We have reached another week into the Summer Scouting process, and that means we have wrapped up watching the top running backs in the class heading into the Fall.
In total, I watched 16 running backs and will be sharing some notes on the top 10. I will share all the names at the end, but when we discuss the top options of this running backs class, there are some top-end pieces for teams to target. The Summer is all about being positive with players, with some notes to keep in mind when we watch them in the Fall.
We have beaten around the bush enough, though, let’s show our rankings.
1) Jadan Baugh, Florida
Scouting Report
“Jadan Baugh will enter the year as my RB1 by a decent margin. The Florida running back is in a special class in terms of Gator running backs, where he is doing things we haven’t seen since Emmitt Smith ran through the swamp.”
2) Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Scouting Report
“Kewan Lacy helps make this running back class complete, as it gives them nearly a handful of options for teams. Several may be looking to find their solution at the running back position, and Lacy could be one of those options.”
3) Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
Scouting Report
“Ahmad Hardy is easily one of the more talented running backs in the 2026 college football season and the 2027 NFL Draft if he declares. He is a home run threat waiting to happen due to his vision and patience as a runner.”
4) Isaac Brown, Louisville
Scouting Report
“This running back class is not getting the respect it deserves. Isaac Brown is another player who could be drafted on day one by a team and become an impact player for whoever lands him.”
5) Nate Frazier, Georgia
Scouting Report
“Nate Frazier is another in a long line of Georgia running backs who will be getting the attention of the NFL. Frazier does not have a large workload history heading into 2026, and he isn’t likely to add a lot of touches this Fall.”
6) Hollywood Smother, Texas
Scouting Report
“Hollywood Smothers may not be my RB1 heading into the Fall, but coming out of Summer scouting, he is my favorite I have watched. He is super explosive once he gets a sliver of daylight.”
7) LJ Martin, BYU
Scouting Report
“LJ Martin is a nice combination of thumping power, as well as a nimbleness that allows him to make defenders miss. He showcases his elusiveness whether he has the ball in his hands or not, as he can find holes in the defense.”
8) Jordan Marshall, Michigan
Scouting Report
“Jordan Marshall shows a lot of promise out of Michigan’s backfield in 2026. The team should look to use him more in the pass game because his movement skills and hands are fun to watch work in space.”
9) Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami (FL)
Scouting Report
“I am not sure many more players impressed folks more in the college football playoffs last year than Mark Fletcher Jr. did. From the get-go, he set the tone for the Hurricanes as a whole, and he became a star in the process.”
10) Raleek Brown, Texas
Scouting Report
“Raleek Brown is a bona fide dual-threat out of the backfield, as he has shown he can be a reliable pass catcher. When he gets the ball, he showcases vision, contact balance, and change-of-direction skills that help him maintain momentum as a runner.”
Honorable Mention
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Summer running back rankings for the 2027 NFL Draft
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
