The running back position remains one of the most important components of a successful football team. A productive rushing attack provides offensive balance, helps control the clock, creates explosive plays, and takes pressure off the quarterback.

Heading into the 2026 season, the Ohio Bobcats running back room features a strong mix of veteran leadership, developing talent, and players with the versatility to contribute in multiple roles. The group includes experienced players who have competed at the collegiate level, young backs looking to establish themselves, and athletes capable of bringing different skill sets to the offense.

With a combination of size, speed, and physicality, Ohio has the depth to utilize multiple backs and create a flexible offensive approach throughout the season.

No. 24 Irving Brown

Running Back | Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’11” Weight: 220 lbs Hometown: Teachey, North Carolina High School: Wallace-Rose Hill

Irving Brown enters the 2026 season as one of the younger players in the Ohio running back room but brings an impressive physical profile. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Brown has the size and strength needed to become a dependable option in the Bobcats’ offensive attack.

Coming from Wallace-Rose Hill High School in North Carolina, Brown has the build of a powerful downhill runner who can excel in short-yardage situations and between the tackles. As a redshirt freshman, he has had additional time to develop his game, learn the offensive system, and prepare for increased opportunities.

Brown’s combination of size and toughness gives him the potential to become a valuable contributor as he continues to grow.

Strengths:

• Strong physical frame
• Power running ability
• Ability to gain yards after contact
• Developmental upside

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to the speed of college football
• Improving pass protection
• Developing consistency

Brown has the tools to become a key piece of Ohio’s future at running back.

No. 6 Duncan Brune

Running Back | Junior

Height: 5’11” Weight: 218 lbs Hometown: Cologne, Germany High School: Cologne

Duncan Brune brings experience and an international background to the Ohio running back room. A native of Cologne, Germany, Brune has developed into a strong and physical presence at the position.

At 5-foot-11 and 218 pounds, Brune possesses the ideal build for a versatile college running back. He has the size to handle physical carries while maintaining the athletic ability needed to contribute in multiple offensive situations.

As a junior, Brune enters an important stage of his career where experience and development could translate into a larger role within the offense.

Strengths:

• Strong physical build
• Good balance and toughness
• Ability to handle contact
• Experience within the program

Areas for Improvement:

• Creating explosive plays
• Continued development as a receiver
• Establishing consistency

Brune’s combination of size and experience makes him a valuable option in Ohio’s running back rotation.

No. 22 Mike Taylor Jr.

Running Back | Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’10” Weight: 204 lbs Hometown: Columbus, Ohio High School: Pickerington North

Mike Taylor Jr. brings local talent and athletic ability to the Ohio running back room. A Columbus native and Pickerington North product, Taylor understands the level of football competition throughout Ohio.

At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds, Taylor has a balanced frame that allows him to combine quickness with physical running ability. As a redshirt freshman, he has had valuable time to develop physically and mentally while preparing for a larger role.

Taylor’s ability to make plays in space could make him an important offensive option.

Strengths:

• Athletic ability
• Good balance of speed and size
• Local football background
• Development potential

Areas for Improvement:

• Gaining consistency
• Improving pass protection
• Adjusting to college defenses

Taylor has the talent and athletic ability to compete for opportunities and continue developing into a major contributor.

No. 4 Victor Rosa

Running Back | Graduate Student

Height: 5’11” Weight: 208 lbs Hometown: Bristol, Connecticut High School: Bristol Central Previous School: UConn

Victor Rosa enters the 2026 season as one of the most experienced players in the Ohio running back room. After spending time at UConn, Rosa brings valuable collegiate experience and knowledge of high-level football.

At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, Rosa has the build of a complete running back. He combines athleticism, toughness, and versatility while bringing experience from another FBS program.

His veteran leadership will be extremely valuable for a young running back group, and his ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him a strong candidate for a major role.

Strengths:

• FBS experience at UConn
• Veteran leadership
• Strong balance and vision
• Versatility as a runner

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to a new offensive system
• Maintaining consistency
• Maximizing explosive opportunities

Rosa’s experience and skill set make him one of the most important players in the Bobcats’ backfield.

No. 23 James Kelly

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 6’0” Weight: 205 lbs Hometown: Trussville, Alabama High School: Hewitt-Trussville

Freshman running back James Kelly enters the program with the opportunity to develop into an important contributor for Ohio’s future.

At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Kelly already possesses a strong frame for the position. His combination of size and athletic ability gives him the foundation needed to become a complete running back as he adjusts to college football.

Coming from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama, Kelly joins a talented running back group where he can learn from experienced players while continuing to develop his skills.

Strengths:

• Good size for the position
• Athletic upside
• Physical running ability
• Long-term potential

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to college-level competition
• Developing pass protection skills
• Improving consistency

Kelly represents another promising young player who could become a significant contributor in the future.

2026 Ohio Bobcats Running Back Position Outlook

The Ohio Bobcats enter the 2026 season with a running back room that combines experience, size, and developmental potential. The group features a veteran presence in Victor Rosa, physical runners like Duncan Brune and Irving Brown, and younger players with significant upside.

Victor Rosa provides leadership and FBS experience. Duncan Brune brings size and physicality. Irving Brown and Mike Taylor Jr. represent developing young talent. James Kelly gives the program another athletic freshman option.

The biggest storyline heading into the season will be how Ohio distributes opportunities among a talented group with different strengths. A committee approach could allow the Bobcats to maximize each player’s abilities and keep opposing defenses off balance.

Conclusion: A Deep and Versatile Backfield Ready for Competition

The 2026 Ohio Bobcats running back room enters the season with a promising combination of veteran experience, physical talent, and young potential. The group has the versatility to provide the offense with multiple options depending on the situation.

Victor Rosa’s experience and leadership give the unit stability, while players like Duncan Brune and Irving Brown provide physicality and toughness. Mike Taylor Jr. and James Kelly add athletic ability and represent the future of the position.

The key for Ohio will be finding the right roles and allowing each player to maximize his individual strengths. Whether the offense needs a powerful runner to move the chains, a versatile back to contribute in multiple phases, or a young player ready to emerge, this group has the talent to provide answers.

If the Bobcats can stay healthy, establish consistency, and utilize the depth within the position group, the running back room has the potential to become a major strength of the 2026 offense. The competition throughout the season should elevate every player and create a dependable, physical backfield for Ohio football.