Ahead of the 2026 college football season, one expert put together an early look at the top running backs who could hear their names called in the 2027 NFL draft. The Athletic's Dane Brugler revealed his rankings of the top five running back prospects who are eligible to make the jump to the league next year, with Ole Miss junior speedster Kewan Lacy. Brugler noted that he has the chance to join Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love, the No. "The NFL desires several different qualities at the running back position, but above all, the league covets ball carriers who create explosive plays," Brugler stated. While Lacy, Florida's Jadan Baugh and Missouri's Ahmad Hardy are all underclassmen, Brugler also highlighted seniors Mark Fletcher Jr. of Miami and Justice Haynes of Georgia.