​As the college football season draws near, it’s time to break down the top ten at each position group based on this season’s outlook. First up is the running back position. Running backs can be pivotal to a team’s offensive success, and some can even propel a squad into the College Football Playoff. Before we dive into the top ten, here are some honorable mentions and backs who narrowly missed the cut and deserve watchful attention: Cam Edwards (Michigan State), Raleek Brown (Texas), Jalen Buckley (Western Michigan), Jaden Baugh (Florida), Wayshawn Parker (Utah), King Miller (USC), DeSean Bishop (Tennessee), Makhi Hughes (Houston), Hollywood Smoothers (Texas), Caden Durham (LSU).
Cam Cook rushed for 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns at Jacksonville State last season and now returns to the Big 12 with West Virginia. He previously spent two seasons at TCU, helping the Horned Frogs to a 9-4 record in 2024. Last season, Cook piled up 100-plus rushing yards in 10 of the 13 games, including a career-best 218-yard performance against Sam Houston. He became the first Gamecock in two decades to rush for 100 yards in seven straight games. With his blend of vision, speed, and power, his breakout year earned him Conference USA Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. This season, Cook will work under head coach Rich Rodriguez and offensive line coach Rick Trickett. Trickett oversaw the line that helped Cook reach the 1,600-yard mark at Jacksonville State, and the two are poised to recreate that success in Morgantown. Rodriguez and Trickett’s prior run-game collaboration at WVU highlighted how well Cook’s skill set can fit their system. Cook also enters the offseason on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, underscoring the impact he’ll have in the Mountaineers’ backfield.
Redshirt senior Wayne Knight followed former James Madison head coach Bob Chesney to UCLA, bringing breakout form to Los Angeles. Knight spent four seasons at JMU under both Curt Cignetti and Chesney, and last season he posted 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns. He recorded five 100-yard games in 2025, highlighted by a 212-yard performance against Troy in the Sun Belt Championship Game. Knight’s strong season helped push the Dukes to the No. 12 seed in the College Football Playoff, and he earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors as well as a second-team All-America nod to cap his redshirt junior year. Looking ahead to 2026, he will move from the Sun Belt to the rugged Big Ten with the Bruins, seeking to help their offense improve while continuing to climb the ladder of success.
After spending a season behind Taj Brook, Cameron Dickey made a significant leap as a sophomore. Last season, he rushed for 1,124 yards and found the end zone 14 times, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors twice for performances against Kansas and BYU. His continued development positions him as a key figure in a high-powered offense, and his production against tough competition demonstrates his readiness for even bigger responsibilities this season.
Against the Jayhawks in a 42-17 victory, this running back showcased his ability to explode onto the scene and contribute meaningfully to his team’s offensive scheme. As the season unfolds, these players, along with others on the top ten list, will shape the landscape of the conference and influence which teams rise to the top of the standings. With a wide array of rushing talent across conferences, this year promises a dynamic mix of power, speed, and vision at the running back position, making the race for the top spot a thriller to watch.