As the 2026 season looms, the Toledo Rockets are shaping a running back room that blends speed with power, a combination that head coach Mike Jacobs and running backs coach Fred Jones believe can redefine the offense.
The unit features returning veteran Connor Walendzak alongside a trio of transfers — CJ Miller, Autavius Ison and Corey Smith — each bringing a distinct skill set that adds depth and versatility.
Miller, a first‑team all‑Southern Conference selection in 2025, posted 957 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while also catching 26 passes for three scores, and his prior work with Jones has smoothed his integration into the squad.
A Backfield Built for Competition
Jones emphasizes building relationships and cultivating a culture of competition and accountability, envisioning a rotation that keeps defenses guessing and wears down opponents over the course of a game.
The offensive line and the backs have shown steady improvement during spring practice, and the coaching staff is confident that the physical style they are crafting will become a hallmark of the Rockets' attack.
With fall camp on the horizon, confidence inside the backfield is rising, and the team expects to take another step forward as a cohesive, play‑making unit.