The 2026 college football season promises an exciting battle for running back supremacy in the Big 12, with a star-studded lineup of players ready to dominate the gridiron. Among the top contenders, BYU's LJ Martin stands out as the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a driving force behind the Cougars' 12-win season, including a memorable appearance in the Big 12 championship game. Martin's prowess on the field is evident, with 236 carries, 1,305 rushing yards, and 12 touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 255 receiving yards. His leadership and consistency make him a top contender for the all-time leading rusher title. However, concerns about his health linger, as he has been banged up in the past and missed time, raising questions about his ability to stay healthy and lead the charge throughout the season.
Texas Tech's Cameron Dickey is another standout performer, boasting 209 carries, 1,124 rushing yards, and 14 touchdowns, along with 25 receptions for 224 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Dickey's performance earned him All-Big 12 second-team honors, and his ability to carry the load, especially with the uncertain quarterback situation, makes him a key player for the Red Raiders. Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins, who transferred from North Texas, is also a force to be reckoned with, averaging a nation's best 13.4 points per game and finishing the year ranked fifth in rushing yards and fourth in all-purpose yards.
West Virginia's Cam Cook, who played two years at TCU before a change of scenery, led the nation in rushing yards and was second in all-purpose yards during his lone season at Jacksonville State, earning Conference USA Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. Utah's Wayshawn Parker, who averaged 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests, is a clear standout, with 149 carries, 981 rushing yards, and six touchdowns. Parker's explosive playmaking abilities and improved average yards per carry make him a strong contender for the top spot.
Houston's Makhi Hughes, who transferred from Oregon after a redshirt year, brings a wealth of talent, having run for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two years for the Green Wave. Kansas State's Joe Jackson, who broke the school single-game rushing record and earned third-team All-Big 12 honors, is a solid option, with 169 carries, 911 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns. TCU's Jeremy Payne, who led the Horned Frogs in rushing and had a standout performance in the bowl win over USC, is a breakout candidate, with 110 carries, 623 rushing yards, and five touchdowns.
Baylor's Dawson Pendergrass, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury, is a potential game-changer, with 671 yards and six touchdowns in the 2024 season. Kansas' Dylan Edwards, who transferred to Kansas after an injury-plagued 2025 season, brings speed and versatility as both a runner and a returner. UCF's Landen Chambers and Duke Watson, incoming transfers with different skill sets, are also in the running for the starting job.
Cincinnati's Zion Johnson, who earned snaps late in the year and had a pair of solid games in November, is a contender for the lead-back role, while Arizona's Kedrick Reescano, a reliable backup who excelled in short-yardage situations, is now in line to take over as the primary back. Iowa State's Cameron Pettaway, who led the country in kickoff return average, is a special teams threat, and Arizona State's Kyson Brown, who has shown potential when healthy, is a key internal candidate to replace Raleek Brown.
Colorado's Richard Young, who brings SEC experience to the Big 12, is an intriguing option to lead the running game resurgence under Deion Sanders. With a star-studded lineup and a mix of established stars and breakout candidates, the 2026 Big 12 running back race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the potential for surprising performances and new stars to emerge.
