The running back position remains one of the most important areas of any football team. A productive backfield provides balance to the offense, creates explosive plays, keeps defenses honest, and gives a team the ability to control the pace of a game.

Heading into the 2026 season, this running back room features a strong combination of veteran leadership, transfer experience, and young talent ready to compete for opportunities. The group includes players with different skill sets, from physical between-the-tackles runners to explosive backs capable of making plays in space.

With several experienced players returning and talented newcomers looking to make their mark, the competition for carries should be one of the most interesting position battles to follow throughout preseason camp.

No. 13 Zion Johnson

Running Back | Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’8” Weight: 185 lbs Hometown: Covington, Georgia High School: Newton

Zion Johnson enters the 2026 season looking to take the next step in his development after gaining valuable experience within the program. As a redshirt freshman, Johnson represents one of the younger players in the running back room but brings athleticism and potential to the position.

At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Johnson has the build of a quick, explosive back who can create opportunities through speed, vision, and agility. His ability to make defenders miss and find running lanes will be important as he competes for playing time in a crowded backfield.

Coming from Newton High School in Georgia, Johnson has the athletic foundation to become a valuable contributor as he continues to adjust to the college level.

Strengths:

• Quickness and acceleration
• Ability to change direction
• Explosive play potential
• Strong developmental upside

Areas for Improvement:

• Adding strength for college competition
• Improving pass protection
• Continuing to develop consistency

Johnson’s athletic ability gives him the opportunity to carve out a role and become an important part of the future of the position.

No. 6 Gi’Bran Payne

Running Back | Redshirt Senior

Height: 5’10” Weight: 210 lbs Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio High School: La Salle Previous School: Notre Dame

Gi’Bran Payne enters the 2026 season as one of the most experienced and accomplished players in the running back room. A Cincinnati native and former Notre Dame player, Payne brings valuable Power Four experience and a strong football background.

At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Payne has the ideal frame for a complete running back. He combines physicality with athleticism and has the ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver.

After competing at one of college football’s most respected programs, Payne brings experience competing at a high level. His knowledge of the game and veteran leadership could make him one of the most important pieces of the offense.

Strengths:

• Power Four experience at Notre Dame
• Strong physical runner
• Good balance and contact ability
• Veteran leadership

Areas for Improvement:

• Staying healthy through the season
• Maximizing explosive-play ability
• Establishing himself within the rotation

Payne’s combination of experience and talent makes him a strong candidate to lead the running back group in 2026.

No. 7 Zylan Perry

Running Back | Redshirt Senior

Height: 5’11” Weight: 212 lbs Hometown: Franklin, Louisiana High School: Franklin Previous School: Louisiana

Zylan Perry brings another experienced presence to the running back room after spending time with the Louisiana program.

At 5-foot-11 and 212 pounds, Perry has the physical profile of a versatile back who can handle a variety of responsibilities. His size allows him to be effective between the tackles, while his athletic ability gives him the opportunity to make plays in open space.

With years of college football experience, Perry provides stability and competition at the position. His ability to contribute in different offensive situations could make him a valuable part of the rotation.

Strengths:

• College football experience
• Strong frame
• Physical running style
• Versatility

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to a new offensive system
• Creating more explosive plays
• Consistency throughout the season

Perry’s experience and physical style make him one of the players capable of earning significant snaps.

No. 3 Cole Tabb

Running Back | Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 5’8” Weight: 203 lbs Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, Florida High School: Choctawhatchee Previous School: Stanford

Cole Tabb adds another intriguing option to the running back competition after beginning his career at Stanford.

At 5-foot-8 and 203 pounds, Tabb combines a compact frame with athletic ability and toughness. His size allows him to maintain a low center of gravity, making him difficult for defenders to tackle in space.

Coming from a Power Four program, Tabb brings experience competing at a high level and has the opportunity to make an impact in a new environment.

Strengths:

• Quickness and agility
• Strong lower-body balance
• Previous Power Four experience
• Ability to create yards after contact

Areas for Improvement:

• Learning a new offensive system
• Developing consistency
• Competing for touches in a deep room

Tabb’s athletic ability and previous experience give him the potential to become a valuable contributor.

No. 26 Jayzon Thompson

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 lbs Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee High School: Anderson County

Freshman running back Jayzon Thompson enters the program with the opportunity to develop into a key contributor for the future.

At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Thompson brings a balanced frame and athletic skill set. As a younger player, his biggest focus will be adapting to the speed and physical demands of college football while learning the responsibilities of the position.

Coming from Anderson County High School in Tennessee, Thompson has the chance to grow within a talented running back group.

Strengths:

• Athletic ability
• Good size for a young back
• Development potential
• Fresh legs and competitiveness

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to college football
• Adding strength
• Learning pass protection

Thompson represents the future of the position and could continue developing into a bigger role.

No. 21 James Minor

Running Back | Junior

Height: 5’11” Weight: 203 lbs Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio High School: Winton Woods Previous School: West Virginia State

James Minor brings local experience and additional depth to the running back room. A Cincinnati native and Winton Woods product, Minor understands the level of competition in the area and brings valuable experience from West Virginia State.

At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, Minor has a strong build and the versatility to contribute in multiple situations.

His experience and familiarity with the game give him an opportunity to compete for a role in the rotation.

Strengths:

• Good size and physicality
• Local football background
• Experience at the collegiate level
• Reliable running style

Areas for Improvement:

• Separating himself in a competitive room
• Creating explosive plays
• Continuing development as a complete back

Minor’s experience gives him a chance to provide valuable depth and contribute when called upon.

No. 25 James Lewis

Running Back | Junior

Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 lbs Hometown: Bloomfield, Indiana High School: Eastern Greene Previous School: Manchester

James Lewis adds another athletic option to the running back competition. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Lewis brings a different skill set with his speed and ability to make plays in space.

His smaller frame allows him to be elusive and quick through running lanes, giving the offense another change-of-pace option.

After gaining collegiate experience at Manchester, Lewis enters the 2026 season looking to compete for opportunities and contribute wherever needed.

Strengths:

• Speed and quickness
• Ability to make defenders miss
• Athletic versatility
• Change-of-pace ability

Areas for Improvement:

• Adding strength
• Improving pass protection
• Competing for consistent carries

Lewis has the athletic ability to provide another dimension to the backfield.

2026 Running Back Position Outlook

The 2026 running back room features a strong mix of experience, athleticism, and competition. The presence of veteran backs like Gi’Bran Payne and Zylan Perry provides leadership, while players like Cole Tabb and James Minor add additional experience and depth.

Younger players such as Zion Johnson and Jayzon Thompson bring developmental upside, while James Lewis provides another athletic option capable of creating plays in space.

The biggest storyline entering the season will be determining how the carries are distributed. With multiple players capable of contributing, the coaching staff has the flexibility to build a committee approach and utilize each player’s strengths.

Conclusion: A Deep Backfield With Multiple Options

The 2026 running back group enters the season with one of the most competitive position battles on the roster. The combination of veteran leadership, transfer experience, and young talent creates a backfield capable of providing the offense with multiple weapons.

Gi’Bran Payne and Zylan Perry bring valuable experience and physicality, while Cole Tabb and James Minor add proven collegiate competition. At the same time, Zion Johnson, Jayzon Thompson, and James Lewis represent players who could develop into important contributors.

The key to success will be finding the right roles for each player. Whether the offense needs a physical runner to finish drives, a quick back to create explosive plays, or a versatile player who can contribute in the passing game, this group has options.

If the running backs can stay healthy, improve in pass protection, and consistently create explosive plays, this unit has the potential to become a major strength of the 2026 offense. The depth and competition within the room should push every player to improve and ultimately make the entire group better heading into the season.