ESPN: Texas A&M freshman running back could be a breakout star

[ASFN Admin]

Texas A&M's 2026 running back room will continue to face the "what if?" scenario after senior Le'Veon Moss declared for the NFL Draft after consecutive injury-riddled seasons, but after former five-star RB Rueben Owens rushed for a career high 639 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, the incoming junior will enter spring camp as the room's leader.

While Owens is expected to earn the starting job, the return of sophomore Jamarion Morrow, paired with Tiger Riden, who provides more size in the backfield, are equally intriguing role players, while freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker provide a glimpse towards the future, but could make an impact in Year 1.

Focused Edwards, who looks ahead of schedule after his elite 2025 senior season, ESPN writers Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill recently scouted the top-ranked college football prospects from the 2025 signing class, picking out the players who are expected to earn starting or rotational jobs this coming season.

While Owens, who is expected to pack on more weight this offseason, and Edwards, who is currently listed at 5'10" and 180 pounds, will be one of, if not the lightest, running backs on the roster, but is by far the most explosive back once he makes his first cut, and brings in versatility as a pass catcher, something Ruben Owens needs to work on this offseason.

Texas A&M is clearly shifting its running back profile to smaller and more explosive with Edwards. Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II each has 30-plus pounds on him, and that contrast gives the Aggies change-of-pace flexibility. At 5-10 and 180 pounds, Edwards brings a blend of versatility, pass-receiving skills, sudden change of direction and the ability to make people miss in space.

Scheme-wise, new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins will add his own wrinkles to the offense, but the expectation is that little will change with starting quarterback Marcel Reed returning. In the run game, Edwards' skill set should be utilized in zone looks, angle routes, and especially screens to get him in the open field with Texas A&M's enormous offensive line leading the way.

He's not built to be a downhill load carrier, but he's ideal in inside and outside zone schemes, hitting creases and exploiting cutback lanes. Edwards has the traits to be dangerous on angle routes, screens and perimeter touches, which pairs well with modern spread looks and RPO-heavy game plans. His first live action could come on special teams as a return specialist, where his quickness and acceleration can flip field position.

While adding a veteran running back from the transfer portal would have made some in the fan base feel better about the 2026 running back room, KJ Edwards is on track to ease those worries and provide substantial depth towards a potential breakout season.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: ESPN analyzes how freshman KJ Edwards will fit in Texas A&M's offense

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