As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the spotlight often falls on the big names—the quarterbacks, the star wide receivers, and the marquee running backs. But what about the players lurking in the shadows, waiting for their moment to shine? Personally, I think the running back position is one of the most fascinating in football because it’s where potential and opportunity collide. This year, there are a few underrated backs who could break out in a big way, and I’m here to tell you why they’re worth watching. Let’s dive in.
The Backup Who Could Be a Breakout Star: Blake Corum (LAR)
Blake Corum isn’t a household name yet, but he should be. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he’s flown under the radar despite his impressive metrics. Sure, Kyren Williams gets most of the attention in the Rams’ backfield, but Corum’s improvement in 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. His rushing success rate of 59.7% ranked third in the league, and his explosive rush rate of 7% was ninth. From my perspective, these numbers aren’t just stats—they’re a signal that Corum is ready to step up if given the chance.
Here’s the thing: Sean McVay’s rushing scheme is a perfect fit for Corum’s efficiency. If Williams were to miss time, Corum could easily become a top-5 fantasy option. What many people don’t realize is that the Rams’ offensive line was one of the best in 2025 at creating yards before contact, which plays right into Corum’s strengths. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a player who’s been quietly preparing for his moment. I’m not saying he’ll overtake Williams, but he’s the kind of backup who could make a massive impact when called upon.
The Speedster with a New Home: Keaton Mitchell (LAC)
Keaton Mitchell is the kind of player who makes you sit up and take notice. His explosive rush rate of 10.2% was second in the league last season, and his speed is undeniable. But here’s where it gets interesting: Mitchell isn’t just a one-trick pony. Yes, his yards after contact and missed tackles forced aren’t elite, but that’s because he’s blowing past defenders before they even get a chance to touch him. What this really suggests is that Mitchell is a perfect fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense, which thrives on speed and misdirection.
I’ve become a bit of a Keaton Mitchell truther, especially after the Chargers pursued him aggressively in free agency. McDaniel’s scheme, which turned De’Von Achane into a star in Miami, could do the same for Mitchell. A detail that I find especially interesting is how McDaniel specifically targeted Mitchell—it’s not just about talent; it’s about fit. I’m not saying Mitchell will be a workhorse back, but with 8-10 touches per game, he could be a game-changer.
The Overlooked Gem: Tank Bigsby (PHI)
Tank Bigsby is one of those players who makes you scratch your head and wonder, ‘Why isn’t he getting more opportunities?’ His yards after contact per rush of 3.16 ranked third in the league, and his missed tackles forced per rush was also elite. Yet, the Jaguars let him go, and now he’s backing up Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia. What makes this particularly frustrating is that Bigsby has shown he can be a difference-maker in limited snaps.
In my opinion, Bigsby is the kind of player who could thrive in a larger role. Barkley is expected to be more involved in the pass game this season, which could open the door for Bigsby to shine. If Barkley were to miss time, Bigsby isn’t just a backup—he’s a potential game-breaker. This raises a deeper question: Why do teams so often overlook players like Bigsby? It’s not just about talent; it’s about fit and opportunity.
The Quietly Efficient: Jeremy McNichols (WAS)
Jeremy McNichols is the definition of a player who does his job without fanfare. His yards after contact per rush of 3.7 ranked first in the league, and his explosive rush rate was 6.8%. What many people don’t realize is that McNichols has been consistently solid for years, yet he’s often overlooked in a crowded backfield. From my perspective, this is a player who could surprise a lot of people in 2026.
The Commanders’ backfield is a bit of a mess, but McNichols has the skills to stand out. His ability to break tackles and create explosive plays is something that shouldn’t be ignored. If you take a step back and think about it, McNichols is the kind of player who could thrive in the right situation. He’s not a household name, but he’s someone I’ll be keeping a close eye on this season.
The Boom-or-Bust Wildcard: Jawhar Jordan (HOU)
Jawhar Jordan is the kind of player who could either fizzle out or become a star. His yards after contact per rush of 3.3 ranked second in the league, but his rushing success rate was a disappointing 35%. What makes this particularly interesting is that Jordan’s college profile suggested he could be a boom-or-bust player, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen in the NFL.
Personally, I think Jordan is worth a stash in deeper fantasy formats. His big-play potential is undeniable, and if he can clean up some of the inconsistencies, he could be a breakout candidate. One thing that immediately stands out is his ability to make the most of his opportunities—when he’s on, he’s on. The question is whether he can do it consistently.
Final Thoughts
The NFL is a league of opportunity, and these five running backs are prime examples of players who could seize their moment in 2026. What this really suggests is that sometimes, the most impactful players aren’t the ones in the spotlight. They’re the ones waiting in the wings, ready to step up when their number is called.
In my opinion, the beauty of football lies in these stories—the underrated, the overlooked, and the underappreciated. This season, keep an eye on these backs. They might just surprise you.
