C2C 2026 Top 40 Running Backs

Matty shows us his way-too-early running back rankings!

Running back is the hardest position to rank in C2C and honestly, the easiest one to get wrong if you’re chasing names instead of situations. This list isn’t about who Twitter loves or who had the prettiest high school tape. It’s about traits, paths to touches, and landing spots that actually make sense.

Some of these guys are freshmen, I’m betting on early. Some are portal moves I really like. Some are straight-up swings. That’s the game.

40. Kam Davis – Liberty (2027)
This isn’t a talent fade at all. Kam Davis just never got a real opportunity at Florida State, and that’s the truth. When he’s been on the field, he’s shown decisiveness and real RB instincts. Liberty gives him a clean slate and a realistic path to touches. I like backs who finally get a chance to prove what they are.

39. KJ Edwards – Texas A&M (2029)
This is a freshman I actually like. Edwards is explosive, fluid, and has real movement skills. Texas A&M RB rooms are always messy early, but I’m betting on the long-term talent here. This stash could look a lot better a year from now.

38. Antwan Raymond – Rutgers (2027)
This is a volume-based ranking. Rutgers isn’t flashy, but Raymond has the workload, and he’ll matter in deep C2C leagues. Not exciting, but useful.

37. Cam Edwards – Michigan State (2026)
I like the physicality, but I need clarity in the role. Michigan State needs stability at RB, and Edwards could carve something out, but this is still a wait-and-see bet.

36. Jaheim White – North Texas (2026)
Pure CFF value play. He’s explosive in space and can rack up points quickly if the offense leans into him. NFL upside is limited, but he helps you win weeks.

35. Ja’Kyrian Turner – Pitt (2028)
Turner runs harder than people think. He’s efficient, physical, and Pitt RBs always end up mattering more than expected.

34. Derrek Cooper – Texas (2029)
The talent is real; the opportunity is not. Texas is stacked, and Cooper is stuck in a traffic jam. This is a long-term stash only.

33. Bryson Washington – Auburn (2027)
If he can stay healthy, I’ll move him up quickly. I’m betting Auburn eventually leans on him, and if he produces, this ranking won’t last long.

32. Desean Bishop – Tennessee (2027)
System RB. Tennessee backs can pop in the right situations, but Bishop needs things to break right. I’m comfortable with him here.

31. Evan Dickens – Boston College (2027)
I like Dickens more than most. He runs with patience and balance, and BC will give him work. Sneaky CFF value if the offense improves.

30. Adam Mohammad – Cal (2027)
Smooth runner, smart reads, and efficient. Cal isn’t ideal, but talent still travels, and I like how his game translates.

29. Jordan Davison – Oregon (2028)
This has always been about upside. Oregon rotates heavily, but if Davison ever earns a featured role, this ranking will look low.

28. James Jones – New Mexico State (2027)
One of my favorite deep sleepers. The production is real, the vision is real, and he runs with confidence. Small school, legit back.

27. Caleb Komolafe – Northwestern (2026)
This is a patience ranking. Northwestern RBs quietly get touches, and Komolafe has the frame and skill set to take advantage. He’s already shown it in 2025.

26. Marquise Gillis – Arizona State (2026)
I like the run-through-you ability and pass-catching skill set. ASU needs playmakers, and Gillis can carve out a role quickly.

25. Nate Sheppard – Duke (2028)
Reliable, consistent, and trustworthy. Not flashy, but he does everything well and stays on the field.

24. Gideon Davidson – Clemson (2028)
Clemson RB rooms scare people, but Davidson has the juice to separate himself. This is a long-term bet on talent and the belief he controls the position in 2026.

23. Hollywood Smothers – Texas (2026)
Electric in space. Texas is loaded, but Smothers will get consistent touches—and when he does, he’s going to rise fast.

22. Caden Durham – LSU (2027)
Still developing, but the physical tools are obvious. LSU backs don’t stay quiet forever. I view him as a 1B to Berry right now.

21. Caleb Hawkins – Oklahoma State (2028)
OSU RBs always matter. Hawkins runs with patience, has enough burst, and fits perfectly in that offense.

20. Aneyas Williams – Notre Dame (2027)
I love the versatility here. He can run, catch, and block, which keeps him on the field. That matters more than people think.

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