The 2026 college football season promises an exciting battle for the running back crown in the Big 12, with a star-studded lineup of players ready to make their mark. Among the top contenders, 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 memorable appearance in the Big 12 championship game. Martin's impressive 2025 stats, including 236 carries for 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 255 receiving yards, showcase his versatility and impact on the field. With the opportunity to become BYU's all-time leading rusher, Martin's decision to return to BYU despite potential professional opportunities was a pivotal moment for the program. However, concerns about his health linger, as he has dealt with injuries throughout his career, raising questions about his ability to stay healthy and lead the charge once again.
Texas Tech's Cameron Dickey is another standout performer, boasting 209 carries for 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025. His 14 rushing touchdowns led the league, and he was second in the conference in scoring, averaging 7 points per game. Dickey's performance earned him All-Big 12 second-team honors, and his partnership with fellow junior J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns, makes the Red Raiders' backfield a force to be reckoned with. With an uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey may be leaned on to carry the load, especially early in the season.
Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins is a scoring sensation, averaging 13.4 points per game and finishing the year ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards and fourth in all-purpose yards. His transfer to Oklahoma State, following former North Texas coach Eric Morris, presents an opportunity for him to showcase his skills at the power conference level. Hawkins' ability to translate his success from North Texas to Oklahoma State will be a key factor in the Cowboys' offensive success.
West Virginia's Cam Cook had a standout season at Jacksonville State, leading the nation in rushing yards and finishing second in all-purpose yards. His impressive performance earned him Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. Cook's reunion with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, who joined the Mountaineers staff, adds a layer of familiarity and potential for continued success. The question remains whether he can replicate that kind of production with the Mountaineers.
Utah's Wayshawn Parker had a standout year, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors and finishing fourth in the league in rushing yards. Parker's average of 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests, coupled with an average of 7 yards per carry, showcases his explosive playmaking abilities. However, the replacement of Utah's entire starting offensive line may impact Parker's numbers, as the team experiences growing pains. Despite this, Parker's proven track record makes him a reliable option for the Utes.
Houston's Makhi Hughes, despite a misstep in his last season at Oregon, has the potential to be a valuable piece for the Cougars. His previous success at Tulane, where he ran for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years, earned him freshman All-American honors. The question remains whether he can replicate that success at Houston, where he played under coach Willie Fritz for one season. The team's rising status and the challenge to be one of the top backs in the Big 12 make Hughes a player to watch.
Kansas State's Joe Jackson had a solid if unspectacular season, but his late-season surge, including breaking the school single-game rushing record and a 142-yard effort, earned him third-team All-Big 12 honors. With the addition of intriguing transfer options, including Oklahoma State's Rodney Fields Jr. and Oregon transfer Jay Harris, Jackson has the opportunity to build on his late-season success and become the premier back at Kansas State.
TCU's Jeremy Payne is another breakout candidate, coming off a strong year where he led the Horned Frogs in rushing and had standout performances in the final games. With a new offensive coordinator in Gordon Sammis and the team expected to lean more on the running game, Payne's production is likely to surge. His bowl win over USC, where he accounted for 123 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, further highlights his potential.
Baylor's Dawson Pendergrass, unfortunately, missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, but he has the opportunity to shine in 2026. With the top back from the previous two seasons, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has a chance to take over as the lead back. His 2024 season, where he ran for 671 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry, showcases his potential.
Kansas' Dylan Edwards, who dealt with injuries in 2025, found a fresh start at Kansas, where his speed makes him valuable as both a runner and a returner. The search for a lead rusher at Kansas could be solved by Edwards, who has the potential to make a significant impact.
UCF's Landen Chambers and Duke Watson are incoming transfers who could fill the starting running back role. Chambers had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas, while Watson ran for over 600 yards as a true freshman at Louisville. Their different skill sets and previous success make them intriguing options for UCF.
Cincinnati's Zion Johnson, who earned snaps late in the year and received praise from media outlets, could be in line to take over the lead-back role. The Bearcats are restocking at running back, and Johnson's spring camp showing adds to his potential. Transfers Zylan Perry and Gi'Bran Payne are also in contention, adding depth to the position.
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, Reescano's leadership and short-yardage expertise will be crucial.
Iowa State's Cameron Pettaway, a redshirt freshman who showed flashes last year, is one of several transfers who could take over as the lead back. His special teams skills, including leading the country in kickoff return average, make him a versatile asset. With the loss of Salahadin Alleh to injury, Tulane transfer Arnold Barnes III could also factor into Iowa State's run plans.
Arizona State's Kyson Brown, who suffered an injury in 2025, has the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield when healthy. Internal candidates Jason Brown Jr. and Demarius Robinson are also in the running to replace Raleek Brown, who transferred to Texas. The team's focus on replacing key players adds to the intrigue surrounding Brown's potential.
Colorado's Richard Young, with just over 200 rushing yards over three seasons in Alabama, brings SEC experience to a Big 12 program in need of a resurgence at the running back position. The running game's stagnation under Deion Sanders, coupled with the team's struggles in 2025, makes Young an intriguing option for the Buffaloes.
