Who are the NFL's best running backs? Execs, coaches and scouts helped rank the top 10 for 2026

ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the league’s top running backs for 2026, debuting a new position-by-position rollout ahead of training camps. More than 70 voters submitted ballots at least once, and the rankings were computed from the number of top-10 selections, composite averages, and additional interviews, with support from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen and ESPN Research. The project is explicitly not a projection or career achievement list; it aims to answer who is best right now. ESPN also cites market changes, including major running back contracts: Christian McCaffrey’s deal at $19 million per year and Saquon Barkley’s at $20.6 million from 2024 to 2025. It notes further offseason contracts for three backs between $14 million and $16 million. Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons is ranked No. 1, narrowly ahead of Jahmyr Gibbs.