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Moving on in our NFC South positional rankings heading into the 2026 season, we take a look at one of the division's deepest and most versatile position groups -- the running backs. Featuring a mix of elite superstars, proven veterans, and promising young talent, the NFC South boasts several backs capable of impacting the game as both runners and receivers.
Headlined by arguably the NFL's best running back in Bijan Robinson and bolstered by New Orleans' addition of Travis Etienne Jr., the division is loaded with explosive playmakers in the backfield. With plenty of established talent and emerging stars, the NFC South's ground game has the potential to be one of the league's best in 2026.
Here are the division's top running backs heading into the 2026 season.
Still battling injuries through his third NFL season, Miller remains one of the division's most intriguing young running backs. Although he hasn't been able to stay on the field consistently, he's flashed outstanding contact balance, burst, and lateral quickness whenever given the opportunity. If he can finally put together a healthy season, Miller has the talent to emerge as a contributor in New Orleans.
Robinson spent 2026 working behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, serving as the veteran complement in the 49ers' backfield. While he's no longer the explosive runner he was earlier in his career, Robinson still flashed the physical, downhill running style that has defined him throughout his NFL tenure. He's a tough, reliable back that should play well as an RB2 in Atlanta.
Gainwell put together a career year in 2026, totaling over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns while sharing a backfield with Jaylen Warren. Now in Tampa Bay, he'll have the opportunity to build on that success as part of a talented backfield alongside rising star Bucky Irving.
After an excellent 2024 season, Hubbard was unfortunately phased out in 2025. With Rico Dowdle handling much of the workload last year, Hubbard's opportunities became limited. Now that Dowdle is in Pittsburgh, Hubbard should have a much better chance to carve out a larger role and see more touches this season.
Kamara enters 2026 in a new situation following the arrival of Travis Etienne. While he may no longer be the clear lead back, sharing the workload should help keep him fresh throughout the season. Even at 31 years old, Kamara still possesses outstanding contact balance, elite short-area quickness, and the vision that have made him one of the NFL's most productive backs over the past decade.
Bucky Irving's 2026 season was derailed by injuries, but it's hard to forget the impressive rookie campaign he put together just one year earlier. In 2025, Irving rushed for over 1,100 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 11 total touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league's brightest young backs. If he can stay healthy, expect Irving to bounce back in a big way and reestablish himself as one of the NFL's top running backs.
Before arriving in New Orleans, Etienne put together a career year in Jacksonville, rushing for over 1,100 yards while scoring 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six receiving). Etienne's ability to accelerate to the edge and make defenders miss in space is his true calling card. With his explosiveness and homerun hitting ability, look for him to have another big season in New Orleans.
Undisputed No. 1 back in this division, and arguably the best running back in all of football. Robinson racked up nearly 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns last season while proving why he's one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons. He has elite feet, some of the best change-of-direction ability in the game, and the vision and explosiveness to turn any touch into a game-changing play. There's simply no weakness to his game.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the NFC South's top running backs heading into the 2026 season
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Headlined by arguably the NFL's best running back in Bijan Robinson and bolstered by New Orleans' addition of Travis Etienne Jr., the division is loaded with explosive playmakers in the backfield. With plenty of established talent and emerging stars, the NFC South's ground game has the potential to be one of the league's best in 2026.
Here are the division's top running backs heading into the 2026 season.
8. Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
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Still battling injuries through his third NFL season, Miller remains one of the division's most intriguing young running backs. Although he hasn't been able to stay on the field consistently, he's flashed outstanding contact balance, burst, and lateral quickness whenever given the opportunity. If he can finally put together a healthy season, Miller has the talent to emerge as a contributor in New Orleans.
7. Brian Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
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Robinson spent 2026 working behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, serving as the veteran complement in the 49ers' backfield. While he's no longer the explosive runner he was earlier in his career, Robinson still flashed the physical, downhill running style that has defined him throughout his NFL tenure. He's a tough, reliable back that should play well as an RB2 in Atlanta.
6. Kenneth Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Gainwell put together a career year in 2026, totaling over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns while sharing a backfield with Jaylen Warren. Now in Tampa Bay, he'll have the opportunity to build on that success as part of a talented backfield alongside rising star Bucky Irving.
5. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
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After an excellent 2024 season, Hubbard was unfortunately phased out in 2025. With Rico Dowdle handling much of the workload last year, Hubbard's opportunities became limited. Now that Dowdle is in Pittsburgh, Hubbard should have a much better chance to carve out a larger role and see more touches this season.
4. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
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Kamara enters 2026 in a new situation following the arrival of Travis Etienne. While he may no longer be the clear lead back, sharing the workload should help keep him fresh throughout the season. Even at 31 years old, Kamara still possesses outstanding contact balance, elite short-area quickness, and the vision that have made him one of the NFL's most productive backs over the past decade.
3. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Bucky Irving's 2026 season was derailed by injuries, but it's hard to forget the impressive rookie campaign he put together just one year earlier. In 2025, Irving rushed for over 1,100 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 11 total touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league's brightest young backs. If he can stay healthy, expect Irving to bounce back in a big way and reestablish himself as one of the NFL's top running backs.
2. Travis Etienne Jr., New Orleans Saints
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Before arriving in New Orleans, Etienne put together a career year in Jacksonville, rushing for over 1,100 yards while scoring 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six receiving). Etienne's ability to accelerate to the edge and make defenders miss in space is his true calling card. With his explosiveness and homerun hitting ability, look for him to have another big season in New Orleans.
1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
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Undisputed No. 1 back in this division, and arguably the best running back in all of football. Robinson racked up nearly 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns last season while proving why he's one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons. He has elite feet, some of the best change-of-direction ability in the game, and the vision and explosiveness to turn any touch into a game-changing play. There's simply no weakness to his game.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the NFC South's top running backs heading into the 2026 season
Continue reading...
