One cut, one burst through the line and suddenly a simple handoff turns into a game-changing play.
Few positions can wear down a defense while threatening to score on every touch quite like a running back.
They keep the chains moving, control the clock and force defenses to adjust, creating opportunities for the rest of the offense.
With that in mind, let’s meet the Times-Reporters coverage area’s top 12 running backs for the 2026 season.
The top seven are ranked, followed by five honorable mentions listed alphabetically. All are players to keep an eye on throughout the fall.
7. Natch Overly (Sr.), Sandy Valley RB
The senior running back was limited to five games a season ago, but made an impact scoring one touchdown on 43 carries, totaling 174 yards. Overly will look to continue his success throughout the 2026 campaign under first-year head coach Torrance Carle.
6. Cohen Murray (Sr.), Dover RB
As a junior, Murray eclipsed the 200 yard mark on the ground for the season, scoring three touchdowns. He and the rest of the Crimson Tornadoes are back in the Ohio Cardinal Conference this season, and will look to continue their success.
5. Tyler Krawulski (Jr.), Conotton Valley RB
The shoes will be big to fill for Krawulski. As last season’s starter, Gavin Haney totaled 973 yards and 15 touchdowns; however in limited action as sophomore, Krawulski rushed for 183 yards on 27 carries, scoring three touchdowns. 161 yards came across two games.
4. Kolston Fox (Sr.), New Philadelphia RB
Throughout his career, Fox has ran for 946 yards and found the endzone 12 times. Last season, he set a career-high with 573 yards and seven scores on 84 carries.
3. Mason Shalosky (Sr.), Newcomerstown RB
He rarely comes off the field, playing both sides and earning first team in the Inter Valley Conference’s North Division. In his junior campaign he totaled 97 rushing attempts, 674 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
2. Keizer Thomas (Sr.), Strasburg RB
As a junior, Thomas was named first team in the IVCs North Division and was second on his team in points scored with 42. He has breakaway speed and is able to be the work horse as he led his team with 119 carries. Thomas found the endzone seven times and rushed for 803 yards during 2025.
1. Matthew Frey (Sr.), Garaway RB
He was part of team that rushed for 2,026 yards last season and he was responsible for 1,402. He earned first team in the South Division of the IVC and if it wasn’t for Indian Valley’s Grady Kinsey, he probably could’ve taken home Player of the Year. Frey found the endzone 25 times in 2025, averaging over 100 yards per game, nearly 7.5 yards per carry and had a season long run of 80 yards.
Honorable mentions:
Nate Ezell, RB, Malvern, jr.
Lukas Justice, DB/RB, Newcomerstown, sr.
Levi Kiko, RB/DB, Carrollton, sr.
Luke Thomas, RB, Malvern, sr.
Hunter Witts, RB, Tusky Valley, sr.
Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Who are the top running backs in the Times-Reporter area for 2026?
Reporting by Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter | USA TODAY Network
