The running back position continues to be a critical component of a successful football program. A productive backfield provides offensive balance, creates explosive plays, controls the tempo of games, and gives an offense the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

Heading into the 2026 season, this running back room features a strong combination of veteran experience, physical runners, and talented young players looking to establish themselves. The group includes proven contributors, developing prospects, and players with the versatility to impact the game both on the ground and in the passing game.

With multiple backs bringing different strengths to the position, the competition for carries should be one of the most interesting battles to watch throughout the season.

No. 5 Keyjuan Brown

Running Back | Redshirt Junior

Height: 5’10” Weight: 215 lbs Hometown: Anniston, Alabama High School: South Atlanta

Keyjuan Brown enters the 2026 season as one of the more experienced players in the running back room. At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Brown brings a strong physical presence and the type of build that allows him to handle tough carries between the tackles.

Brown’s size and running style make him a valuable option in short-yardage situations, while his athletic ability gives him the potential to contribute in multiple areas of the offense. As a redshirt junior, he brings experience and maturity to a position group that features a mix of veterans and younger players.

Coming from South Atlanta High School, Brown has continued to develop his game and will look to establish himself as a reliable contributor in 2026.

Strengths:

• Strong physical frame
• Tough downhill running style
• Ability to absorb contact
• Veteran experience

Areas for Improvement:

• Creating explosive plays
• Continuing development as a receiver
• Consistency throughout the season

Brown’s combination of size and experience gives him an opportunity to be an important piece of the offensive rotation.

No. 32 Braxton Jennings

Running Back | Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’11” Weight: 195 lbs Hometown: Ashland, Kentucky High School: Ashland Blazer

Braxton Jennings enters the 2026 season looking to take the next step in his development after gaining valuable experience within the program.

At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Jennings brings a balanced skill set with the ability to run with both speed and toughness. As a redshirt freshman, he has had additional time to learn the offense, develop physically, and prepare for increased opportunities.

Coming from Ashland Blazer High School in Kentucky, Jennings has the athletic foundation to compete for snaps and continue growing into his role.

Strengths:

• Good size and athleticism
• Developmental upside
• Quickness through running lanes
• Strong work ethic

Areas for Improvement:

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

Jennings represents a young player with the potential to become a key contributor as his career progresses.

No. 22 Lekhy Thompkins

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 6’2” Weight: 235 lbs Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee High School: IMG Academy

Freshman running back Lekhy Thompkins enters the program with an impressive physical profile and significant potential. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Thompkins brings rare size to the running back position.

His combination of size, strength, and athletic ability gives him the profile of a powerful runner who can create problems for opposing defenses. Coming from IMG Academy, one of the most nationally recognized high school football programs, Thompkins has competed against elite-level talent.

As he adjusts to the college game, his development will be closely monitored. His physical tools give him the ability to become a major contributor in the future.

Strengths:

• Elite size for the position
• Powerful running style
• Ability to break tackles
• High-level preparation from IMG Academy

Areas for Improvement:

• Adjusting to college speed
• Improving agility and lateral quickness
• Developing receiving skills

Thompkins has the physical tools to become a major weapon and could provide a powerful presence in the backfield.

No. 24 Marquise Davis

Running Back | Freshman

Height: 6’0” Weight: 215 lbs Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio High School: Cleveland Heights Previous School: Missouri

Marquise Davis brings a combination of talent, experience, and physical ability to the running back room. After beginning his collegiate career at Missouri, Davis enters the program with previous Power Four experience.

At 6-foot and 215 pounds, Davis has the ideal build for a complete running back. He combines strength with athletic ability and has the versatility to contribute as both a runner and receiver.

A Cleveland native and Cleveland Heights product, Davis has the opportunity to make an immediate impact while continuing to develop his game.

Strengths:

• Previous SEC experience at Missouri
• Strong physical runner
• Good size and athleticism
• Ability to contribute immediately

Areas for Improvement:

• Learning a new offensive system
• Establishing consistency
• Continuing development in pass protection

Davis’ experience and talent make him one of the most intriguing players in the running back competition.

No. 1 Isaac Brown

Running Back | Junior

Height: 5’9” Weight: 190 lbs Hometown: Miami, Florida High School: Homestead

Isaac Brown enters the 2026 season as one of the most dynamic athletes in the running back room. At 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, Brown brings speed, quickness, and explosiveness to the position.

His smaller frame allows him to be elusive in space, while his athletic ability gives him the potential to create big plays whenever he touches the football. Brown’s ability to accelerate quickly and make defenders miss makes him a valuable weapon in a variety of offensive packages.

As a junior, Brown will look to continue developing into a consistent and impactful contributor.

Strengths:

• Explosive speed
• Quick acceleration
• Ability to make defenders miss
• Big-play capability

Areas for Improvement:

• Adding strength
• Improving pass protection
• Maintaining consistency against bigger defenses

Brown’s explosiveness gives the offense a game-changing element and makes him one of the players to watch in 2026.

2026 Running Back Position Outlook

The 2026 running back room features a strong balance of size, experience, and athletic ability. The group offers multiple styles of runners, giving the coaching staff flexibility when creating the offensive game plan.

Keyjuan Brown provides veteran leadership and physicality. Isaac Brown brings explosive playmaking ability. Marquise Davis adds Power Four experience and versatility. Lekhy Thompkins brings rare size and long-term potential. Braxton Jennings represents a developing young option with upside.

The biggest storyline entering the season will be how the coaching staff utilizes a talented group with different skill sets. A committee approach could allow each player to maximize his strengths while keeping the offense unpredictable.

Conclusion: A Backfield With Size, Speed and Long-Term Potential

The 2026 running back group enters the season with a promising combination of experience, physicality, and athletic upside. The presence of veteran players gives the unit stability, while younger players provide excitement and future potential.

Keyjuan Brown and Isaac Brown offer two different styles that can complement each other, with Brown bringing power and physicality while Isaac Brown provides speed and explosiveness. Marquise Davis adds valuable experience from Missouri, while Lekhy Thompkins and Braxton Jennings provide the next wave of talent.

The key to success will be finding the right roles for each player and allowing their individual strengths to shine. Whether the offense needs a powerful runner to finish drives, an explosive back to create big plays, or a versatile option who can contribute in multiple phases, this group has the talent to deliver.

If the running backs stay healthy, continue improving as complete players, and take advantage of their opportunities, this unit has the potential to become one of the strongest areas of the 2026 offense. The competition throughout the season should push the entire group forward and create a deep, dangerous backfield.