The 2026 college football season is upon us, and with it, the return of one of the most exciting positions on the field: the running back. The Big 12, known for its high-octane offenses, is set to witness a thrilling battle for rushing supremacy, with a handful of standout backs looking to make their mark. But who will rise to the top and claim the title of the conference's best running back? Let's take a closer look at the contenders and the factors that could shape their success.
The Contenders
1. LJ Martin, BYU
As the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, LJ Martin is a force to be reckoned with. His 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025 were instrumental in BYU's 12-win season, including a spot in the Big 12 championship game. With the opportunity to become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher, Martin's return was a pivotal moment for the program. However, his health remains a concern, as he's been banged up several times in his career. If he can stay healthy, Martin could be the key to BYU's success in breaking through to the College Football Playoff.
2. Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech
Cameron Dickey proved his worth as one of the top playmakers for the Red Raiders in 2025, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors. His 14 rushing touchdowns led the league, and he averaged 7 points per game. Pairing him with fellow junior J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns, the Red Raiders have a dynamic backfield. With an uncertain quarterback situation, Dickey might be leaned on to carry the load, at least early in the year.
3. Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State
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 whether he can maintain similar production at the power conference level. Can he and quarterback Drew Mestemaker give the Cowboys' offense the jolt it needs after a rough couple of years?
4. Cam Cook, West Virginia
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. Reunited with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, Cook has the opportunity to bring that kind of production to West Virginia. Can he maintain his success and help the Mountaineers?
5. Wayshawn Parker, Utah
Wayshawn 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. Once he started earning double-digit carries, Parker averaged 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests. With Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, Parker's numbers may be impacted, but he remains an explosive playmaker.
6. Makhi Hughes, Houston
Makhi Hughes had a rough start to his transfer year at Oregon, but he has the potential to be a valuable piece for the Cougars. After running for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years at Tulane, he earned freshman All-American honors. If he can replicate his success, Hughes could challenge to be one of the top backs in the Big 12.
7. Joe Jackson, Kansas State
Joe Jackson had a solid if unspectacular season in 2025, but he broke the school single-game rushing record in the final two weeks. With the Wildcats adding intriguing transfer options at running back, including Oklahoma State's Rodney Fields Jr. and Oregon transfer Jay Harris, Jackson has the opportunity to build on his late-season surge.
8. Jeremy Payne, TCU
Jeremy Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season among Big 12 running backs. 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, and the team expected to lean more on the running game, Payne could have a surge in production.
9. Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor
Dawson 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, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has the opportunity to take over as lead back. In the 2024 season, he ran for 671 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. This is his chance to shine.
10. Dylan Edwards, Kansas
Dylan Edwards had a rough 2025 season due to injuries, but he's seeking 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.
11. Landen Chambers or Duke Watson, UCF
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. This could be a good situation for both at UCF.
12. Zion Johnson, Cincinnati
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 praise from media outlets after his spring camp showing, Johnson could be in line to take over the lead-back role.
13. Kedrick Reescano, Arizona
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.
14. Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State
The massive roster overhaul at Iowa State impacts the running back position, and it leaves the position as one of the bigger question marks for the program. As a redshirt freshman last year, Cameron Pettaway showed flashes, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With several transfers, including returner Aiden Flora, Pettaway could take over as lead back.
15. Kyson Brown, Arizona State
Kyson Brown had a short 2025 season due to 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.
16. Richard Young, Colorado
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 could be the key to Colorado's success.
