We already covered quarterbacks. Now it is time to check out the bear and bull market on the running backs after spring scrimmages, practice reports, and feedback from coaching staffs.
STOCK UP
Jamal Rule, Nebraska
It’s been a hot minute since the Huskers wrapped up their spring in March, but the scuttlebutt around the Runza restaurants (It’s a real place and it’s good. Don’t judge me.) was how impressive true freshman Jamal Rule was throughout spring. He capped off strong practice reports with a monster spring game of 134 yards and a TD on just 11 touches, working with the 1s and 2s. Freshmen don’t normally make this report. Take notice.
Ousmane Kromah, FSU
Steady drum beat. Each scrimmage and almost every practice report included a blurb about how good the second-year RB looked or a highlight to show it. Norvell was quoted as saying he has “elite expectations for Kromah”. Insiders were quick to flip from Wisner to Kromah as the expected RB1 as spring progressed. Will Norvell, whose seat is hotter than a frog’s ass on a Tallahassee sidewalk in August, actually #FreeOusmaneKromah? He better.
Ashton Gray, ECU
Gray’s solid season was overshadowed by fellow freshman Caleb Hawkins at North Texas last year. After following OC Jordan Davis from UNT to ECU, Gray has stepped out of the shadow and into the Pirate’s RB1 role. From the sounds of spring reports, Gray has flourished as the lead back. The practice reports state that he “just looks different than the rest of the guys in that room.” We will see if he can handle an increased workload in 2026.
Mel Brown, Colorado State
Brown and another former Jim Mora RB, Durrell Robinson, were expected to compete for a starting gig in Fort Collins. But it was Brown who appeared to have clearly separated, based on staff comments and insider reports on who was running with the ones. Mora has referred to him as a “complete back”, which is great to hear for an undersized guy who has struggled to run between the tackles. As for now, the situation is shaping up for Brown to be the next man up for Mora and his long line of productive RBs.
STOCK DOWN
Bryson Washington, Auburn
The fall from grace for this consensus CFF first-round pick just a year ago has been a steep one. All the reports from spring camp indicate that Jeremiah Cobb is the clear starting RB for Alex Golesh. Furthermore, Bud Elliot’s Summer School series guest covering Auburn indicated that Nykahi Davenport is the second most talented player in the backfield and could be a major contributor. Very little was mentioned about Washington all spring. He had just 17 yards on 8 carries in the spring game. Yuck.
Waymond Jordan, USC
The talent is undeniable. He was incredible last year before his injury, averaging 5.15 yards after contact/attempt and 29 missed tackles forced on just 88 attempts. But a foot injury shortened his season, and he didn’t last long this spring before he was put on the shelf with a procedure to address the same injury he had last fall. Foot injuries for an RB have me sweating like a trailer park during a tornado warning. Additionally, King Miller was stellar in his absence last year and was frequently mentioned as a guy who took his game to the next level this spring.
Jordan Marshall, Michigan
There wasn’t really any damning news on Marshall this offseason. His appearance here is due in large part to the emergence of true freshman Savion Hiter, who probably could have been mentioned as a stock-up option in this very article. Whittingham said of Hiter – “His future is bright and it starts now. He will be getting carries from game one”. Beck isn’t an OC who has shown much interest in a committee approach at RB, but it sounds like Hiter is forcing his hand. Furthermore, expect the QB run game to be a bigger part of the offense if Underwood continues to struggle with passing concepts.
Greg Burrell, Texas State (formerly)
Burrell was already going to make this list due to being out for spring with an injury, and the staff making comments like “there is no Lincoln Pare in this running back room” and “we plan to have a committee approach”. However, he made it abundantly clear that the stock would plummet by removing it from the program altogether.
