The 2026 high school football season is quickly approaching, with the first week of games set to begin in less than a month. While modern NFL offenses prioritize the passing game, the running back is still dominant at the high school level.
This season is set to feature a talented group of ballcarriers, from proven commodities to emerging young players ready to make their mark on the varsity level. There’s a good argument that this group of running backs is the most talented positional group in the Northern Section heading into the new season, and these Redding-area backs lead the trend.
With kickoff drawing closer, here’s a look at the top running backs to watch in the Redding-area heading into the new season.
1. Koby Johnson, Jr, Enterprise
If you’re the kind of football fan who loves a strong run game, you’ll want to watch Koby Johnson carry the rock for the Hornets this season. The Enterprise junior is everything you want in a star running back. He’s fast enough to outrun a defensive back and strong enough to run over a linebacker. He’s patient behind the offensive line, and his quick burst is nearly unstoppable. When he’s in the open field, good luck bringing him down.
As a sophomore in 2025, Johnson ran for 1,623 yards — fourth most in the section — with 14 touchdowns. He caught seven passes for 189 yards and a touchdown and was named to the All-Northern Section second team. Johnson was also able to maintain his production against the top defenses in the NSCIF. He rushed for over 75 yards in each game and surpassed the 100-yard mark in nine of his 11 games played.
2. Chayce Reed, Sr, West Valley
Chayce Reed was the workhorse of a run-heavy West Valley offense in 2025. As a junior, Reed rushed for 1,094 yards and 14 touchdowns on 131 carries — good for an average of 8.4 yards per carry. He’s a physical back who can shrug off contact from defenders while also blowing by them with great downfield speed and agility. Reed also plays with a fierce competitive spirit and an unwavering desire to win.
When Reed was active, he was one of the most consistent runners in the game last season. He only played in eight games due to injury, but Reed finished with at least 100 yards in each outing except one, when he only recorded two carries against Yreka on Oct. 10. Reed will be the one to set the tone for this Eagles team in 2026.
3. Turner Knowles, Sr, Foothill
Turner Knowles took over as Foothill’s starting running back halfway through the 2025 season and never looked back. The converted receiver rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown through four games before getting the job, but by the time the season ended, Knowles had accumulated 1,145 rushing yards, 198 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns.
Knowles’ game is defined by his speed and quickness. He has the strength to escape contact, but he makes it hard for defenders to make contact in the first place. Knowles was one of the top ball handlers in the section for the Cougars basketball team, and he runs the football like he’s crossing up defenders on the basketball court. He can stop on a dime and change course with ease.
4. Deven Ortega, Jr, Shasta
Shasta’s Deven Ortega only played in five games in his sophomore season, but what he was able to accomplish in those five games was enough to earn him a spot as one of the top running backs heading into 2026. In his first varsity game against Lassen on Aug. 29, Ortega rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries. After that, he recorded at least 150 yards in each game, highlighted by a 246-yard, four-touchdown performance against Yreka in Week 3.
Ortega is a smooth runner who can navigate the field well. He isn’t the type of runner to dominate with brute strength, but he controls his body well and puts himself in position to bounce off defenders. Ortega has elite agility between the tackles, and he has a great vision with the ball.
5. Levi Putnam, Sr, Redding Christian
Levi Putnam flew under the radar as one of the best running backs last season simply because of how dominant the Redding Christian passing game was. However, Putnam still finished the season fifth in the NSCIF with 1,615 rushing while also scoring 18 touchdowns. In the Lions’ postseason run that culminated in a state championship, Putnam ran for 547 yards and five touchdowns in four games played.
Throughout his career, Putnam’s game has been defined by his strength. He’s a power back who is not afraid to drop his shoulder and fight for extra yards. During his junior season, however, Lions coach Gerald Piper noticed Putnam improve his lateral movement and agility. If he continues that trend, it only gives Putnam a new way to beat opponents.
Other names to know
Brett Abrams is a sports reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. He covers high school and local sports in the Redding area. Reach out to Brett with any sports tips or news on X (formerly Twitter) @brabrams_ or by email at Brett.Abrams@Redding.com. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: High school football: Redding’s top running backs heading into 2026 season
Reporting by Brett Abrams, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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By Brett Abrams, Redding Record Searchlight | USA TODAY Network
