2026 Fantasy Football: Breakout Running Backs to Watch
The 2025 fantasy football season offered few true breakout running backs, leaving owners scrambling for hidden gems heading into the next cycle.
Coaching Changes Shaping the Landscape
The Las Vegas Raiders made a notable hire, bringing in Klint Kubiak, a coach celebrated for maximizing the output of mobile rushers. His arrival could reshape the Raiders’ ground game and provide a boost to any back on the roster.
Key Candidates Emerging
Among the names surfacing, Ashton Jeanty finished the previous season as RB11 but his production was erratic, with nearly half of his points arriving in just four games.
Jeremiyah Love, already billed as the top prospect for the 2026 draft class, is projected to break into the top‑12 fantasy runners if his collegiate performance translates to the NFL.
Omarion Hampton showed flashes of brilliance but was plagued by injuries during his rookie campaign, making his upside a question mark.
Kenneth Walker III, despite being a Super Bowl MVP, has never climbed higher than RB18 in PPR formats, suggesting that his fantasy value may be undervalued.
Bucky Irving is slated to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ backfield after recovering from shoulder surgery, and many expect him to become a weekly starter.
Quinshon Judkins enjoyed a solid rookie year and now benefits from Todd Monken’s newly installed offensive system, which could unlock additional rushing opportunities.
Jadarian Price is projected to dominate the Seattle Seahawks’ carries, positioning him as a reliable weekly fantasy starter.
Cam Skattebo possesses a high ceiling despite durability concerns, and could emerge as a must‑start option for 2026.
TreVeyon Henderson displayed moments of big‑play ability but remains a middling RB2, leaving owners to weigh his potential against inconsistency.
Bhayshul Tuten is expected to shoulder the bulk of touches for the Jacksonville Jaguars following the departure of Travis Etienne Jr., making him a candidate for a breakout season.