooper hits holes quickly, accelerates through contact and routinely finishes runs with authority. Once he builds momentum, his combination of size and speed allows him to eliminate pursuit angles and generate chunk yardage. While he thrives as a downhill runner, he has also shown flashes of receiving ability, particularly on screens and quick passes out of the backfield. With his blend of size, physicality and explosive acceleration, Cooper profiles as a runner capable of handling tough yardage while still creating big plays when a crease appears.
Strengths
- Power running style: Runs with physicality and consistently finishes through contact, often falling forward for additional yardage.
- Downhill burst: Hits holes quickly with decisive acceleration behind the line of scrimmage.
- Contact balance: Difficult to bring down in traffic thanks to strong lower-body power and balance.
- Red-zone effectiveness: Physical profile and running style make him a natural short-yardage and goal-line option.
- Receiving flashes: Displays capable hands out of the backfield and transitions quickly into a runner after the catch.
- Competitive toughness: Plays with a defensive mentality and shows a willingness to initiate contact.
Concerns
- Patience behind the line: Can be overly eager, hitting holes and occasionally running into blockers rather than allowing lanes to develop.
- Elusiveness in space: More of a power runner than a lateral creator and rarely relies on open-field moves to evade defenders.
- Pass protection development: Will need to refine technique and awareness in pass protection to maximize three-down potential.
Projection
Projecting as a physical committee back, Cooper should be capable of handling interior rushing work and goal-line opportunities early in his collegiate career. His power running style and ability to generate yards after contact give him a clear role in short-yardage and high-leverage situations. At Texas, Derrek Cooper enters a backfield that could benefit from his physical skill set, giving him a pathway to early rotational touches. If he continues to develop his patience and expands his passing-down utility, he could grow into a more consistent workload over time. Long term, Cooper’s size, toughness and downhill running ability give him the profile of a productive collegiate back with the potential to develop into a valuable NFL committee runner if his all-around game continues to evolve.
Deshonne Redeaux (USC Trojans)
One of the more explosive running backs in the 2026 class, Deshonne Redeaux pairs verified track speed with a compact, well-built frame and the kind of burst that can change a game in one touch. Redeaux is a multi-sport athlete with all-star game appearances and an early breakout profile; he brings big-play ability as both a runner and receiver, while also offering value on special teams.
His game is built on acceleration, decisiveness and lower-body power. Redeaux attacks creases quickly, gets to the second level in a hurry and has the contact balance to run through arm tackles and survive glancing blows. In space, he becomes especially dangerous, showing the vision to erase angles, a sharp jump cut and enough suddenness to create chunk gains. Redeaux also flashes soft hands and natural transition skills as a pass catcher, giving him added appeal in modern spread offenses. When healthy, he looks like a dynamic complementary back with the tools to become much more.
Strengths
- Explosive burst: Accelerates rapidly through the hole and reaches the second level with real urgency.
- Compact, powerful build: Natural leverage and lower-body strength help him run through contact and break arm tackles.
- Contact balance: Absorbs contact well and keeps runs alive through glancing hits.
- Open-field ability: Uses vision, speed, and a quick jump cut to eliminate pursuit angles.
- Receiving upside: Soft hands and smooth transition from catcher to runner make him a legitimate passing-game threat.
- Special teams value: Athletic profile suggests added utility as a return option.
Concerns
- Patience behind the line: Can be too quick to commit to the first available crease instead of letting blocks fully develop.
- Inconsistent first-level vision: Will occasionally run into developing traffic rather than identifying the best lane.
- Bounce tendency: Sometimes defaults to trying to win outside, which will be harder to pull off consistently at the college level.
Projection
With the profile of a high-upside complementary back, Deshonne Redeaux has clear three-down potential if his vision and pacing continue to develop. His explosiveness, receiving ability and compact frame make him an ideal fit in space-oriented offenses that can create favorable touches for him. His skill set will fit naturally at USC in a scheme that values versatility from the backfield. The likely path is a gradual ramp-up, with limited early usage before he pushes for a larger role once opportunities open up. For devy and Campus-to-Canton (C2C) purposes, he carries strong long-term appeal because of his athletic profile and pass-game value. If his processing improves and he stays healthy, Redeaux has the traits to become a multi-year producer with Day 2 NFL upside.
Legend Bey (Ohio State Buckeyes)
5’10” | 175 lbs | North Forney High School, Texas
What immediately stands out is his burst; Bey has rare acceleration, elite-verified speed and the kind of short-area twitch that allows him to slip through traffic and turn small creases into explosive gains. He runs with better balance and toughness than his frame suggests, showing enough contact balance and leg drive to survive inside touches despite not being built like a traditional workhorse back. His background at quarterback also shows up in how he sees the field, processes space and understands leverage as a runner. Bey is still a projection because of the position change, but the ceiling as a space player and all-purpose weapon is obvious.
Strengths
- Elite athletic profile: Verified speed, explosiveness and agility give him rare big-play potential every time he touches the ball.
- Dynamic runner: Sudden acceleration and sharp change of direction make him dangerous in both open space and tight quarters.
- Natural vision: Sees lanes well and shows strong instincts as a ball carrier despite spending his high school career at quarterback.
- Contact balance for size: Runs tougher than expected and can stay alive through glancing contact.
- Versatility upside: Offers potential value as a runner, gadget weapon and return specialist.
- Immediate return game appeal: Athletic traits should allow him to contribute early on special teams.
Concerns
- Position transition: Still has to learn the details of playing running back full-time at the college level.
- Receiving projection: Has not yet fully proven himself as a pass catcher, which is important for a back with his size profile.
- Limited workhorse outlook: Frame likely caps his long-term projection as more of a complementary weapon than a volume back.
- NFL role uncertainty: Athleticism is undeniable, but pro value may depend heavily on how well he develops as a receiver and offensive chess piece.
Projecting as a high-upside offensive weapon, Legend Bey’s value may come from versatility rather than traditional running back volume. His athleticism, field vision and suddenness give him a clear pathway to touches, especially in space, on designed packages and in the return game.
Bey enters a roster at Ohio State where he is unlikely to become a true bellcow, but he does bring a unique skill set that can carve out an early niche. Expect gadget usage, special teams involvement and creative personnel packages before any larger offensive role develops. For Devy and C2C formats, Bey is a traits bet with clear explosive upside, but one whose long-term value will depend on how Ohio State develops him and whether he grows into a more complete offensive weapon.
Javian Osborne (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
5’9” | 200 lbs | Forney High School, Texas
Strengths
- Compact, sturdy frame: Built with a naturally low center of gravity that helps with balance, leverage and run finishing.
- One-cut decisiveness: Identifies creases quickly and gets north-south with purpose.
- Initial burst: Hits the hole with urgency and reaches the second level quickly.
- Foot quickness in traffic: Navigates congestion well and can make subtle cuts to avoid defenders.
- Patience and vision: Shows a good feel for letting blocks develop before committing.
- Functional receiving ability: Limited usage, but looks comfortable catching the ball when given opportunities.
Concerns
- Limited top-end speed: More of an efficient chunk-play runner than a true home-run threat.
- Receiving résumé is modest: Most of his pass-game work came on screens and manufactured touches rather than true route-running reps.
- Can be overly aggressive behind the line: At times, commits too quickly to the first opening and runs into trouble.
- Complementary ceiling: Skill set may fit best in a shared backfield rather than as a true featured option.
Projection
Jonaz Walton (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
5’10” | 210 lbs | Central High School, Ga.
With a sturdy, compact build, Jonaz Walton is one of the more complete skill sets among the running backs in the 2026 class. As a highly productive multi-sport athlete with strong track credentials, Walton wins with vision, foot quickness, functional power and enough speed to turn clean lanes into explosive plays. His profile blends old-school toughness with modern versatility, making him an especially intriguing long-term backfield piece.
Walton’s best trait may be his vision; he is patient behind the line, constantly scanning for creases, and shows the ability to manipulate defenders with subtle cuts and quick feet in tight spaces. Once he gets downhill, he has enough burst to reach the second level and enough awareness to eliminate pursuit angles. He also offers real value as a pass catcher, with soft hands and a comfort level that suggests added upside in the receiving game. The result is a back who projects as more than just a grinder. Jonaz Walton has the tools to become a productive, well-rounded contributor at a high level.
Strengths
- Excellent vision: Consistently identifies lanes, feels developing blocks and finds creative paths through traffic.
- Quick feet: Uses subtle micro-movements behind the line and in the open field to create cleaner rushing angles.
- Functional burst: Accelerates well through openings and can create chunk plays once he reaches space.
- Open-field awareness: Recognizes pursuit angles quickly and adjusts his path to maximize gains.
- Receiving upside: Soft hands and prior production as a receiver point to useful passing-game potential.
- Multi-sport athleticism: Track background supports the explosiveness and movement ability that show up on tape.
Concerns
- Receiving résumé is still somewhat limited: Much of his pass-game usage came near the line of scrimmage rather than on expanded route concepts.
- Leans into contact: Can rely too heavily on physical running, which may be less effective against bigger, faster defenders.
Projection
Projecting as a high-quality complementary back, Jonaz Waton has the upside to become a lead option in the right situation. His vision, burst and sturdy frame make him a natural fit for a rotation, but his all-around game gives him a chance to earn more than just committee work over time. Contending alongside Javian Osborne in a talented running back room, a shared workload feels likely early on. Even so, Walton has the skill set to become a major factor because he offers both rushing efficiency and useful receiving traits. For Devy and C2C purposes, he looks like one of the more appealing long-term bets outside the top tier of recruits, with enough explosiveness and polish to grow into fantasy relevance if the workload follows.
Brian Bonner Jr. (Washington Huskies)
6’0” | 185 lbs | Valencia High School, Calif.
Winning with urgency and acceleration, Bonner attacks creases quickly, reaches top speed in a hurry and is dangerous any time he gets a runway. His footwork behind the line allows him to redirect cleanly and slip through tight spaces, while his receiving background adds a valuable layer to his projection. He is not just a screen-game option either, as he has shown comfort catching the ball from the slot and pushing vertically. The appeal here is clear: Bonner is a space player with legitimate explosive upside who can stress a defense in multiple ways.
Strengths
- Explosive burst: Hits holes with urgency and gets to top speed quickly once he identifies daylight.
- Big-play speed: Track background shows up on tape and makes him a scoring threat from anywhere on the field.
- Quick feet: Uses short-area footwork well to redirect in the hole and navigate traffic.
- Receiving upside: Natural hands catcher with experience lining up in the backfield, slot, and outside.
- Linear acceleration: Particularly effective as a north-south runner who can punish defenses when given a crease.
- Body control in traffic: Does a nice job getting skinny through narrow lanes and limiting defenders’ tackle windows.
- Scheme versatility in spread concepts: Projects especially well into offenses that want to isolate backs in space as runners and receivers.
Concerns
- Limited lateral creativity: Rarely wins with true wiggle or extended make-you-miss ability in the open field.
- Upright running style: Can do a better job consistently lowering his strike zone before contact.
- Not a physical finisher: More of a speed and space back than one built to create tough yards through raw power.
- Frame questions: Leaner build may limit how much additional mass he can comfortably add.
Projection
Jonathan Hatton Jr. (Oklahoma Sooners)
6’0.5” | 205 lbs | Cibolo Steele, Texas
A physical, north-south runner, Jonathan Hatton Jr.’s game is built around vision, contact balance and finishing power. As a two-sport athlete with a track background, he brings a sturdy frame and an increasingly impressive blend of play strength and long speed, giving him the profile of a back who can handle meaningful work once he settles into a college rotation.
Hatton wins with decisiveness; he is a one-cut runner who quickly identifies creases, gets downhill with purpose and consistently falls forward through contact. His footwork is better than expected for a bigger back, allowing him to find cutback lanes and navigate traffic efficiently before accelerating into the second level. While he is not the type of runner who strings together moves in space, he does have enough build-up speed to rip off chunk gains when a lane opens. The appeal is straightforward: Hatton looks like the kind of back who can stabilize a rushing attack with efficient, physical carries and eventually grow into a larger role.
Strengths
- Vision and decisiveness: Sees running lanes well and commits quickly without much wasted movement.
- One-cut running style: Effective downhill slasher who gets north-south and maximizes what is blocked.
- Physical finish: Will lower his shoulder and attack defenders to earn extra yards.
- Quick feet for size: Shows enough foot speed to hit cutback lanes and move efficiently through traffic.
- Top-end speed once rolling: Has better long speed than expected for his frame when he gets a runway.
- Developmental arrow: Physical growth and improved explosiveness suggest his best football is still ahead.
Concerns
- Limited burst: Does not always hit holes with the kind of immediate acceleration needed to beat penetration consistently.
- Build-up runner: Long speed is useful, but it takes him time to reach it.
- Limited open-field creativity: More of a straight-line finisher than a back who routinely makes defenders miss in space.
- Upright tendencies: Can still do a better job shrinking his strike zone when entering contact windows.
Projection
Projecting as a potential lead-back candidate in a committee structure, Jonathan Hatton Jr. would especially thrive in an offense that values downhill efficiency and physical finishing. He may not offer the dynamic receiving profile or lateral creativity of some other backs in the class, but he brings a dependable rushing skill set that translates well to early-down work. At Oklahoma, his opportunity is intriguing, because the room lacks a fully established long-term workhorse. That gives Hatton a real chance to climb the depth chart over time, with rotational work possible early and a larger opportunity by 2027. For Devy and C2C, he profiles as a solid long-term investment whose value will likely rise if he claims meaningful volume in the Sooners’ backfield.
More Freshmen Fever & 2026 Rookie Content
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Thanks for reading my article on the Devy Freshman Running Backs of 2026! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports*
