Texas high school football continues to produce some of the nation’s top running back talent, and the Class of 2026 is no exception. From explosive playmakers to powerful downhill runners, these five elite backs have dominated the competition and are attracting attention from major college programs. In this article, we break down the top five running backs in Texas for 2026, highlighting their stats, scouting reports, recruiting updates, and junior year highlights.
Top Five 2026 Texas High School Football Running Backs
1. Tradarian Ball, RB, Texas High, 5-10 / 185
Tradarian Ball, RB, Texas High, Texarkana Gazette
Tradarian Ball is a standout running back from Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, class of 2026. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 185 pounds, he has garnered national attention for his exceptional performance on the field.
A dynamic offensive weapon with dual-threat capabilities as a runner and receiver. Possesses game-breaking speed and agility, excelling in open-field situations. Demonstrates versatility with effective route-running and downfield tracking. While not a power back, shows good contact balance and plays larger than his size. Potential high-impact player at the collegiate level, offering explosive playmaking ability in multiple offensive roles and special teams.
As of July 27, 2024, Ball has verbally committed to the University of Oregon. His decision was influenced by his trust in head coach Dan Lanning and running backs coach Rashaad Samples. Ball stated, “Really it was about coach Lanning and coach Samples and putting my trust in them.”
Prior to his commitment, Ball received over 39 scholarship offers from prestigious programs, including Texas, Texas A&M, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and USC
2. Javian Osborne, RB, Forney, 5-10 / 175
Javian Osborne, RB, Forney, TexasFootball.com
A dynamic sophomore running back emerges as a high-volume workhorse with exceptional production. This creative runner excels in close quarters and open field, demonstrating impressive acceleration and quick footwork to set up cuts and evade defenders.
Javian’s violent running style helps break tackles, though it may affect his balance. His close-quarters evasiveness is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a unique hop-skip-jump technique. As he develops physically, his ability to finish runs should improve. Already a capable pass catcher, increased opportunities in this area could further enhance his versatility.
Entering the 2024 season, this running back is a strong contender for the top spot in the loaded 2026 Texas high school football running back class. With his current skill set and potential for growth, he projects as a high-impact player at the major college level, with the possibility of developing into a professional prospect in the future.
As of March 2025, Osborne continues to evaluate his collegiate options with over 42 division I offers, Michigan stands out from amoung the rest. His recent visits and interactions with coaching staffs indicate a deliberate approach to his recruitment process. Prospective programs are keenly interested in his decision, given his proven track record and potential impact at the collegiate level.
3. Raycine Guillory, RB, Aledo, 5-10 / 180
Raycine Guillory, RB, Aledo, On3.com
Raycine Guillory Jr. is a standout running back from Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas, class of 2025. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 192 pounds, he has garnered national attention for his exceptional performance on the field.
Over his three-year high school career, Guillory has totaled more than 3,000 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, maintaining an average of over 7 yards per carry according to On3.com
Initially, Guillory committed to the University of Texas in January 2024 but decommitted in June 2024 to reopen his recruitment. He received offers from nearly 40 programs, including Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, USC, and Texas A&M. In December 2024, Guillory signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of Utah.
Guillory is regarded as a four-star recruit. On3.com ranks him as the No. 13 running back and No. 97 overall prospect in the 2025 class. He is known for his agility, vision, and ability to break tackles, making him a dynamic threat on the field.
4. KJ Edwards, RB, Carthage, 5-9 / 165
KJ Edwards, RB, Carthage, On3.com
A standout in the 2026 Texas high school football running back class, this athlete has already made a significant impact. With over 4,000 career rushing yards and an impressive 11.25 yards per carry average across three varsity seasons, he earned Offensive MVP honors in the 2024 4A D-II state championship. At 5’10” and 180 pounds, he combines a well-built frame with exceptional speed and agility, showcasing his skills in both elite camps and on the field.
His playing style is characterized by quick cuts, excellent vision, and the ability to finish runs with strength beyond his size. While primarily a rushing threat, he’s increasingly involved in the passing game, displaying impressive receiving skills. His versatility and experience in various formations make him a potential every-down back at the high-major college level.
Despite occasional tendencies to overextend plays, this running back’s combination of athleticism, productivity, and all-around skill set positions him as one of the top prospects nationally, with potential for both collegiate success and professional consideration.
As of March 2025, Edwards remains uncommitted but has received offers from numerous programs, including Baylor, California, Houston, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi, and Nebraska. He has expressed a desire to stay in Texas for his collegiate career.
5. Jonathan Hatton Jr,. RB, Steele, 6-1 / 193
Jonathan Hatton Jr,. RB, Steele, Sportskeeda
A promising running back showcased remarkable improvement from his sophomore to junior year, demonstrating enhanced productivity and efficiency. His larger frame and increased explosiveness contributed to a significant boost in yards per carry, jumping from 5.04 to an impressive 9.17.
While not known for complex maneuvers, he exhibits subtle yet effective moves, complemented by excellent top-end speed verified in track events. His upright running style, though potentially refined, aligns with his build, suggesting potential as a formidable run-finisher.
As one of the top prospects in Texas’ 2026 running back class, he’s poised for success at the high-major college level, with versatility to serve as either a primary ball carrier or a dynamic component in a diverse backfield. His physical attributes, coupled with his notable junior-year leap, hint at long-term NFL Draft potential, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years.
Initially, Hatton Jr. committed to the University of Oklahoma on October 3, 2023. However, he decommitted on December 2, 2024, and subsequently committed to Texas A&M University on March 22, 2025. His decision was influenced by the positive environment in College Station and the opportunities within the Aggies’ football program.
View the full list of running backs and other Texas High School Football rankings of the class of 2026’s and other positons.
As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, these five running backs have solidified themselves as some of the best in Texas. With their combination of speed, strength, and vision, they are not only excelling at the high school level but also drawing interest from top college programs across the country. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they prepare for their senior seasons and take the next step in their football careers.
