Top 10 Running Backs Going Into the 2025-26 NFL Season

Running backs are one of the most important positions on the offense. They allow an offense to have an additional component and add depth to their attack.

These running backs are true studs in every sense of the word who don't really have anyone else to contend with on their teams. They are true workhorse running backs who, in the right system, can dominate statistically.

Here are the top running backs as of now.

The Top Ten

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Rasul Quevis Barkley (born February 9, 1997) is an American professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL).
He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he set several school records for offensive production over... read more

I don't think there is any argument against Saquon Barkley being the best running back in the league right now.
This man had an amazing season with over 2,000 yards in the regular season and 13 rushing touchdowns. He nearly broke the regular season record for rushing yards, won a Super Bowl, and was named Offensive Player of the Year. I'm just glad this guy is on an actual team now and not being wasted by the Giants.
Derrick Henry

Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. (born January 4, 1994) is an American professional football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed "King Henry," he is known for his imposing style of play and larger build compared to the average running back.... read more

Derrick Henry is clearly the second-best running back in the league. This man had over 1,900 yards and tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns.
Simply put, his powerful running style is a problem for defenses, meaning he can maintain speed to make big gains and stiff-arm defenders into alternate dimensions. Even with him being a seasoned veteran, he is still very productive.
Jahmyr Gibbs

Jahmyr Gibbs is a top-tier running back. This guy had over 1,400 yards, ranking him top 5 in the NFL in 2024, and he tied the league lead for rushing touchdowns.
He's a dynamic running back that has impeccable, electrifying speed, which is perfect for making big-gain plays and scoring touchdowns at a high rate. Gibbs is also a dual threat who can catch as well.
Bijan Robinson

Bijan is a true dual threat who can make big plays. He is clearly the best part of the Falcons offense. He is a true workhorse running back.
His rookie year could have been better, but in his defense, his coach was a knucklehead who had no idea how to use him. In 2024, he was 3rd across the league in rushing yards with 1,456 and tied for 5th most rushing touchdowns with 14. He should continue to be an elite and productive running back in 2025.
Christian McCaffrey

Christian Jackson McCaffrey (born June 7, 1996) is an American professional football running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall pick in the 2017... read more

CMC is hard to rank. When he's healthy, he is arguably the top running back in the NFL, hands down.
The problem I have is the injuries are too hard to ignore at this point. He had an outstanding 2023 season, but honestly, with all the injuries, who knows if he'll ever be the same again? He's got potential to make the Hall of Fame, but I cannot rank him higher than 5, and even that may be too generous as of this particular moment.
Jonathan Taylor

Taylor had an amazing year, easily his best since 2021. He is by far the best player on the Colts, and it's honestly not even a close debate.
JT finished with 1,431 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, putting him in the mix as a top 10 running back. His consistency and productivity prove his worth as an RB1 and a true bell cow running back for Indy.
Josh Jacobs

The Packers may have lost Aaron Jones, but they found his replacement pretty easily. Josh Jacobs was a great running back for the Raiders, but somehow they didn't pick up his fifth year. Jacobs immediately became a high-value asset for the Packers with 1,329 rushing yards, ranking 6th in the league, and 15 touchdowns, ranking 4th across the league.
Jacobs has proven he is a true workhorse running back, and Green Bay will be happy to keep him around for years, I believe.
Kyren Williams

Kyren Williams is yet another true workhorse running back who can produce effectively and efficiently. He's a key component of the Rams offense.
He had just short of 1,300 yards, ranking 7th among all NFL running backs, and 14 touchdowns, ranking 6th respectively. He's proven he is a dependable and dynamic running back who can score on the goal line easily.
Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving has emerged onto the scene with an impressive rookie season. He emerged out of literally nowhere, but everyone knows him now.
He finished the year with 1,122 yards and 8 touchdowns and became an important piece for the Buccaneers offense. He led the team in rushing yards. He finished as a respectable running back, placing in the top half of the league overall statistically. I think his ceiling is being top 10 this coming season.
Aaron Jones

Aaron LaRae Jones, born on December 2, 1994, is an American professional football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UTEP Miners and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In seven seasons... read more

Aaron Jones was always a dynamic running back for the Packers. Now with the Vikings, he is still a high-value running back.
His touchdowns are low, but he can rack up yards and easily made top 10 across the league in rushing yards. He should continue to be a dynamic, true workhorse running back for the Vikings in 2025 and beyond.