The 2026 college football season promises an exciting battle for running back supremacy in the Big 12, with a star-studded lineup of players returning and new transfers adding depth. Among the standout performers, BYU's LJ Martin stands out as the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a driving force behind the Cougars' 12-win season, including a Big 12 championship game appearance. Martin's 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with his 36 receptions for 255 yards, showcase his versatility and impact on the field. His return, despite the opportunity to declare for the NFL, was a pivotal moment for BYU, as he aims to lead the team towards the College Football Playoff and become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher. However, concerns about Martin's health linger, as he has dealt with injuries throughout his career, raising questions about his ability to stay healthy and maintain his dominant performance.
Texas Tech's Cameron Dickey, a junior, also shines with impressive 2025 stats, including 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him All-Big 12 second-team honors. Dickey's performance, along with that of junior J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns, positions the Red Raiders with an explosive backfield. With an uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey might be leaned on to carry the load, especially early in the season.
Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins, a scoring sensation at North Texas, averages 13.4 points per game and ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards. His skills and production have translated to Oklahoma State, where he aims to give the Cowboys' offense a much-needed boost after a rough couple of years. Hawkins' partnership with quarterback Drew Mestemaker is a key factor in the team's potential turnaround.
West Virginia's Cam Cook, who led the nation in rushing yards and all-purpose yards during his time at Jacksonville State, brings a similar level of production to the Mountaineers. Cook's reunion with his offensive line coach from Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, adds a layer of familiarity and continuity to the team's strategy.
Utah's Wayshawn Parker, a third-team All-Big 12 selection, had a standout year, averaging 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests. Parker's 981 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, along with his 6.58 yards per carry average, make him a force to be reckoned with. However, the replacement of Utah's starting offensive line could impact his numbers, as the team experiences growing pains.
Houston's Makhi Hughes, a transfer from Oregon, faces the challenge of replicating his success at Tulane, where he ran for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two seasons. His performance at Tulane, including freshman All-American honors, makes him a valuable asset for the Cougars, who are on the rise.
Kansas State's Joe Jackson, a third-team All-Big 12 selection, had a solid if unspectacular season, but his late-season surge, including breaking the school's single-game rushing record, positions him as the premier back for the Wildcats in 2026. The addition of intriguing transfer options, such as Oklahoma State's Rodney Fields Jr. and Oregon's Jay Harris, further strengthens the team's running back corps.
TCU's Jeremy Payne, a junior, is a breakout candidate, having led the Horned Frogs in rushing and showcasing strong performances in the final games of the season. With a new offensive coordinator, Gordon Sammis, and a focus on the running game, Payne is expected to surge in production.
Baylor's Dawson Pendergrass, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, has the opportunity to shine as the lead back. With the top back from the previous two seasons, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has a chance to take over and make his mark.
Kansas' Dylan Edwards, who sought a fresh start after an injury-plagued 2025 season, finds a new opportunity at Kansas, where his speed and versatility as a runner and returner could be a valuable asset.
UCF's Landen Chambers and Duke Watson, incoming transfers, bring different skill sets and the potential to be the lead backs for the Knights. Watson's impressive freshman season at Louisville and Chambers' breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas make them strong contenders.
Cincinnati's Zion Johnson, a transfer from Notre Dame, is in the running for the starting job, having earned praise from media outlets after his spring camp showing. The Bearcats are restocking at running back, with Johnson and other transfers like Zylan Perry and Gi'Bran Payne in the mix.
Arizona's Kedrick Reescano, a reliable backup over the past two seasons, has the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back. With fellow senior Quincy Craig and Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts providing depth, Arizona's running game is poised for improvement.
Iowa State's Cameron Pettaway, a redshirt freshman, showed flashes of potential, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With a massive roster overhaul, Pettaway and other transfers, such as Aiden Flora and Arnold Barnes III, could take over as lead backs for the Cyclones.
Arizona State's Kyson Brown, a junior, faces the challenge of replacing Raleek Brown, who transferred to Texas. Brown Jr. and Demarius Robinson are internal candidates who could step up and lead the Sun Devils' backfield.
Colorado's Richard Young, a one-cut power back with SEC experience, brings a resurgence at the running back position. With the running game stagnant under Deion Sanders, Young's SEC experience and potential to lead the Buffaloes could be a game-changer.
