SEC running back rankings: Top 10 players entering 2026 season

After a season where the Southeastern Conference produced five 1,000-yard running backs, the league is brimming with talented newcomers and returning stars preparing to increase that total in 2026. Missouri's Ahmad Hardy and Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy led the conference with two of the best campaigns ever seen in the SEC. Hardy eclipsed 1,500 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, while Lacy led the country in both categories.

However, only one running back can hold the throne for the 2026 season. Here are the top ten SEC running backs entering the upcoming season:

1. Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss)

Lacy, a First-Team All-American, led the SEC with 306 carries and 1,567 rushing yards. He also shattered the program record with 24 rushing touchdowns, becoming just the fifth SEC player to secure at least 23 touchdowns in a season.

2. Jadan Baugh (Florida)

Baugh, a 6-foot-1, 225-pounder, was one of the most explosive SEC running backs in The Swamp. He had 266 rushing yards in a 40-21 victory over Florida State, the second-best performance by a Gators running back since Emmitt Smith recorded 316 yards in 1989.

3. Ahmad Hardy (Missouri)

Hardy, who recovered from a gunshot wound, is on track to return mid-September. He had 16 rushing touchdowns and 1,649 rushing yards, setting a program single-season record and ranking second nationally.

4. Raleek Brown (Texas)

Brown transferred to Texas after a stellar performance with Arizona State. He earned All-Big 12 honors and had 1,141 rushing yards, making him the 29th player in program history to reach 1,000 rushing yards.

5. Nate Frazier (Georgia)

Frazier, who was 53 yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards last season, could have a breakout junior year with the improved offensive line. He has shown tough, physical play and electric open-field speed.

6. DeSean Bishop (Tennessee)

Bishop, a walk-on who earned scholarship status in 2025, had 16 rushing touchdowns and 1,076 rushing yards. He became just the third consecutive Tennessee running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

7. Fluff Bothwell (Mississippi State)

Bothwell, a transfer from South Alabama, has all the tools to become a 1,000-yard back for the Bulldogs in 2026. His 677 rushing yards led the team and shows the potential of a solidifying offensive line.

8. Rueben Owens II (Texas A&M)

Owens, sidelined most of his sophomore year due to injury, returned in 2025 and rushed for 639 yards and five touchdowns. He remains one of the most underrated running backs in the nation.

9. Harlem Berry (LSU)

Berry has been highly touted for LSU since high school. With added experience and improved offensive line play, he could make significant improvements on his way to a 1,000-yard season.