Three 2026 RB prospects - on each day of the draft - Texans fans should know

While GM Nick Caserio and the Houston Texans have continued to build the roster elsewhere, adding a youth-infused playmaker in the backfield continues to look like a position of focus in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Things will certainly change as draft boards adjust, sources share news, and the college football season concludes, but here are three early names -- on each day of the selection process-- Texans fans should keep on their radar as the fall progresses.

Day 1: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

As the franchise looks ahead to the 2026 season, the running back spot looms as an area of potential transition. Joe Mixon, acquired to stabilize the backfield ahead of the 2024 season, is under contract through 2026, but with that marking the final year of his deal, Houston may look to inject youth and explosiveness into the position.

The premier ball-carrier in the class, Jeremiyah Love's blend of speed, burst, and versatility in a 205-pound frame is exceptional for his size. At Notre Dame, he’s shown the ability to rip off explosive runs while also contributing as a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield. His acceleration and knack for turning small creases into chunk plays make him a constant home-run threat, something that would greatly benefit Houston's offense, which is in need of some fire power.

For the Texans, Love represents more than just a playmaker -- he’d be a natural succession plan for Mixon.

QB C.J. Stroud has shown he can maximize weapons around him, and giving him a back who can impact the game on all three downs only raises the ceiling of Houston's offense. Love’s ability to contribute as a receiver would keep defenses honest and further open up the Texans’ aerial attack, while his speed and vision in the run game would prevent defenses from sitting back against the pass.

Day 1 running back investments are rare in today’s NFL, and the Texans absolutely could go elsewere should they land inside the top 15 picks, but Love has the profile to warrant early consideration.

His blend of athletic traits and versatility, paired with the Texans’ timeline, make him a logical fit for a team looking to remain among the AFC’s elite. By 2027, when Mixon’s deal is up, Love could be fully ready to take over as a truly dynamic piece in Houston’s offensive arsenal.

Day 2: Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

If Caserio opts against spending a first-rounder on a running back next spring, the sweet spot to find value could come on Day 2.

A former five-star recruit, Nicholas Singleton, has been a centerpiece of Penn State’s offense since his arrival in 2022.

At 6-foot flat and 220 pounds, he offers a physical frame that can handle volume, but it’s his straight-line explosiveness that separates him. He has the twitch to routinely turn the corner with ease and the breakaway juice to take it for six once he hits the second level, making him a constant big-play threat.

While he’s not yet the most nuanced pass catcher, Singleton's development in that area has been steady, and his raw athleticism gives him three-down potential in the NFL.

For the Texans, Singleton could be the perfect complement to Stroud and the passing game. While Mixon is still under contract, his age and mileage mean Houston needs to be proactive about the position’s future.

Singleton’s physicality would give Houston a tone-setter on the ground, while his burst would add a much-needed layer of explosiveness to OC Nick Caley's offense.

Day 2 is where playoff-caliber teams often find starting-caliber running backs, and Singleton fits the mold. He has the size-speed profile to step in quickly, while still having upside to grow into a lead back role as Mixon phases out of the picture.

Day 3: Hollywood Smothers, NC State

Not every answer at running back has to come early in the draft, and it often doesn't.

Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers isn’t the biggest back, but his nickname tells the story -- he brings plenty of flash.

A former track athlete with an outstanding ability to get it and go, Smothers thrives in space. At NC State, he’s shown an ability to turn perimeter runs and swing passes into chunk plays, making him the kind of weapon who can change the pace of an offense.

He may not profile as a workhorse, but in today’s NFL, having a specialized back who can stretch defenses horizontally and hit home runs is highly valuable.