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 promising newcomers. While the conference may have seen a dip in rushing yards over the past few years, the 2025 season proved that the talent is there, and the 2026 campaign could see a resurgence in the running game. But who will rise to the top and become the conference's premier running back? Let's take a closer look at the top 15 running backs in the Big 12, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
The Top 15 Running Backs in the Big 12
1. LJ Martin, BYU
LJ Martin is the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the driving force behind BYU's offense. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, Martin finished No. 11 in the country in rushing yards. As a senior, he'll have the opportunity to become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher. However, the only question surrounding Martin is his health. He's been banged up several times in his career and missed some time. Will he stay healthy enough to lead the charge again?
2. Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech
Cameron 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, Dickey led the league in rushing touchdowns and was second in the conference in scoring. Pair him with fellow junior J'Koby Williams, and the Red Raiders have the most explosive backfield in the Big 12.
3. Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State
Caleb Hawkins was a scoring sensation for North Texas in 2025, averaging 13.4 points per game. He finished the year ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards and fourth in all-purpose yards. Hawkins' skills should translate well to the power conference level, and he'll have the opportunity to show that at Oklahoma State.
4. Cam Cook, West Virginia
Cam Cook had a breakout season at Jacksonville State in 2025, leading the nation in rushing yards and earning Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. Can he bring that kind of production to West Virginia? Cook is reunited in Morgantown with his offensive line coach at Jacksonville State, Rick Trickett, who joined the Mountaineers staff this offseason.
5. Wayshawn Parker, Utah
Wayshawn Parker had a standout year for the Utes in 2025, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors. Once he started earning double-digit carries game in and game out, Parker averaged 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests. However, Utah is replacing its entire starting offensive line, which could impact Parker's numbers.
6. Makhi Hughes, Houston
Makhi Hughes had a misstep in 2025, transferring to Oregon after two seasons at Tulane and not finding a role. However, if he can replicate the success he found at Tulane, he'll be a valuable piece for a Cougars team that is on the rise.
7. Joe Jackson, Kansas State
Joe Jackson had a solid if unspectacular season in 2025, but he broke the school single-game rushing record with 293 yards and three touchdowns against Utah. Jackson ends up with third-team All-Big 12 honors and goes into 2026 as the premier back at Kansas State.
8. Jeremy Payne, TCU
Jeremy Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season among Big 12 running backs heading into 2026. He led the Horned Frogs in rushing in 2025 and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC. Now, with a new offensive coordinator, the Horned Frogs are expected to lean more on the running game.
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 the past two seasons, Bryson Washington, transferring to Auburn, Pendergrass has a chance to take over as lead back.
10. Dylan Edwards, Kansas
Dylan Edwards looked like he would be the top back for Kansas State in 2025, but an injury situation hovered over him for much of the season. He stays in state and lands at fellow Big 12 school Kansas, where his speed 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 that bill. Watson ran for over 600 yards as a true freshman at Louisville two years ago, while Chambers had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas a year ago.
12. Zion Johnson, Cincinnati
Cincinnati is restocking at running back, and Zion Johnson could end up being the man to win the starting job. Johnson earned snaps late in the year and had a pair of solid games in November. Johnson has also been earning praise from media outlets after his spring camp showing.
13. Kedrick Reescano, Arizona
Kedrick Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons. Now, Reescano will 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. Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman last year, and he'll bring his special teams skills to Ames.
15. Kyson Brown, Arizona State
Kyson Brown went into last season as a lead back candidate, but he injured his ankle in Week 2 and was limited after that while playing in just four games. When healthy, Brown has shown the potential to lead the Sun Devils backfield.
In my opinion, the 2026 season will be a testament to the depth and talent of running backs in the Big 12. With a mix of returning stars, intriguing transfers, and promising newcomers, the conference is poised for a resurgence in the running game. But who will rise to the top and become the conference's premier running back? Only time will tell.
