The NFL Divisional Round has concluded, and before we know it, it’ll be the offseason with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon. As players prepare for their dynasty rookie drafts or are studying up for redraft, here are 10 incoming rookie running backs to be aware of for fantasy football.
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Top 10 Rookie Running Backs
Note: This list is not an official top 10 rankings list, but is meant more as a way to highlight the 10 best fantasy football running backs from the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
Jeremiyah Love is the No. 1 running back from this class, and I’d even go as far as to say he may be a better prospect than Ashton Jeanty.
Love has all of the tools to be a fantastic running back in the NFL, and the only way you’re getting him is if you have the 1.01 pick in your rookie draft.
Jadarian Price (RB – Notre Dame)
Jadarian Price took a backseat to Love at Notre Dame, but if he’s given a chance, he could be an every-down back. He’ll likely run in the 4.4 range at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Some of Price’s biggest concerns include an Achilles tear a few years ago, a tendency to be a bit “dancey” at the line of scrimmage and that he has limited receiving ability. As for the latter, I think he could be a reliable pass-catching back if given a chance.
Jonah Coleman (RB – Washington)
Jonah Coleman isn’t going to run away from defenders, but he’s built like a bowling ball. He’ll be a consistent presence in the backfield and can catch passes out of the backfield.
Coleman has a great chance to be an every-down back for a team, if not at the beginning of the season, at some point during it.
Emmett Johnson (RB – Nebraska)
Emmett Johnson was wildly productive to close out the season, running for 103+ yards in his last five games, including 217 yards against Iowa.
Johnson is a home run waiting to happen, but I wonder if his pass protection, which needs more work, will hold him back. You may need to be a bit patient with him in his rookie season, but if he’s given an extended look, he should do well.
Kaytron Allen (RB – Penn State)
Kaytron Allen won’t catch many passes and isn’t going to run away from opposing defenses. He’ll be a bruiser in the NFL, likely only used on first and second down.
Nicholas Singleton (RB – Penn State)
Of the two Penn State running backs, I prefer Nicholas Singleton. He’s much more explosive and is excellent in pass protection.
The problem with Singleton is that he didn’t have a good final collegiate season. That said, I could see his stock rise if he performs well at the NFL Scouting Combine. The potential is there.
J’Mari Taylor (RB – Virginia)
J’Mari Taylor might be a bit undersized, but he should have a role on a team by Week 1 of his rookie season thanks to his pass protection and pass-catching ability (he caught 43 passes this past season).
It remains to be seen if Taylor will ever be a three-down back due to that size, but I’ll be intrigued where he lands.
Demond Claiborne (RB – Wake Forest)
Demond Claiborne had a productive season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry on 179 attempts, along with 28 catches for 140 yards.
The Wake Forest product is a bit undersized at around 5-foot-9/5-foot-10 and under 200 pounds, but he’ll be an excellent pass-catcher with somewhat limited speed. You’ll want to target him in PPR leagues.
Mike Washington (RB – Arkansas)
Mike Washington has the size, speed and willingness to take on contact that you want to see in any running back, but he fumbles far too much (10 fumbles in college). If that continues in the NFL, he won’t be around long.
Additionally, Washington’s pass-catching ability is a bit of a question mark, though he caught 28 passes this past season. Washington could either be a steal on Day 3 or fumble his way out of the league.
LJ Martin (BYU)
LJ Martin ran for 1,305 yards on 236 carries this past season. He also caught 36 passes for 255 yards. Martin is 6-foot-2 and around 220 pounds, so that immediately piques anyone’s interest.
Martin is somewhat like Jadarian Price in that he can be a bit hesitant at times, but he’s big, fast (a former track star) and is a true junior. Martin is one of the more exciting running back prospects.
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