Top running back classes in the 2026 cycle so far

The 2026 recruiting cycle has soared ahead of schedule from a commitment standpoint this summer. That’s especially true when looking at the running back board and the lack of top names that remain uncommitted.

Of the top 50 running backs in the cycle, per the Rivals Industry Ranking, 45 are already off the board, as of July 7. Those commits have dispersed among 40 different programs.

Three different schools have managed to nab multiple pledges from RBs ranked inside the top 200 nationally, though. Some big decisions remain on the way this summer, but plenty of leg work has already been accomplished for most when it comes to recruiting top burners this cycle.

Below is a look at the top running back classes in the 2026 cycle thus far:

Texas A&M

4-star KJ Edwards (No. 41 NATL., No. 4 RB)
4-star Jonathan Hatton Jr. (No. 83 NATL., No. 6 RB)

Head coach Mike Elko and the A&M staff have been humming on the trail all cycle and currently check in with the No. 3 class in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The Aggies’ haul is impressive in multiple position rooms, but the RB tandem of Edwards and Hatton is especially notable.

Hatton was a one-time Oklahoma pledge, but re-opened his process back in December. A&M promptly grabbed the momentum in his recruitment and then landed his commitment in March. The San Antonio Steele is a sprinter during track season and is coming off a 2024 season that saw over 1,200 rushing yards.

Texas was the program trending for Edwards last month, but the Aggies made a big move and landed a crucial surprise pledge on June 17. Elko and associate head coach Trooper Taylor coveted the Carthage (Texas) High star and closed, highlighting what was a jam-packed month of pledges. Edwards rushed for nearly 1,800 yards last season.

Notre Dame

4-star Javian Osborne (No. 112 NATL., No. 8 RB)
4-star Jonaz Walton (No. 135 NATL., No. 10 RB)

Notre Dame is currently right behind A&M at No. 4 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Head coach Marcus Freeman and Co. are on track to signing a memorable class in South Bend and the duo of Osborne and Walton are among the many highlights on the pledge list.

Both joined the class in May. Osborne’s recruitment came down to the Irish and Michigan. It was the Wolverines that looked to have the momentum back in the spring, but in the lead-up to his decision, ND began to trend and eventual won out on May 3. New running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider was instrumental in Osborne’s decision. He logged over 150 carries and had 24 touchdowns as a junior for Forney (Texas) High.

Walton then entered the mix 11 days later, choosing the Irish over Alabama, Florida and others. Like Osborne, the idea of playing under Freeman, Seider and the staff in South Bend piqued his interest and then some. The speedy blue-chipper tallied over 2,000 total yards as a junior for Carrollton Central in Georgia.

USC

4-star Shahn Alston (No. 142 NATL., No. 11 RB)
4-star Deshonne Redeaux (No. 151 NATL., No. 13 RB)

USC has continued to build upon its top-ranked recruiting class this summer, but it added a pair of top tailbacks early on. Remarkably, neither Alston nor Redeaux are amongst the 10 highest-ranked commits in the class for head coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans to date. That’s not to take away from the talent that both are bringing to the table, though.

Alston committed back in the middle of January, choosing USC over Penn State and Wisconsin. Set to make the trek from Painesville, Ohio to Los Angeles, the 5-foot-10, 205-pounder was an early priority for the Trojans and he feels he can thrive in Riley’s offensive scheme. Alston has over 3,000 total yards and nearly 50 touchdowns under his belt at the high school level.

Redeaux is right in USC’s backyard, however. The Los Angeles Oaks Christian star committed in the beginning of April, choosing the Trojans over UCLA, among others. He had over 1,200 rushing yards and 17 TDs as a junior and will be one of the more high-profile offensive prospects in the Golden State this fall. He’s the fifth highest-ranked in-state commit in the USC class.

Alabama

5-star Ezavier Crowell (No. 31 NATL., No. 2 RB)
Rivals 4-star Javari Barnett (No. 499 NATL., No. 32 RB)

Alabama is the only program to hold more than two five-star commitments, as of July 7. The Crimson Tide hold a whopping five, including one via the nation’s No. 2 burner in Crowell. The Jackson (Ala.) standout is a state champion and chose head coach Kalen DeBoer and Co. over Auburn and others on June 26. Crowell has tallied over 4,000 total yards in his last two seasons and will help lead a dynamic offense in the Yellowhammer State once again this fall.

Three days before Crowell pledged, the Tide flipped Barnett away from Illinois. The Tampa Bay Tech product is a Rivals four-star recruit and is looking to bolster his stock as a senior playing for one of the more notable programs in the Sunshine State. Barnett is coming off a junior season that saw him play just three games before missing the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury. Florida, Penn State and others were also working to land Barnett.