The “On The Clock” team, consisting of Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta, and Max Starks, has reviewed the top running back prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in April.
Matt Williamson noted that this year’s running back class differs from previous years. “Jeremiyah Love is a truly elite prospect and not only is he ahead of Ashton Jeanty, last year’s first running back taken, but Love also has a strong case of being the best player at any position in this entire draft class. But after Love, there could be a long gap before the next player at this position comes off the board and it seems unlikely that many opening day starters in 2027 are rookies around the league. Late round depth at running back also isn’t what he has been in most draft classes.”
Williamson ranked Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame as his top choice due to his ability as both a runner and receiver. Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas), and Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) followed on his list. Seth McGowan from Kentucky was named as a sleeper pick despite past off-the-field issues.
Mike Prisuta discussed recent trends where top running backs have been selected early in the draft: “The trend of late has been for a running back to go in the Top 10, a trend that very well might continue in the upcoming NFL Draft.” He cited examples like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs from 2023 and Ashton Jeanty from 2025.
Prisuta also identified Jeremiyah Love as his leading candidate: “He probably didn’t need to add an exclamation point to his RB1 resume, but the 4.36 40-yard dash Love ran at the Combine provided one, anyway. The Doak Walker Award winner (nation’s top running back) and First-Team Associated Press All-American has the tape and the talent. No need to over-think it.” Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Kaytron Allen (Penn State), and Jadarian Price were included among his top five picks, with Kaelon Black (Indiana) highlighted as a sleeper prospect.
Max Starks emphasized changes in how teams view running backs: “Running back position has had a Renaissance and re-emergence and I would argue second most important position on the offensive side of the ball last year.” He praised players with versatile skills available beyond Day 1 of the draft.
Starks’s rankings placed Jeremiyah Love at number one: “Jeremiah Love is the do it all back and top-tier running back in this year’s crop of RB’s. His explosiveness and breakaway speed make him a clear cut choice for the top of this year’s draft for any team looking for a running back upgrade.” Singleton was again mentioned highly for his dual-threat capabilities; Price was described as complementing Love effectively; Johnson was called an “old school” three-down style player; while Mike Washington Jr.’s speed stood out during evaluations.
Kaytron Allen appeared as Starks’s sleeper pick because of strong performances despite team struggles last season.
The city hosting this year’s draft is home to one of football’s storied franchises—the Pittsburgh Steelers—who have celebrated historical achievements such as six Super Bowl championships (official website) and recognition through their Hall of Honor (official website). The franchise supports community engagement by honoring notable figures like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene (official website), while also displaying artifacts at its Hall of Honor Museum located within Acrisure Stadium (official website). As part of its longstanding affiliation with the National Football League (official website), these celebrations are integral aspects of local fan experiences (official website).
This year’s draft will showcase new talent entering such traditions as teams look for future stars among prospects like Jeremiyah Love.
