The 2026 college football season promises to be a thrilling affair for running backs in the Big 12, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and potential breakout performers. 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 spot in the conference championship game. Martin's 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns were career highs, and he's led BYU in rushing yards for the past three seasons. With the opportunity to become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher, Martin's return was a pivotal moment for the program, despite the question of his health after several injuries in his career. Texas Tech's Cameron Dickey, a junior, also shines with 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. The Red Raiders' offense, full of playmakers, might lean on Dickey and fellow junior J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns last season, to carry the load early in the year.
Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins, a scoring sensation at North Texas, averages 13.4 points per game and ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards. His skills and the opportunity to show them at the power conference level make him a key player. West Virginia's Cam Cook, who led the nation in rushing yards at Jacksonville State, brings that kind of production to the Mountaineers. Utah's Wayshawn Parker, with 981 rushing yards and third-team All-Big 12 honors, had a standout year and could be relied on even more in 2026, despite Utah's starting offensive line replacement.
Houston's Makhi Hughes, a transfer from Oregon, faces the challenge of replicating his success at Tulane, where he ran for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years. Kansas State's Joe Jackson, with 911 rushing yards and third-team All-Big 12 honors, ends the season as the premier back and has the chance to build on his late-season surge. TCU's Jeremy Payne, a junior, is a breakout candidate with a strong finish to the season and a bowl win over USC. Baylor's Dawson Pendergrass, a key figure in the offense last season, missed the entire year due to injury but has the opportunity to shine in 2026.
Kansas' Dylan Edwards, who sought a fresh start after an injury-plagued season, brings speed and versatility as both a runner and a returner. UCF's Landen Chambers and Duke Watson, incoming transfers with different skill sets, could be the lead backs for the Knights. Cincinnati's Zion Johnson, a late-season standout, is in contention for the starting job, along with transfers Zylan Perry and Gi'Bran Payne. Arizona's Kedrick Reescano, a reliable backup, has the opportunity to take over as the primary back.
Iowa State's Cameron Pettaway, a redshirt freshman, showed flashes and could take over as lead back, while Arizona State's Kyson Brown, a junior, has the potential to lead the Sun Devils when healthy. Colorado's Richard Young, a one-cut power back, brings SEC experience to the Big 12. With a massive roster overhaul, Iowa State's Pettaway and Tulane transfer Arnold Barnes III could factor into the run plans, and West Virginia's Cook reunites with his offensive line coach from Jacksonville State.
The 2026 season promises an exciting battle for running backs, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and potential breakout performers, all vying for a spot in the spotlight.
