Every program looking to win a National Championship needs a solid rushing attack to help balance out the offense. Teams that don't already have a star running back in place are often dipping into the Transfer Portal to find the star that can help take them over the top. This season, stars like Kewan Lacy and Ahmad Hardy took massive leaps, helping transform their offenses.
Saturday Blitz Transfer Portal rankings 2026: QB, WR, RB, TE, OL, EDGE, DL, LB, CB, S
The Transfer Portal already has its crown jewel at running back in NC State star Hollywood Smothers, who put together an incredible season. Aside from Smothers, this class is loaded with potential stars from the Group of 5 level, along with some playmakers who had exciting seasons with limited carries for Power 4 programs.
Where should your program look for its next bell cow running back? That all depends on whether you prefer a proven running back or a lesser-known playmaker with all the upside to become the next Ahmad Hardy. Taking into consideration proven production, eligibility, potential, and more, these are your official Saturday Blitz 2026 transfer running back rankings:
Last rankings update: 6:05 p.m. ET, 1/4/2026
1. Caleb Hawkins - North Texas
There's a new top running back in the Transfer Portal as North Texas standout Caleb Hawkins announced his intentions to transfer following the bowl game. As a True Freshman, Hawkins picked up 1,434 yards on the ground, which was the 4th most in the country, along with a Nation's best 25 rushing touchdowns.
Given that Hawkins was only a true freshman, he should be one of the most sought-after players in the Transfer Portal regardless of position. Hawkins showed he had elite rushing ability this season, and paired with his upside as a receiver, the sky is truly the limit.
2. Hollywood Smothers - NC State
NC State star Hollywood Smothers entered the Transfer Portal instantly, becoming one of the top players in the Transfer Portal and the best running back to hit the market. This season, Smothers carried the ball 160 times for 939 yards and 6 touchdowns while adding 189 yards and a score as a receiver.
Smothers is exceptional after contact, as 614 of his 939 yards came after contact, as he's constantly bouncing off of defenders. Wherever Smothers lands in the Transfer Portal, the next program would be wise to tap into his ability as a receiver, as NC State didn't target him nearly enough.
3. Isaac Brown - Louisville
After a breakout season in 2024, Isaac Brown dealt with injuries this season, holding him to 884 yards and 7 touchdowns, but he upped his yards per carry to 8.8. When healthy, Brown is a dynamic threat who can make plays as a runner or a receiver which will make him highly sought after. Brown did enter the Transfer Portal with a no-contact tag, and the early buzz favors Texas.
4. Raleek Brown - Arizona State
After declaring for the NFL Draft earlier in the offseason, Raleek Brown has reversed course entering the Transfer Portal. Brown was replaced with filling the void left behind by Cam Skattebo and did so incredibly. Brown rushed for 1,141 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, proving he's the perfect back to lead a backfield.
5. Cam Cook - Jacksonville State
The Nation's leading rusher has officially hit the Transfer market as Jacksonville State star Cam Cook announced his intentions to transfer. After starting his career at TCU, Cam Cook dropped down to the Group of 5 becoming a star for the Gamecocks. This season, Cam Cook rushed for an FBS leading 1,659 yards with 16 touchdowns while adding 286 yards as a receiver.
6. Tre Wisner - Texas
The mass exodus from Texas' running back room hit another level with the news of starting running back Tre Wisner entering the Transfer Portal. After rushing for 1,064 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024, Wisner dealt with a hamstring injury throughout the season leading to his totals dipping to 597 yards and 3 touchdowns.
When healthy, Wisner is an explosive back who's already proven that he can lead a backfield which will be attractive for Power 4 programs. The Texas offensive line didn't give the running backs any favors this season, and in the right offense, Wisner should bounce right back to being a 1,000 yard rusher.
7. Wayne Knight - James Madison
After powering the James Madison Dukes to the College Football Playoff, running back Wayne Knight is on the move. The first 3 years of Knight's career at James Madison were quiet, but this season he emerged as one of the most explosive players in college football. After the Playoff, Knight finished the season with 1,373 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground along with 397 yards and a score as a receiver.
Despite being an undersized back, Knight was a monster after contact this season, picking up an additional 782 yards. Any concerns that Knight won't be the same player against Power 4 opponents should be dispelled by his 110-yard performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff.
8. Abu Sama - Iowa State
Matt Campbell's departure has dealt a massive blow to Iowa State's roster as talent continues to flood into the Transfer Portal. Abu Sama has put together 3 straight seasons with impressive numbers, finishing this season with 732 yards and 5 touchdowns rushing. Given how many Iowa State players have been tied to Penn State, Sama instantly becomes a potential replacement for Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
9. Marquise Davis - Missouri
In an offense with two elite running backs in Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, true freshman Marquise Davis made an early impact. Davis only played in Missouri's first 3 games, carrying the ball 34 times for 200 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 2 touchdowns. Given that Davis took a redshirt this season, he'll have all 4 years of eligibility remaining, making him a top transfer to watch.
10. Dylan Edwards - Kansas State
Kansas State's season got off to the worst possible start when Dylan Edwards was injured before even taking a snap on offense. When Edwards returned he clearly wasn't himself aside from a massive game against UCF where he rushed for 166 yards on 20 carries. After the injury, Edwards only played in 4 games opting to announce he'd transfer back in November.
When healthy, Dylan Edwards is one of the most explosive weapons in the country making him one of the most attractive running backs to follow this offseason. Edwards would fit best in an offense that utilizes it's running backs in the passing game as he's one of the better receiving backs in the Country.
Whichever program lands Dylan Edwards is getting a back that can provide home run plays as a runner, receiver, and returner which makes him so valuable.
11. Caden Durham - LSU
As a True Freshman, Caden Durham burst onto the scene, helping revive an LSU rushing attack that never found its footing. After spending two seasons as LSU's lead back, Caden Durham enters the Transfer Portal, where he'll draw a ton of interest. Durham has elite big-play ability, and he'd benefit greatly from landing in an offense with a better offensive line than he had at LSU.
12. Adam Mohammed - Washington
For most of the season, no one noticed Washington running back Adam Mohammed as he was the backup to the incredibly explosive Jonah Coleman. Whenever Coleman missed time, Mohammed flashed as a player who could be an elite running back if he was featured.
Whenever Mohammed received 10 or more carries, he averaged 5.39 yards per carry, which lands him in the same group as elite backs in Nate Frazier and Jadan Baugh. Considering that Mohammed just finished his Sophomore season, he'll draw a ton of interest as he has the potential to lead a backfield for multiple seasons.
13. Jahiem White - West Virginia
After back to back seasons rushing for over 840 yards, there was a ton of excitement for Jahiem White especially with Rich Rodriguez returning to West Virginia. This season was derailed for White as he appeared in just two games after suffering a knee injury against Ohio leaving a massive hole in the West Virginia offense.
As Jahiem White enters the Transfer Portal with two years of eligibility remaining, he's an incredibly attractive option for Power 4 teams replacing a running back. White has already shown twice that he can lead an offense as the leading rusher in 2023 and 2024. If White lands in the right system he should easily surpass 1,000 yards while he can make an even bigger impact as a receiver.
14. Makhi Hughes - Oregon
Last offseason, Makhi Hughes signed with Oregon as the top-ranked running back in the Transfer Portal. Hughes never found his footing in Eugene, opting to redshirt and enter the Transfer Portal with just 17 carries for 70 yards. Hughes committed to Houston, where he'll look to regain his footing with his former head coach at Tulane, Willie Fritz.
15. Evan Pryor - Cincinnati
After starting his career at Ohio State, Evan Pryor has spent the last two seasons proving himself at Cincinnati. Pryor would be a great addition to a team with a committee of backs as he was part of a 3-man unit this season. Evan Pryor is a massive big play threat when healthy, and he'll thrive in a bigger role when healthy.
16. Evan Dickens - Liberty
After starting his career at Georgia Tech, Evan Dickens transferred to Liberty and instantly emerged as a star. Evan Dickens rushed for the 7th most yards in the FBS with 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns averaging 5.8 yards per carry. After breaking out in the Group of 5, Dickens will receive a ton of attention to return to the Power 4 level.
Dickens has elite breakaway speed, which will give him a chance to make a seamless transition against a higher level of competition. This season, Dickens also showed impressive balance with 840 yards after contact, averaging 3.67 yards after contact per attempt.
17. Turbo Richard - Boston College
After a quiet debut season, Turbo Richard emerged as a star for Boston College this season, stepping into the starting role. Richard rushed for 749 yards and 9 touchdowns while adding 213 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a receiver. Richard, being a potential multi-year player paired with his ability to make plays as a rusher and a receiver, should make him one of the top running back targets.
18. Cam Edwards - UConn
The UConn Huskies were one of the biggest surprises of the season in part due to how great their running back Cam Edwards played. The Junior rushed for 1,132 yards and 14 touchdowns averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. As a receiver, Cam Edwards was able to add another 187 yards and a score marking 3 straight seasons with 100 or more receiving yards.
Given that Cam Edwards has shown for 3 seasons that he can lead an offense while improving year over year, he should draw a ton of interest. It'll be most interesting to see if he follows his head coach to Colorado State or if he considers other options.
19. Trequan Jones - Old Dominion
Old Dominion star Trequan Jones entered the Transfer Portal, adding a unique playmaker to the market. Jones only received 105 carries this season, but he made the most of them, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, which ranked 2nd in the FBS. If Jones could land in a run-heavy offense, he could end up being one of the breakout stars of 2026 with more touches.
20. Nykahi Davenport - USF
The USF Bulls will be losing one of their biggest pieces on offense as Sophomore Nykahi Davenport entered the Transfer Portal. This season, Davenport finished 2nd on the Bulls in rushing behind Byrum Brown with 612 yards and 7 touchdowns on 98 carries.
21. Sutton Smith - Memphis
One of the most explosive playmakers in the American is on the move as All-AAC running back and return specialist Sutton Smith announced his intentions to transfer. This season Sutton Smith did it all for the Tigers with 669 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards, and 280 return yards with 8 touchdowns.
Sutton Smith is most known for being the running back who delivered the nail in the Arkansas Razorbacks' coffin in Non-Conference play with the game winning touchdown. Wherever Smith lands, the program is landing a player who can impact the game in every facet and can become more of a receiving threat in the right offense.
22. CJ Baxter Jr - Texas
After a breakout true freshman season where he rushed for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns, the expectation was that CJ Baxter Jr would breakout in 2024. Instead, a knee injury caused him to miss the entire season, and in 2025, he wasn't as effective, rushing for 196 yards, watching his yards per carry drop from 4.8 to 3.6.
Adding CJ Baxter Jr would be betting on the talent for most programs, hoping that he returns to form next season. When healthy, Baxter showed elite ability, and an ability as a receiver that could've been built on, but he'll likely end up in a split backfield until he shows he's back to elite form.
23. Dilin Jones - Wisconsin
This season was supposed to be the year that Dilin Jones arrived as a household name, but he was instead hampered by injuries. Jones dealt with an injury that caused him to miss time in camp, and kept him from playing at 100% before suffering turf toe against Ohio State, which cost him the rest of the season. If Jones can tap into the talent that made him one of the most sought after running backs coming out of High School and that Wisconsin fans saw in flashes, he's going to be one of the top backs in the country in 2026.
24. Gavin Sawchuk - Florida State
Mike Norvell's program is going to have a ton of turnover once again, as Florida State is seeing another transfer exodus. Starting running back Gavin Sawchuk is arguably the biggest name to leave the Seminoles after rushing for 486 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. Sawchuk hasn't been the same player we saw early in his Oklahoma tenure, but he'd be a solid piece in a committee backfield.
25. Makhi Frazier - Michigan State
Amidst the turnover in East Lansing, Michigan State will lose starting running back Makhi Frazier to the Transfer Portal. Frazier stepped into the starting role and delivered with 520 yards on 119 carries while adding just 25 yards as a receiver. Given how dysfunctional the offense was this season, it's hard to judge Frazier, but the talent is certainly there.
26. Carson Hansen - Iowa State
The Iowa State Cyclones continue to lose key pieces to the Transfer Portal as Matt Campbell's departure has decimated this roster. Teams looking for a proven workhorse running back can find it in Iowa State star Carson Hansen. This season Hansen picked up 952 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground while catching 19 passes for 134 yards.
Hansen has been a monster after contact, with 565 of his rushing yards coming after contact, with an average of 3.01 yards after contact per carry. Given Hansen's experience leading a backfield and his receiving upside, Hansen should be a popular player.
27. Duke Watson - Louisville
Louisville's running back room was decimated by injuries this season with Duke Watson being one of the victims. After rushing for 597 yards and 7 touchdowns last season, Duke Watson picked up just 158 yards as he wasn't nearly as explosive. Any team looking for a high upside player would be wise to bet on Watson as he's a home run waiting to happen when healthy.
28. Jerrick Gibson - Texas
When Tre Wisner went down with an injury, Jerrick Gibson had a chance to gain the starting role, but he wasn't effective enough. In 4 games, Gibson rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. Gibson sat out after playing for games leaving him with 3 seasons of eligibility to prove himself elsewhere with more playing time.
29. JT Lindsey - LSU
JT Lindsey was one of the most exciting players in the country coming out of High School, but his career never started at LSU as he spent the season sidelined, dealing with a legal issue. Now that Lindsey has been cleared, he'll be an exciting player for programs to take a swing at, as he has all the talent to be a star.
30. Brendon Haygood - Missouri
Brendon Haygood signed with Missouri as one of the top running backs in the recruiting class. The issue for Haygood is that he found himself in a loaded running back room headlined by star transfer Ahmad Hardy. Haygood only carried the ball 4 times for 12 yards this season, making him a high upside player for a program.