2026 Devy RB Rankings: The Running Backs Who Will Dominate Your Dynasty Leagues

Evaluating Jeremiyah Love, Nicholas Singleton, and the running backs who will define the 2026 draft class for dynasty fantasy managers

The 2026 NFL Draft running back class represents a critical inflection point for dynasty and devy league managers. While recent draft trends have seen teams devalue the position on Day 1, this cycle features multiple backs with genuine three-down profiles and immediate fantasy upside. For managers who built their rosters around aging veterans or bet heavily on the underwhelming 2025 class, the 2026 crop offers redemption—and opportunity.

Unlike the relatively thin 2025 class, this year's prospects combine elite physical tools with proven college production. The top-tier backs have logged significant workloads at power conference programs while demonstrating the receiving chops that NFL offensive coordinators increasingly demand. For devy managers, the acquisition window is narrowing as these players cement their draft stock through spring evaluations and the 2025 season tape becomes required viewing for NFL scouts.

Let's examine the three running backs who should anchor your dynasty draft boards and devy rosters heading into draft season.

Tier 1: The Generational Talent

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The 2026 RB1 isn't up for debate. Love's 2025 campaign—capped by a Doak Walker Award and unanimous All-American honors—showcased everything dynasty managers crave in a modern bell-cow back. His 1,372 rushing yards at 6.9 yards per carry represents elite efficiency, while his 18 rushing touchdowns demonstrate consistent red-zone dominance. The 27 receptions for 280 yards and three additional scores reveal the receiving dimension that translates directly to PPR fantasy value.

At 6'0" and 214 pounds, Love possesses the instant acceleration and explosive burst that separate NFL starters from backups. His tape reveals a runner who can take any touch the distance—the calling card of fantasy RB1s. The Jahmyr Gibbs comparison isn't hyperbole; Love operates with similar suddenness and possesses the receiving skills that make him scheme-versatile at the next level.

The scouting report isn't without concerns. Love occasionally shows impatience, missing cutback lanes when he keys too heavily on hitting home runs. But in fantasy terms, the big-play upside overwhelms the minor efficiency dips. His projected landing as a top-10 pick—potentially top-5 among all positions—ensures the draft capital that correlates with immediate NFL opportunity.

Dynasty Value: Love should be the 1.01 in rookie drafts regardless of format. In superflex leagues, only elite quarterback prospects should challenge him for the top overall selection. Acquire him now in devy leagues at whatever cost necessary.

Tier 2: The Physical Specimens

Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Singleton presents the most intriguing evaluation puzzle in this class. The measurables scream elite prospect: 6'0", 224 pounds with a verified 4.33-4.39 40-yard dash and a Penn State strength record (665-pound squat). His career production—3,461 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns as a Nittany Lion—demonstrates sustained excellence at a premier program.

The 2025 season requires context. Singleton's 549 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns came in a crowded backfield, limiting his touch volume. Only four games featured 18 or more carries, and his yards-after-contact numbers dipped to 2.69 per attempt. For dynasty purposes, the question becomes whether these represent genuine regression or situational noise.

The answer likely falls somewhere in the middle. Singleton profiles as a powerful gap-scheme runner with legitimate receiving chops—he's logged three consecutive seasons with 20-plus receptions. The Joe Mixon comparison captures his potential ceiling: a physical runner who can shoulder heavy workloads while contributing as a receiver. The floor, however, involves a committee role behind a more explosive lead back.

Dynasty Value: Singleton should be a mid-to-late first-round rookie pick, with upside for RB1 seasons in the right landing spot. His Day 2 draft projection (second or third round) means managers can potentially acquire him at a discount compared to his talent level.

Jonah Coleman, Washington

Coleman represents the classic high-floor, modest-ceiling archetype that dynasty managers either love or dismiss. At 5'9" and 225 pounds, he's a bowling ball between the tackles—a runner who maximizes every block and refuses to go down on first contact. His 758 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025 (limited by a late-season knee injury) demonstrate goal-line prowess that translates to touchdown equity.

The tape reveals elite contact balance, outstanding vision, and the patience to let plays develop. Coleman sees cutback lanes before they open and possesses the lower-body strength to fall forward consistently. His 3,054 career rushing yards and 34 touchdowns showcase durability and production across multiple programs (Arizona transfer to Washington).

The concerns are equally clear. Coleman tested in the 4.50-4.60 range in the 40-yard dash, lacking the long speed to break away at the NFL level. His career features just one run exceeding 60 yards. The James Robinson and C.J. Anderson comparisons are apt—productive, valuable fantasy assets who rarely win you weeks but don't lose them either.

Dynasty Value: Coleman projects as a second-round rookie pick with immediate flex appeal and potential RB2 upside. In best-ball formats, his touchdown consistency makes him a strong value. In standard redraft leagues, he'll be undervalued relative to his production.

Honorable Mentions

Jadarian Price, Notre Dame: The second Fighting Irish back benefits from sharing a backfield with Love, earning NFL attention as a potential complementary piece. His receiving skills and pass-protection ability could earn him a third-down role.

Emmett Johnson, Nebraska: A patient runner with good vision, Johnson profiles as a Day 3 pick with committee potential. His lack of elite athleticism caps his ceiling but makes him a potential waiver-wire contributor.

Kaytron Allen, Penn State: Singleton's backfield mate possesses similar power but less long speed. A likely Day 3 selection, Allen could carve out a short-yardage specialist role.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 running back class offers dynasty managers a clear hierarchy. Jeremiyah Love stands alone as a generational prospect worth aggressive acquisition. Nicholas Singleton and Jonah Coleman provide different pathways to fantasy relevance—Singleton through physical upside and Singleton through reliability and touchdown equity.

For devy managers, the window to acquire these players at value is closing. Love's price has likely peaked, but Singleton and Coleman remain accessible in many leagues. For dynasty managers preparing for rookie drafts, understanding the tiers and landing spots will separate league winners from the pack.

The 2026 class won't produce a record-breaking fantasy season from a rookie, but it will produce multiple backs capable of anchoring dynasty rosters for the next five years. That's exactly what this format demands.

---

*Follow @College2ProFantasy on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for daily fantasy football content.*