As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning running backs in 2026.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
Best Returning FCS Running Backs
30. Athean Renfro, Texas Southern
29. Brayden Latham, Eastern Kentucky
28. Shane Lee, Nicholls
27. Rovaughn Banks Jr., Abilene Christian
26. Delon Thompson, Portland State
25. Isaiah Ragland, Villanova
24. Myles Thomason, New Hampshire
23. Jimmyll Williams, Elon
22. Jaden Gilbert, Youngstown State
21. Matt Childs, Brown
20. Trey Holly, Southern
19. Ness Davis, Duquesne
18. Deantre Jackson, Southeastern
17. Mitchell Summers, Sacred Heart
16. Adam Criter, San Diego
15. Xaviah Bascon, Harvard
14. Steve Hall, Lindenwood
13. Chase Bingmon, Prairie View A&M
12. Jaden Green, Cal Poly (transfer from Lehigh)
11. Tylan Hines, Tarleton State
10. Jaylen Jennings, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
9. Carson Gresock, Gardner-Webb
8. Jordan Fisher, UC Davis
7. Dason Brooks, Idaho State
6. Ja’briel Mace, Villanova
5. Victor Dawson, Illinois State
Dawson played a massive role in Illinois State’s historic run to the national championship game as an unseeded team. He transferred from FBS Cincinnati in the 2025 offseason, but his college career began at Merrimack, where he was a 2022 FCS Freshman All-American. Last season for the Redbirds, Dawson toted the rock 278 times for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns. The 5-foot-11 and 220-pound bruiser also recorded 32 catches for 176 yards. As ISU dealt with injuries to its running back room, Dawson elevated his play on the biggest stages. In five playoff games, he ran for 72, 137, 148, 155, and 126 yards.
4. Luke Yoder, Lehigh
Yoder has been a spectacular player for a rising Lehigh program. In 35 career games, he has rushed for 3,067 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Yoder is a back-to-back All-Patriot League selection and is coming off an All-American season. As a true freshman in 2023, Yoder rushed 135 times for 646 yards and five touchdowns, getting named a candidate for the Jerry Rice Award. In 2024, he rushed for 1,014 yards and 10 scores on 193 carries. Yoder was named on the All-Patriot League Second Team. He made it two straight 1,000-yard seasons last year, tallying 1,409 yards (No. 8 in the FCS) and 15 TDs on the ground on 198 attempts, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. His 91.3 overall PFF grade ranked No. 1 among FCS running backs. Along with All-Conference First Team honors, Yoder was named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year. Nationally, the 5-foot-11 and 205-pounder earned All-American accolades from FCS Football Central, Stats Perform, and the Associated Press.
3. Adam Jones, Montana State
Jones is just a junior in 2026, but he’s already established himself as a top-tier FCS running back in two straight seasons. He is a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher and a two-time All-Big Sky selection. In 2024 as a redshirt freshman, Jones carried the ball 184 times for 1,172 yards (6.4 YPC) and 14 touchdowns, plus 21 receptions for 214 yards and a score. He was named the Big Sky Freshman of the Year and finished No. 2 in Jerry Rice Award voting. Last season, Jones helped lead Montana State to its first national championship in 41 years. The 6-foot-1 and 200-pounder averaged 6.3 yards per carry, rushing 173 times for 1,093 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones continued to be a threat in the passing game, hauling in 35 catches for 301 yards and two TDs.
2. Charles Pierre Jr., South Dakota
Pierre returns for his senior season after missing most of last year with an injury. He looks to remind the FCS just how dangerous a back he is. Pierre showed promise in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, getting named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team after rushing 78 times for 473 yards and five touchdowns. He then became a top-tier FCS running back in 2024. The 5-foot-10 and 210-pounder averaged 7.4 yards per carry, totaling 1,244 yards and 16 TDs on the ground. Pierre also had 19 receptions for 190 yards and two scores. Pierre was PFF’s No. 5-graded FCS running back while earning All-MVFC First Team honors and three All-American accolades.
1. Eli Gillman, Montana
Entering his senior season, Gillman is within striking distance of all-time Montana records. He has 3,677 career rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. The school records are 4,070 yards and 52 touchdowns. In a program with an elite lineage of running backs, Gillman eyes GOAT status in 2026. Gillman splashed onto the FCS scene in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. He rushed 194 times for 968 yards and 12 touchdowns, getting named on the All-Big Sky Second Team, earning Big Sky Freshman of the Year honors, and winning the Jerry Rice Award as the best FCS freshman. In 2024, he rushed for 1,104 yards and 15 touchdowns on 167 attempts, averaging 6.6 YPC. He earned another spot on the All-Big Sky Second Team. Gillman was at his best last season. He logged 1,540 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 250 carries (6.2 YPC). He finished No. 5 in FCS rushing yards, No. 3 in rushing touchdowns, and No. 9 in rushing yards per game (102.7). His 90.3 PFF rushing grade ranked No. 6 among FCS running backs. The 6-foot and 213-pounder was named on the All-Big Sky First Team, won the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year award, and received multiple All-American accolades.
