The 2026 college football season promises an exciting battle for running back supremacy in the Big 12, with a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and potential breakout candidates. While the conference may not have produced a dominant running back in recent years, this season could be the year that changes, with a few key players poised to make a significant impact. Here's a deep dive into the top running backs in the Big 12 and what makes them tick.
The Veterans: Experience and Consistency
LJ Martin, BYU (1st)
As the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, LJ Martin is a force to be reckoned with. His return to BYU was a pivotal moment, as he could have declared for the NFL. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, Martin finished 11th in the country in rushing yards, setting career highs in multiple categories. The only concern is his health, as he's been banged up in the past. If he can stay healthy, Martin has the potential to become BYU's all-time leading rusher and lead the Cougars to the College Football Playoff.
Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech (2nd)
Cameron Dickey proved his worth in 2025, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors. With 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he was the Red Raiders' top playmaker. His 14 rushing touchdowns led the league, and he averaged 7 points per game. Given Texas Tech's uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey might be leaned on to carry the load early in the year.
The Rising Stars: Potential and Promise
Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State (3rd)
Caleb Hawkins was a scoring sensation for North Texas in 2025, averaging 13.4 points per game and finishing fifth nationally in rushing yards. His skills translated well to Oklahoma State, where he'll have the opportunity to show his potential at a power conference level. With quarterback Drew Mestemaker, Hawkins could give the Cowboys' offense the jolt it needs.
Cam Cook, West Virginia (4th)
Cam Cook had a standout season at Jacksonville State, leading the nation in rushing yards and earning Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. He's now reunited with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, in Morgantown. Cook has the potential to bring that kind of production to West Virginia, where he'll be a key player in the Mountaineers' offense.
The Transfer Targets: Fresh Blood and New Skills
Wayshawn Parker, Utah (5th)
Wayshawn 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, improving his average to 7 yards per carry. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker's production might be impacted, but he's still an explosive playmaker who could be relied on more in 2026.
Makhi Hughes, Houston (6th)
Makhi Hughes had a misstep in 2025, transferring to Oregon after two seasons at Tulane. However, he has the potential to replicate his success at Tulane, where he ran for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years. If he can find a role at Oregon, Hughes could be a valuable piece for the Cougars.
The Breakout Candidates: Ready to Shine
Jeremy Payne, TCU (7th)
Jeremy Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season. He led the Horned Frogs in rushing in 2025 and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC. With a new offensive coordinator, Gordon Sammis, expected to lean more on the running game, Payne could see a surge in production.
Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor (8th)
Dawson Pendergrass was supposed to be a key figure in Baylor's offense in 2025, but a foot injury ended his season. With Bryson Washington transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has the opportunity to take over as the lead back. In the 2024 season, he ran for 671 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
The Underdogs: Seeking a Fresh Start
Dylan Edwards, Kansas (9th)
Dylan Edwards had a rough 2025 season at Kansas State, hampered by injuries. However, he found a fresh start at Kansas, where his speed makes him valuable as both a runner and a returner. At Kansas, he could be the solution to the Jayhawks' search for a lead rusher.
Landen Chambers or Duke Watson, UCF (10th)
UCF is in the market for a starting running back, and Landen Chambers and Duke Watson are two incoming transfers who could fit the bill. Chambers had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas, while Watson ran for over 600 yards as a true freshman at Louisville. Both bring different skill sets, but they have the potential to be the lead back at UCF.
The Contenders: Restocking and Replacing
Zion Johnson, Cincinnati (11th)
Cincinnati is restocking at running back, and Zion 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. With the top four rushers from a season ago no longer at Cincinnati, Johnson has the opportunity to take over the lead-back role.
Kedrick Reescano, Arizona (12th)
Kedrick Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons, excelling in short-yardage situations. Now, he'll have the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back. Arizona also has fellow senior Quincy Craig and Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts to provide depth at the position.
The Question Marks: Overhauls and Uncertain Situations
Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State (13th)
The massive roster overhaul at Iowa State impacts the running back position, leaving it as one of the bigger question marks for the program. Cameron Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With several transfers, including returner Aiden Flora, Pettaway could take over as lead back.
Kyson Brown, Arizona State (14th)
Kyson Brown's 2025 season was cut short by injury, but he has the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield when healthy. Another candidate to be ASU's top back is Jason Brown Jr., who ran for 134 yards in the Sun Bowl, and Demarius Robinson. Those three internal candidates are the best bets to replace Raleek Brown, who transferred to Texas.
The New Faces: SEC Experience and Fresh Talent
Richard Young, Colorado (15th)
The running game has been stagnant for Colorado under Deion Sanders, but Richard Young brings SEC experience to a Big 12 program in need of a resurgence. With just over 200 rushing yards over three seasons in Alabama, Young has the potential to make an impact in Colorado's backfield.
In summary, the 2026 Big 12 running back landscape is filled with a mix of veterans, rising stars, transfer targets, breakout candidates, underdogs, contenders, and question marks. While the conference may not have produced a dominant running back in recent years, this season could be the year that changes, with a few key players poised to make a significant impact. From the reigning Offensive Player of the Year to the breakout candidates, the Big 12 running backs are ready to write their own stories in 2026.
