The Unseen Potential: Why These Running Backs Could Define the 2026 NFL Season
Every NFL season, we’re reminded that football is a game of opportunity. For running backs, especially those buried on depth charts, that opportunity often comes in fleeting moments—a few carries here, a critical third-down catch there. But what if those moments reveal something bigger? What if they hint at a player’s untapped potential?
This year, I’ve been digging into the numbers, the schemes, and the narratives surrounding five running backs who, in my opinion, are flying under the radar. These aren’t your household names, but they’re players who could very well reshape their teams’ fortunes—and fantasy football leagues—in 2026.
Blake Corum (LAR): The Backup Who’s Ready for Prime Time
Blake Corum is a fascinating case. On paper, he’s the clear RB2 behind Kyren Williams in Sean McVay’s offense. But here’s the thing: Corum’s metrics are eerily similar to Williams’, and in some cases, they’re even better. His rushing success rate (59.7%) is elite, and his yards after contact per rush (2.25) suggest he’s more than capable of handling a heavier workload.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Corum’s trajectory has evolved. In 2024, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 42nd best rusher in the league. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s sixth. That’s a meteoric rise, and it’s not just noise. Corum is efficient, explosive, and running behind one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Personally, I think Corum is being criminally undervalued in fantasy drafts. If Williams were to miss time—and let’s be honest, injuries happen—Corum could easily step in as a top-5 weekly option. It’s not just about his stats; it’s about the system he’s in. McVay’s scheme maximizes running back potential, and Corum is the perfect beneficiary.
Keaton Mitchell (LAC): The Speedster Who Could Thrive in McDaniel’s Offense
Keaton Mitchell is a player I’ve found myself defending more than I expected. Yes, his yards after contact (1.31) and missed tackles forced (0.12) aren’t impressive. But here’s what many people don’t realize: Mitchell’s game isn’t about breaking tackles—it’s about avoiding them altogether.
Mitchell led all backs in yards before contact per rush (4.47) last season. That’s a hallmark of a player who’s faster than the defense can react. And now, he’s in Mike McDaniel’s offense, which has a history of elevating speedy backs like De’Von Achane. McDaniel didn’t just sign Mitchell; he actively pursued him, which tells me the Chargers see something special.
From my perspective, Mitchell isn’t going to be a workhorse back. But in a scheme that emphasizes well-designed rushes and screens, he could be a game-changer with just 8-10 touches per game. His explosive rush rate (10.2%) is second in the league, and that’s not a fluke. It’s a skill.
Tank Bigsby (PHI): The Explosive Backup Who Deserves More Touches
Tank Bigsby’s situation is baffling. The Jaguars let him go, and now he’s the Eagles’ RB2 behind Saquon Barkley. But here’s the kicker: Bigsby’s metrics are elite. His yards after contact per rush (3.16) and missed tackles forced per rush (0.27) are both top-three in the league.
What this really suggests is that Bigsby is more than just a change-of-pace back. He’s a player who can take over games if given the chance. Last season, he had 104 yards on nine carries against the Giants and 75 yards on 15 rushes against Washington. That’s not just efficiency—that’s dominance.
One thing that immediately stands out is how underutilized Bigsby has been. Barkley is the clear No. 1, but if he were to miss time, Bigsby could be a league-winner. Even in a limited role, his big-play upside makes him a player to watch.
Jeremy McNichols (WAS): The Unsung Hero in a Crowded Backfield
Jeremy McNichols is the kind of player who makes you wonder why he isn’t getting more attention. His yards after contact per rush (3.7) are the best in the league, and his missed tackles forced per rush (0.25) are seventh. Yet, he’s often an afterthought in a crowded Commanders backfield.
What makes McNichols especially interesting is his ability to be both a grinder and a big-play threat. His explosive rush rate (6.8%) is 12th in the league, which means he’s not just picking up short gains—he’s breaking off chunk plays.
In my opinion, McNichols is a player who could emerge as a fantasy sleeper in deeper leagues. The Commanders’ backfield is uncertain, but if McNichols gets more opportunities, he’s shown he can make the most of them.
Jawhar Jordan (HOU): The Boom-or-Bust Back with Untapped Potential
Jawhar Jordan is the wild card of this group. His rushing success rate (35%) is abysmal, but his yards after contact per rush (3.3) are second in the league. That’s a massive discrepancy, and it speaks to Jordan’s boom-or-bust nature.
What many people don’t realize is that Jordan’s college profile was similar. He was a high-risk, high-reward player, and that’s carried over to the NFL. But here’s the thing: in his two starts last season, he gained 154 yards on 30 carries and caught all seven of his targets. That’s not just luck—that’s talent.
If you take a step back and think about it, Jordan is the kind of player who could thrive in the right situation. The Texans’ backfield is far from settled, and if Jordan gets more opportunities, he could be a fantasy stash worth monitoring.
The Bigger Picture: Why These Players Matter
What these five running backs represent is something bigger than just stats or fantasy football. They’re a reminder that the NFL is a league of opportunity, where players who aren’t household names can still make a massive impact.
From my perspective, the 2026 season could be defined by these kinds of players—the ones who step up when given the chance. Whether it’s Corum taking over in LA, Mitchell thriving in McDaniel’s scheme, or Bigsby becoming a breakout star in Philadelphia, these are the stories that make football so compelling.
This raises a deeper question: How often do we overlook players because they’re not starters or because their sample sizes are small? In a league where every snap matters, these running backs are a testament to the idea that potential is everywhere—you just have to know where to look.
Final Thought:
As we head into the 2026 season, keep an eye on these players. They might not be the flashiest names, but they’re the ones who could surprise us all. And in a league as unpredictable as the NFL, that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.
