The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one for running backs in the Big 12, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and the potential for breakout performances. While the conference may have seen a dip in rushing yards in recent years, the 2025 season proved that the talent is there, and with the right coaching and strategy, the Big 12 could see a resurgence in the running game. Here's a look at the top running backs in the conference, with a focus on those who could make a significant impact this season.
The Top Contenders
LJ Martin, BYU: The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin was the driving force behind BYU's 12-win season and appearance in the Big 12 championship game. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, he finished the season 11th in the country in rushing yards. As a senior, he has the opportunity to become BYU's all-time leading rusher and lead the Cougars to the College Football Playoff. However, his health remains a concern, as he has been banged up several times in his career.
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 led the league in rushing touchdowns and was second in scoring. Given Texas Tech's uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey may 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 and finishing the year ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards. Following former Mean Green coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State, Hawkins has 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. Reunited in Morgantown with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, Cook has the potential to bring that kind of production to West Virginia.
The Rising Stars
Wayshawn Parker, Utah: Parker had a standout year for the Utes in 2025, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors and finishing fourth in the league in rushing yards. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker may experience some growing pains, but he has proven to be an explosive playmaker and could be relied on even more in 2026.
Makhi Hughes, Houston: Hughes transferred to Oregon after two seasons as a star running back at Tulane, but did not find a role and redshirted after playing just four games. If he can replicate the success he found at Tulane, Hughes will be a valuable piece for a Cougars team that is on the rise.
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. As the premier back at Kansas State in 2026, he has the opportunity to build on that late-season surge and lead the Wildcats to success.
The Breakout Candidates
Jeremy Payne, TCU: Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season among Big 12 running backs heading into 2026. Coming off a year where he led the Horned Frogs in rushing and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC, Payne is expected to have a surge in production under new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis.
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 from the past two seasons, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has the opportunity to take over as lead back and shine.
The Transfer Contenders
Dylan Edwards, Kansas: Edwards looked like he would be the top back for Kansas State in 2025, but an injury situation led him to seek a fresh start at Kansas. His speed makes him valuable as both a runner and a returner, and at Kansas, he could be the solution to the Jayhawks' search for a lead rusher.
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. The pair bring different skill sets, but they've both had successful seasons in their previous stops, showing they potentially have what it takes to be the lead back.
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, and could be in line to take over the lead-back role.
The Underdogs
Kedrick Reescano, Arizona: Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons, excelling in short-yardage situations. Now, he will have the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back, with fellow senior Quincy Craig and Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts providing depth at the position.
Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State: Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman last year, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With several transfers, including returner Aiden Flora, Pettaway could take over as lead back for the Cyclones.
Kyson Brown, Arizona State: Brown went into the 2025 season as a lead back candidate, but injured his ankle in Week 2 and was limited after that. When healthy, he has shown the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield, and Jason Brown Jr. and Demarius Robinson are also candidates to replace Raleek Brown, who transferred to Texas.
Richard Young, Colorado: The running game has been stagnant for Colorado under Deion Sanders, but Young brings SEC experience to a Big 12 program in need of a resurgence at the running back position. While Micah Welch and DeKalon Taylor could win the lead back role, Young has the potential to make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the 2026 Big 12 season promises to be an exciting one for running backs, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and the potential for breakout performances. While the conference may have seen a dip in rushing yards in recent years, the talent is there, and with the right coaching and strategy, the Big 12 could see a resurgence in the running game. As an expert, I predict that LJ Martin, Cameron Dickey, and Wayshawn Parker will have the most significant impact, but keep an eye on the breakout candidates and underdogs who could surprise and delight this season.
