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 the potential for breakout performances. While the conference may not have the same depth at quarterback as in previous years, the running backs are poised to shine, with a few key players leading the charge. Here's a look at the top running backs in the Big 12, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
The Top Contenders
LJ Martin, BYU: The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Martin is a force to be reckoned with. With 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, he finished No. 11 in the country in rushing yards. His return to BYU was a pivotal moment, and he now has the opportunity to become the Cougars' all-time leading rusher. However, his health remains a concern, as he's been banged up several times in his career. In my opinion, Martin's ability to stay healthy will be the key to BYU's success this season.
Cameron Dickey, Texas Tech: 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, he led the league in rushing touchdowns. Pairing him with fellow junior J'Koby Williams, who ran for 868 yards and six touchdowns, Texas Tech has the most explosive backfield in the Big 12. However, with an uncertain quarterback situation, the Red Raiders may lean on their running backs to carry the load early in the season.
Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State: 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. Following former coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State, Hawkins has the opportunity to show whether his skills translate to similar production at the power conference level. In my view, Hawkins' ability to adapt to the power conference level will be a fascinating story to watch this season.
The Contenders for Breakout Seasons
Cam Cook, West Virginia: Cook had a standout season at Jacksonville State in 2025, 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. I believe Cook's return to Morgantown could be a game-changer for the Mountaineers.
Wayshawn Parker, Utah: Parker had a standout year for the Utes in 2025, earning third-team All-Big 12 honors. With an average of 103.8 rushing yards over the team's final six contests, Parker ended the year sixth in the country in average yards per carry. However, with Utah replacing its entire starting offensive line, there may be some growing pains early in the season. In my opinion, Parker's ability to adapt to the new offensive line will be crucial to his success this season.
Jeremy Payne, TCU: Payne feels like one of the best candidates for a breakout season among Big 12 running backs heading into 2026. Coming off a year where he led the Horned Frogs in rushing and had a standout performance in TCU's bowl win over USC, Payne is expected to have a surge in production with a new offensive coordinator, Gordon Sammis. I believe Payne's new role as the focal point of the TCU offense will be a fascinating story to watch this season.
The Transfers to Watch
Landen Chambers, UCF: Chambers had a breakout 1,000-yard season at Central Arkansas in 2025, earning eight straight 100-yard rushing games. Moving up to the FBS level, Chambers has the potential to be a valuable piece for UCF. In my opinion, Chambers' ability to adapt to the FBS level will be a fascinating story to watch this season.
Duke Watson, UCF: Watson ran for over 600 yards as a true freshman at Louisville two years ago and led the country with an 8.9-per carry average. However, injuries sidelined him for much of last season. With a fresh start at UCF, Watson has the opportunity to show whether he can replicate his success from two years ago. I believe Watson's ability to stay healthy will be crucial to his success this season.
Kedrick Reescano, Arizona: Reescano has been a reliable backup for the Wildcats over the past two seasons, excelling in short-yardage situations. Now, Reescano will have the opportunity to take over as the program's primary back. I believe Reescano's ability to step up as the lead back will be a fascinating story to watch this season.
The Question Marks
Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor: Pendergrass was supposed to be a key figure in Baylor's offense last season, 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. I believe Pendergrass' ability to stay healthy and adapt to the new role will be a fascinating story to watch this season.
Dylan Edwards, Kansas: 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. Staying in state and landing at Kansas, Edwards has the opportunity to be the solution to the Jayhawks' search for a lead rusher. I believe Edwards' speed and adaptability will be crucial to his success this season.
Cameron Pettaway, Iowa State: Pettaway showed flashes as a redshirt freshman last year, including three games with 50 or more rushing yards. With a massive roster overhaul at Iowa State, Pettaway has the opportunity to take over as lead back. I believe Pettaway's ability to adapt to the new roster and stay healthy will be crucial to his success this season.
In conclusion, 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 the potential for breakout performances, the conference is poised to produce some memorable running back stories. As an expert, I believe the running backs in the Big 12 will be a key factor in determining the success of their respective teams this season.
