2026 NFL Draft Preview: Running Backs
Penn State is ready for a national championship run on the backs of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
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Expectations are sky-high in South Bend, as they seek to ride the back of star runner Jeremiyah Love. With a splendid combination of size, speed and athleticism, the tools are enough to make NFL teams fall in love with the Notre Dame dynamo. While he possesses captivating run ability, his hands and pass protection is why he’s the complete package.
One of the biggest transfers of the offseason was Makhi Hughes to Oregon. After shredding the AAC the past two seasons at Tulane, the physical back has proven to be one of the best at breaking tackles and picking up yards after contact. However, no school can stake claim to having a more potent backfield tandem than the one-two punch that Penn State returns in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton (photo: PSU Athletics).
A couple of notable transfers who could ascend up draft boards include Jadyn Ott of Oklahoma, who battled through an injury-plagued season at Cal a year ago and CJ Donaldson, who looks to fill the void at Ohio State, coming over via West Virginia. The undersized Desmond Reid of Pitt brings combustible explosiveness as a runner, pass-catcher and return man.
2026 NFL DRAFT: RUNNING BACK RANKINGS
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, Jr, 6002, 210, 4.38e
Makhi Hughes, Oregon, rJr, 5106, 210, 4.54e
Kaytron Allen, Penn State, Sr, 5102, 222, 4.50e
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State, Sr, 6001, 226, 4.38e
Justice Haynes, Michigan, Jr, 5096, 210, 4.45e
Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma, Sr, 6002, 210, 4.48e
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas, Jr, 5106, 195, 4.52e
CJ Baxter, Texas, rSo, 6010, 220, 4.52e
Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M, Jr, 5112, 215, 4.52e
Jonah Coleman, Washington, Jr, 5086, 229, 4.56e
Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh, Sr, 5075, 175, 4.45e
Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech, rSr, 5092, 190, 4.49e
Jamarion Miller, Alabama, Sr, 5085, 218, 4.58e
CJ Donaldson, Ohio State, Sr, 6010, 238, 4.64e
Darius Taylor, Minnesota, Jr, 5112, 215, 4.54e
Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State, Sr, 5082, 203, 4.57e
Jaheim White, West Virginia, Jr, 5072, 195, 4.38e
Rahsul Faison, South Carolina, rSr, 5096, 200, 4.54e
Roman Hemby, Indiana, rSr, 6002, 208, 4.48e
Kanye Udoh, Arizona State, Jr, 6000, 215, 4.64e