The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one for running backs in the Big 12, with a strong group of returning stars and intriguing incoming transfers. The conference is brimming with talent, and the battle for the top spot is fierce. Here's a deep dive into the running back rankings and the players who could make a significant impact this season.
LJ Martin, BYU: The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin was the driving force behind BYU's 12-win season, including a trip to the Big 12 championship game. With 236 carries for 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 BYU's all-time leading rusher. His return was pivotal, and he now aims to help the Cougars break through to the College Football Playoff, a goal they've narrowly missed in recent years. However, his health remains a concern, as he's been banged up in the past.
Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech: Dickey proved his worth as one of the top playmakers for the Red Raiders, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors. With 209 carries for 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he led the league in rushing touchdowns. Pairing him with J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns, Texas Tech has a dynamic backfield. With an uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey might be leaned on heavily, especially early in the season.
Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State: Hawkins had a standout season at North Texas, averaging 13.4 points per game and finishing fifth in the nation in rushing yards. He also excelled in all-purpose yards, showcasing his versatility. Following coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State, Hawkins has the opportunity to translate his success to a power conference level. His partnership with quarterback Drew Mestemaker could give the Cowboys' offense a much-needed boost.
Cam Cook, West Virginia: Cook had a successful run at Jacksonville State, leading the nation in rushing yards and all-purpose yards. He earned Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. Reunited with his offensive line coach Rick Trickett at West Virginia, Cook has the potential to bring similar production to the Mountaineers.
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 games, improving his average to 7 yards per carry. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker's production might be impacted, but he remains an explosive playmaker.
Makhi Hughes, Houston: Hughes had a challenging season at Oregon, redshirted after playing just four games. However, he previously excelled at Tulane, running for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years. If he can replicate that success at Houston, he'll be a valuable asset for the Cougars.
Joe Jackson, Kansas State: Jackson had a solid but unspectacular season, then broke the school single-game rushing record with 293 yards and three touchdowns against Utah. He ended the year with third-team All-Big 12 honors. As the premier back at Kansas State, he aims to build on his late-season surge and has intriguing transfer options, including Rodney Fields Jr. and Jay Harris.
Jeremy Payne, TCU: Payne had a strong finish to the season, leading the Horned Frogs in rushing and having two 100-yard games. With a new offensive coordinator in Gordon Sammis, TCU is expected to lean more on the running game, which bodes well for Payne's production.
Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor: Pendergrass missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, but he has the opportunity to shine in 2026. With Bryson Washington transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass can take over as the lead back and build on his 2024 season, when he ran for 671 yards and six touchdowns.
Dylan Edwards, Kansas: Edwards sought a fresh start at Kansas after an injury-plagued season at Kansas State. His speed makes him valuable as both a runner and a returner, and he could be the solution to Kansas' search for a lead rusher.
Landen Chambers or Duke Watson, UCF: UCF is in the market for a starting running back, and Chambers and Watson are intriguing options. They bring different skill sets but have shown potential in their previous stops. Watson had a strong freshman season at Louisville, while Chambers had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas.
Zion Johnson, Cincinnati: Johnson earned snaps late in the 2025 season 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, especially after earning praise from media outlets during spring camp.
Kedrick Reescano, Arizona: Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats, excelling in short-yardage situations. With the opportunity to take over as the primary back, Arizona also has Quincy Craig and Antwan Roberts providing depth.
Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State: Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With a massive roster overhaul, Pettaway is one of several transfers who could take over as the lead back. His special teams skills, including a country-leading kickoff return average, make him a valuable asset.
Kyson Brown, Arizona State: Brown's 2025 season was cut short by an ankle injury, but he has the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield when healthy. Jason Brown Jr. and Demarius Robinson are also in the running to replace Raleek Brown, who transferred to Texas.
Richard Young, Colorado: Young brings SEC experience to Colorado, which has struggled with its running game under Deion Sanders. With Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor, Young could be a key factor in the Buffs' resurgence at the running back position.
