The running back position continues to be one of the most important components of a successful football program. A talented backfield can control the pace of a game, create explosive plays, take pressure off the quarterback, and provide an offense with balance and versatility.

Heading into the 2026 season, this running back room features an impressive combination of proven college production, elite athletic ability, and young talent ready to compete. The group includes experienced players with Power Four backgrounds, physical runners capable of handling a heavy workload, and freshmen looking to establish themselves at the next level.

With multiple players possessing different skill sets, the coaching staff has the opportunity to build a deep and versatile rotation that can attack defenses in a variety of ways.

No. 1 CJ Baxter

Running Back | Junior

Height: 6’1” Weight: 230 lbs Hometown: Boynton Beach, Florida High School: Edgewater Previous School: Texas

CJ Baxter enters the 2026 season as one of the most talented and physically gifted running backs in the country. After beginning his career at Texas, Baxter brings Power Four experience and the skill set of a potential feature back.

At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Baxter possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He has the frame to handle a significant workload while also having the explosiveness to create big plays in space.

A former highly regarded recruit, Baxter has the tools to impact every area of the offense. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and make defenders miss gives him the profile of a complete three-down running back.

Strengths:

• Ideal size and athleticism
• Explosive playmaking ability
• Strong between-the-tackles runner
• Three-down potential
• Power Four experience

Areas for Improvement:

• Staying healthy throughout the season
• Consistency with every-down responsibilities
• Continuing development as a pass blocker

Baxter has the talent to become the centerpiece of the running game and one of the most important offensive players on the roster.

No. 2 Jovantae Barnes

Running Back | Graduate Student

Height: 6’0” Weight: 214 lbs Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada High School: Desert Pines Previous School: Oklahoma

Jovantae Barnes brings extensive experience and proven ability to the running back room. After spending time at Oklahoma, Barnes enters the 2026 season as one of the veteran leaders of the group.

At 6-foot and 214 pounds, Barnes has the ideal build for a versatile college running back. He combines physicality with athletic ability and has experience competing against some of the best defenses in college football.

Barnes has shown the ability to contribute in multiple areas, including rushing, receiving, and pass protection. His veteran presence will be especially valuable for a talented but competitive position group.

Strengths:

• Big-game experience
• Strong physical runner
• Good vision and patience
• Versatility in the passing game
• Veteran leadership

Areas for Improvement:

• Maintaining consistency
• Maximizing explosive runs
• Staying healthy through a full season

Barnes’ experience and maturity make him a strong candidate to play a major role in the offense.

No. 22 Delvecchio Alston II

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 6’0” Weight: 210 lbs Hometown: Trussville, Alabama High School: Hewitt-Trussville

Freshman running back Delvecchio Alston II enters the program with the physical profile and athletic ability to become an important player in the future.

At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Alston already possesses good size for the position. His combination of strength and athleticism gives him the potential to develop into a complete running back as he adjusts to college football.

Coming from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama, Alston has the opportunity to learn from experienced veterans while developing his own role within the offense.

Strengths:

• Strong physical frame
• Good size for a freshman
• Athletic upside
• Long-term development potential

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to college football speed
• Learning pass protection responsibilities
• Developing consistency

Alston represents the future of the position and has the tools to become a valuable contributor.

No. 26 Jason Patterson

Running Back | Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 5’10” Weight: 204 lbs Hometown: Sneads, Florida High School: Sneads

Jason Patterson enters the 2026 season looking to continue his development and compete for a larger role in the running back rotation.

At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds, Patterson brings a balanced skill set and the ability to contribute in multiple situations. His compact build allows him to run with strength while maintaining the quickness needed to create yards after contact.

As a redshirt sophomore, Patterson is at an important stage in his career where increased experience can translate into a larger impact on the field.

Strengths:

• Good balance and toughness
• Physical running style
• Ability to contribute in multiple roles
• Developing college experience

Areas for Improvement:

• Creating explosive plays
• Separating himself in a deep position group
• Improving consistency

Patterson’s continued development could make him an important part of the running back rotation.

No. 28 Tovani Mizell

Running Back | Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6’0” Weight: 213 lbs Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida High School: Western

Tovani Mizell brings athletic ability and versatility to the running back room. At 6-foot and 213 pounds, Mizell has the physical tools to compete at a high level.

His combination of size, speed, and athleticism gives him the ability to contribute in multiple offensive packages. Mizell has the type of skill set that allows coaches to create mismatches, whether running the football or being utilized in the passing game.

As a redshirt sophomore, Mizell enters a key season where he can establish himself as a consistent contributor.

Strengths:

• Athletic versatility
• Good size and speed combination
• Ability to make plays in space
• Strong developmental upside

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency with opportunities
• Continued development as a complete back
• Improving blocking technique

Mizell has the talent to become one of the more dynamic players in the position group.

No. 34 Isaiah Jackson

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 5’10” Weight: 185 lbs Hometown: Richmond, Kentucky High School: Rockcastle County

Isaiah Jackson enters the program as a promising freshman looking to make his mark on a talented running back room.

At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Jackson brings athleticism, quickness, and the ability to make plays in open space. While he will need time to adjust to the physical demands of college football, his skill set provides a strong foundation for future success.

Coming from Rockcastle County High School in Kentucky, Jackson has the opportunity to develop behind experienced players while continuing to grow as a complete running back.

Strengths:

• Quickness and agility
• Playmaking ability
• Athletic upside
• Competitive mindset

Areas for Improvement:

• Adding strength
• Adjusting to college-level defenses
• Developing pass protection skills

Jackson represents another talented young player with the potential to grow into a bigger role.

2026 Running Back Position Outlook

The 2026 running back room features one of the most talented combinations of experience and potential on the roster. The group has proven production, Power Four experience, physical size, and young players with significant upside.

CJ Baxter enters the season as a potential feature back with the size and talent to carry a major workload. Jovantae Barnes provides veteran leadership and experience from Oklahoma. Tovani Mizell and Jason Patterson add versatility and depth. Delvecchio Alston II and Isaiah Jackson represent the future of the position.

The biggest question heading into the season will be how the coaching staff distributes carries among several talented options. Rather than relying on one player, the depth of this group allows the offense to utilize different backs based on game situations.

Conclusion: A Deep and Dynamic Running Back Room

The 2026 running back group enters the season with the talent and depth needed to become one of the strongest units on the team. The combination of experienced veterans, explosive athletes, and developing young players creates a backfield with multiple ways to attack opposing defenses.

CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes provide proven experience and leadership, while players like Tovani Mizell and Jason Patterson give the offense additional versatility. Freshmen Delvecchio Alston II and Isaiah Jackson bring long-term potential and represent the future of the position.

The key to success will be finding the right balance between workload, development, and specialization. Whether the offense needs a powerful runner to finish drives, an explosive playmaker to create big gains, or a versatile back who can contribute in the passing game, this group has the talent to provide answers.

If the running backs remain healthy, continue developing as complete players, and maximize their individual strengths, this unit has the potential to become a major strength of the 2026 offense. The competition within the room should elevate every player and give the coaching staff a deep collection of weapons heading into the season.