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EspañolThe 2025 NFL Draft featured one of the best groups of running backs seen in recent draft history. No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty headlined a deep class which saw multiple late-round selections compete for starting snaps in the NFL last season.
This week, the NFL scouting combine will introduce more fans to the latest class of running backs to follow that star-studded group.
This year's class doesn't have the same depth but brings star power once again in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
Love is far and away the top running back in the class but there are many more who could become key contributors for teams sooner than later. A rookie running back can make a huge difference - just ask reigning AFC champion New England about their young star TreVeyon Henderson.
If you're not familiar with the class yet, we've got you covered. Here's a look at which running backs are invited to the NFL combine this year plus our top 10 rankings at the position in 2026:
WRs at the 2026 NFL combine
- Kaytron Allen, Penn State
- Max Bredeson, Michigan
- Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
- Jonah Coleman, Washington
- CJ Donaldson, Ohio State
- Rahsul Faison, South Carolina
- Eli Heidenreich, Navy
- Roman Hemby, Indiana
- Robert Henry Jr., UTSA
- Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
- Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
- Seth McGowan, Kentucky
- Jam Miller, Alabama
- Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M
- Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
- Adam Randall, Clemson
- Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
- Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
- J'Mari Taylor, Virginia
- Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
- Noah Whittington, Oregon
2026 NFL Draft: Top RBs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Scouting report: The 2026 class features yet another clear-cut No. 1 running back. Love is far and away the top player at the position with a skill set tailored to the modern NFL. He's a three-down running back with size (6-foot, 214 pounds) and breakaway speed to score at any moment. His receiving skills mean he's a true three-down back. He averaged 4.50 yards after contact per attempt this season.
NFL comparison: Alvin Kamara, slightly slower Jahmyr Gibbs
2. Jonah Coleman, Washington
Scouting report: Shockingly agile for a running back built as powerfully as he is at 5-foot-9 and 228 pounds. Will be a problem for defenders due to his contact balance and low center of gravity. Patient runner who churns out extra yards. Not a burner but has game speed to hold up. His frame makes him serviceable as a pass protector already. Not much of a receiving threat beyond screens.
NFL comparison: Shades of Maurice Jones-Drew, Mike Davis
3. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Scouting report: Versatile running back who may have a better draft pedigree if not for playing behind one of the best prospects in the class. Fast enough to be a home-run hitter but uses patience between the tackles. Smaller frame raises some questions and may be limited to a split role in the backfield until proven otherwise.
NFL comparison: Raheem Mostert
4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Scouting report: Can operate in any scheme at the NFL level. Patient runner with a powerful frame, quick feet and lean to get extra yardage. Lacks elite speed and hasn't developed much as a receiver beyond screens or checkdowns. Has operated in a shared backfield so questions about his durability.
NFL comparison: Rhamondre Stevenson without receiving acumen
5. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Scouting report: Ideal acceleration with the vision to time hitting the hole correctly. Elusive to avoid tacklers and work well in both zone and duo concepts. Weapon in the passing game as well with good lateral agility. Lacks elite speed but more than good enough to stick in the NFL.
NFL comparison: Kyren Williams
6. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Scouting report: Explosive athlete at the position for his size. High end speed to be a home-run hitter as a runner with myriad ways to be deployed. Proven pass catcher. Not elusive as a runner, more of a downhill back. Lacks the natural feel for zone schemes, may be limited to gap and power.
NFL comparison: Shades of David Johnson, traits like Nick Chubb
7. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
Scouting report: Great mix of size, power and top-end speed. Punishes would-be tacklers and averaged 3.86 yards after contact per attempt in 2025. Experienced in both gap and zone schemes. Agile for his size but not elite. Powerful style leads to fumble concerns (10 in his college career). Can run stiffly and lacks pass protection acumen.
NFL comparison: Latavius Murray
8. Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Scouting report: Size and strength to be an early-down back in the NFL. Good burst off of the line with the contact balance to maintain his edge and earn extra yards. Scoring machine with 22 rushing touchdowns in 32 career games. Good patience, vision and can get skinny when needed. Lacks top end speed and runs upright which will show up more at the NFL level than in college.
NFL comparison: Shades of Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby
9. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
Scouting report: One of the faster running backs in the class with elusive, twitchy speed. Creative runner in tight corners. Willing to run inside but lacks the build to do so effectively. Proven returner on special teams. May not fit in wide zone or duo run concepts. Ball security became an issue in 2025 (five fumbles in 12 games).
NFL comparison: Shades of Keaton Mitchell, Jerome Ford
10. J'Mari Taylor, Virginia
Scouting report: Compact frame at 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds with ideal burst off the line. Good contact balance and vision to make it through crowded trenches. Willing pass protector with the leverage to overcome smaller size. Solid receiver out of the backfield. Lacks long speed and route running needs improvement to be a true receiving threat. Will always be limited in pass protection to some extent due to his size.
NFL comparison: Ronnie Hillman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL combine: Jeremiyah Love leads RB invitees and rankings