The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one for running backs in the Big 12, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and the potential for breakout performances. While the conference may have seen a dip in rushing yards in recent years, the 2025 season proved that the talent is there, and with the right coaching and strategy, the Big 12 could once again be a powerhouse for running backs. But who will rise to the top and make a name for themselves? Let's take a closer look at the top 15 running backs in the conference, and the factors that could impact their success.
The Top Contenders
LJ Martin, BYU: The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin was the driving force behind BYU's 12-win season. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, he finished No. 11 in the country in rushing yards. As a senior, he has the opportunity to become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher. However, his health has been a concern, and he'll need to stay healthy to lead the charge again.
Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech: Dickey proved to be one of the top playmakers for the Red Raiders, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors. With 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he was second in the conference in scoring. Given Texas Tech's uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey may be leaned on to carry the load early in the year.
Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State: Hawkins was a scoring sensation for North Texas, averaging 13.4 points per game. He finished the year ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards and fourth in all-purpose yards. Now at Oklahoma State, he'll have the opportunity to show whether his skills translate to similar production at the power conference level.
Cam Cook, West Virginia: Cook led the nation in rushing yards and was second in all-purpose yards during his lone season at Jacksonville State. He's reunited in Morgantown with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, who joined the Mountaineers staff this offseason. Can he bring that kind of production to West Virginia?
Wayshawn Parker, Utah: Parker had a standout year for the Utes, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors. He averaged 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests, and his 7 yards per carry over that stretch would have tied him for second nationally. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker's numbers may be impacted, but he's still an explosive playmaker.
The Transfer Factor
The Big 12 is no stranger to transfers, and the 2026 season will be no different. With several teams looking to fill gaps in their backfields, the transfer market could be a game-changer. Here are some of the top transfers to watch:
- Rodney Fields Jr., Oklahoma State: Led the Cowboys in rushing last season.
- Jay Harris, Kansas State: A transfer from Oregon, Harris could be a valuable addition to the Wildcats' backfield.
- Landen Chambers, UCF: Had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas.
- Duke Watson, UCF: Ran for over 600 yards as a true freshman at Louisville and led the country with an 8.9-per carry average.
The Breakout Candidates
While the top contenders are exciting, the 2026 season could also be a breakout year for some of the conference's younger running backs. Here are a few to watch:
- Jeremy Payne, TCU: Led the Horned Frogs in rushing and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC. With a new offensive coordinator, Payne could see a surge in production.
- Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor: Missed the entire 2025 season due to injury but has the potential to shine in 2026.
- Dylan Edwards, Kansas: A transfer from Kansas State, Edwards' speed makes him a valuable asset as both a runner and a returner.
The Underdogs
While the top contenders and breakout candidates are exciting, the 2026 season could also be a year for the underdogs to rise. Here are a few running backs who could surprise:
- Zion Johnson, Cincinnati: Earned snaps late in the year and had a pair of solid games in November. With the Bearcats restocking at running back, Johnson could be in line to take over the lead-back role.
- Kedrick Reescano, Arizona: A reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons, Reescano will have the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back.
- Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State: A redshirt freshman who showed flashes last year, Pettaway could take over as lead back for the Cyclones.
The Wild Cards
The 2026 season could also be a year for the wild cards to make a move. Here are a few running backs who could surprise:
- Kyson Brown, Arizona State: Injured in the 2025 season but has shown the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield when healthy.
- Richard Young, Colorado: A one-cut power back with SEC experience, Young could be a resurgence at the running back position for the Buffaloes.
In conclusion, the 2026 Big 12 season promises to be an exciting one for running backs. With a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and the potential for breakout performances, the conference could once again be a powerhouse for running backs. But who will rise to the top and make a name for themselves? Only time will tell. Personally, I think the Big 12 will once again be a hotbed of talent, and the 2026 season will be a testament to the conference's depth at the running back position.
