The 2026 college football season is upon us, and with it, the return of some of the most dynamic running backs in the Big 12. The conference is brimming with talent, from the reigning Offensive Player of the Year to intriguing transfers. But who will rise to the top and lead their teams to success? Let's take a closer look at the top 15 running backs in the Big 12 and the factors that could shape their seasons.
The Top Contenders
LJ Martin, BYU: The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin is a force to be reckoned with. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, he's led BYU in rushing yards for the past three seasons. The only question mark is his health, as he's been banged up several times in his career. If he stays healthy, Martin could become BYU's all-time leading rusher and help the Cougars break through to the College Football Playoff.
Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech: Dickey proved to be one of the top playmakers for the Red Raiders in 2025, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors. With 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he's a key part of Texas Tech's offense. Given the team's uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey might be leaned on to carry the load early in the year.
Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State: Hawkins was a scoring sensation for North Texas in 2025, averaging 13.4 points per game. He finished the year ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards and fourth in all-purpose yards. Now at Oklahoma State, he'll have the opportunity to show whether his skills translate to similar production at the power conference level.
Cam Cook, West Virginia: Cook led the nation in rushing yards and was second in all-purpose yards during his lone season at Jacksonville State. He's reunited in Morgantown with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, who joined the Mountaineers staff this offseason. Can he bring that kind of production to West Virginia?
Wayshawn Parker, Utah: Parker had a standout year for the Utes in 2025, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors. He averaged 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests, and his 7 yards per carry over that stretch would have tied him for second nationally. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker's numbers could be impacted, but he's still an explosive playmaker.
The Intriguing Transfers
Makhi Hughes, Houston: Hughes transferred to Oregon after two seasons as a star running back at Tulane, but he didn't find a role and redshirted after playing just four games. If he can replicate the success he found at Tulane, he'll be a valuable piece for Houston.
Joe Jackson, Kansas State: Jackson's 2025 season was solid if unspectacular, but he broke the school single-game rushing record in the final two weeks. He goes into 2026 as the premier back at Kansas State and will have the chance to build on that late-season surge.
Jeremy Payne, TCU: Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season among Big 12 running backs. He led the Horned Frogs in rushing in 2025 and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC. Now with a new offensive coordinator, the junior is expected to have a surge in production.
The Underdogs
Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor: Pendergrass was supposed to be a key figure in Baylor's offense in 2025, but he missed the entire year due to a foot injury. With Baylor's top back, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has a chance to take over as lead back.
Dylan Edwards, Kansas: Edwards looked like he would be the top back for Kansas State in 2025, but an injury situation hovered over him. Now at Kansas, his speed makes him valuable as both a runner and a returner.
The Newcomers
Landen Chambers or Duke Watson, UCF: UCF is in the market for a starting running back, and Chambers and Watson are two incoming transfers who could fit that bill. They bring different skill sets, but both have had successful seasons in their previous stops.
Zion Johnson, Cincinnati: The Bearcats are restocking at running back, and Johnson could end up being the man to win the starting job. He earned snaps late in the year and had a pair of solid games in November.
The Underrated
Kedrick Reescano, Arizona: Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons. Now, he'll have the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back.
Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State: Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman in 2025, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. He's one of several transfers who could take over as lead back for the Cyclones.
Kyson Brown, Arizona State: Brown went into last season as a lead back candidate, but an injury limited him to just four games. When healthy, he has shown the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield.
The Stagnant
- Richard Young, Colorado: The running game has largely been stagnant for Colorado under Deion Sanders. While Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor could win the lead back role, Young brings SEC experience to a Big 12 program in need of a resurgence at the running back position.
In my opinion, the 2026 Big 12 running back landscape is as exciting as it's been in years. With so many talented players returning and intriguing transfers, the conference is poised for a thrilling season. But who will rise to the top and lead their teams to success? Only time will tell.
