Vanderbilt Football 2026 Depth Chart Projection: Running Back

Alexander likely wouldn’t have been taken in the NFL Draft had he gone, but he didn’t think about it for a second. He says he had unfinished business at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt knows it has at least a league-average back in Alexander after the step forward he took in 2025, but he still hasn’t proven to be elite. He's ready to prove that he is, though.

“My goal is to be one of the top running backs in the country,” Alexander said, “And definitely be a Heisman candidate.”

Alexander likely won’t show much of anything during fall camp out of precaution, but he’s got an important year ahead of him. 

MK Young

Young took advantage of his opportunity after a year away from football and proved to be a legitimate SEC running back. 

He was Vanderbilt’s second back, but he averaged 9.0 yards per carry and ripped off a number of big runs. 

“I’m so proud of him,” Lea said during the season. “To see him have these moments and with the year he was out and him having to do the dirty work to get himself back, what a great story. It couldn’t happen to a better person.” 

Young is a versatile modern back that can be a safety net for Vanderbilt’s first-time starting quarterback and can complement Vanderbilt back Alexander again. 

The question is whether he’s got room to truly break out as an every-down guy. 

Evan Hampton 

Hampton put up video-game esque numbers as a high schooler, and is perhaps the most talented back in the room. 

He may have to wait his turn, though. 

“I think my ability to see the field and understand defenses is a major factor to my success,” Hampton told Vandy on SI while he was a recruit, “And I'm looking to add more moves into my inventory and continue to get stronger and faster."

Hampton is clearly a talented pass catcher, fast and has some level of physicality to his game. If he plays, Vanderbilt clearly has some opportunity for explosive plays. And it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibilities that he does get on the field.