2026 NFL Draft Early Watch List: Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Luke Easterling | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 1:23 PM ET

It's never too early to look ahead to the next NFL Draft, and with the dust now fully settled from this year's event in Green Bay, the gaze of prospect evaluation is now turning to the 2026 class.

The 2025 running back group was absolutely loaded, from an elite talent at the top, to deep second and third tiers that provided impressive depth and strong value throughout all seven rounds. There's no Ashton Jeanty in the 2026 class, but there's still a clear-cut leader at the top of the board, along with a handful of promising runners who could contend for first-round consideration.

Here's an early look at some of the top running back prospects eligible for next year's draft:

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

He may not be in Jeanty's stratosphere (few are), but Love has all the traits to be a special back at the next level. A three-down playmaker, Love helped lead the Fighting Irish all the way to the national title game, tallying over 1,300 total yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging nearly seven yards per carry.

#NotreDame RB Jeremiyah Love (6-0, 212)

Dynamic and instant accelerator. Easy speed to circle the defense. Utilizes subtle cuts to set up blocks. Excellent short area instincts to make defenders miss. His explosive runs end with TDs. pic.twitter.com/TjI7oTtiDc
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) June 13, 2025

Love was slowed late in the season by a knee injury, but at full strength, he should prove in 2025 that he's the best running back in college football. If he's able to stay healthy and reach his lofty potential, Love could end up hearing his name called in the top 20 of next year's draft.

Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

A complete back with an NFL-ready frame, Singleton is the perfect balance of power and explosiveness in the backfield. Listed at 6-0, 227 pounds, he's just as likely to shake a defender in the open field as he is to run him over, and he's not afraid to churn out the tough yards between the tackles.

It's very hard to find running backs that have the juice and the power that Penn State RB Nick Singleton has pic.twitter.com/7MIySCvfRH
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 2, 2025

He's half of a two-headed monster for the Nittany Lions, but don't think Singleton won't be capable of handling a full workload at the next level. He's got the size, well-rounded skill set, and versatility (67 receptions, 683 yards, seven touchdown catches over the past two seasons) to be a full-time, three-down back in the NFL. That could make him a first-round pick.

Makhi Hughes, Oregon

A transfer from Tulane, Hughes put up huge numbers for the Green Wave, racking up nearly 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground over the past two seasons. Listed at 5-11, 210 pounds, he's got the ideal frame for a featured back at the NFL level, along with the three-down skill set to match (19 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Good luck stopping Makhi Hughes#AmericanWay x @GreenWaveFB pic.twitter.com/N4K9q2FW2k
— The American (@American_Conf) October 5, 2024

Hughes shows impressive contact balance to run through traffic and stay upright, along with the vision and explosiveness to navigate his way into the open field and pull away from would-be tacklers. If he's able to produce at the same level against top competition this year, he should be one of the first backs off the board come next April.