Projecting Landing Spots For Top Uncommitted RBs In the 2026 Recruiting Class

As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, several top-tier running backs remain uncommitted heading into the summer. These prospects have drawn interest from national powerhouses and are nearing final decisions after making official visits. Here’s a breakdown of the top five uncommitted RBs in the class, including profiles, visit info, and projected landing spots.

1. Savion Hiter – Michigan Wolverines

Hiter is widely considered the most college-ready running back in the class. He’s a compact, powerful runner who thrives between the tackles and consistently breaks through arm tackles. His vision and patience give him a high floor, but it’s his balance and finishing ability that put him at the top of the rankings. He’s built to handle volume and excels in physical matchups.

He recently completed official visits to Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio State. For a while, the Buckeyes looked like the favorite, but Michigan has made a major push. Their staff prioritized him all spring, and the official visit to Ann Arbor reportedly exceeded expectations. With momentum shifting in Michigan’s favor, the Wolverines now look like the projected destination.

2. Ezavier “EJ” Crowell – Alabama Crimson Tide

Crowell is one of the most physically impressive athletes in the class. A recent reclass from 2027, he already clocks sub-11 second 100m times and checks in at over 210 pounds. He’s a violent runner who doesn’t shy from , but his acceleration and lateral agility separate him from typical downhill backs. Crowell can run through a linebacker or outrun a cornerback to the edge.

He’s taken official visits to Georgia, Texas, Auburn, and Florida State, with Alabama getting his final OV in late June. He’s scheduled to announce on June 26. While all six finalists have pitched him hard, Alabama has the local pull and track record at the position. With the final visit slot and in-state edge, the Tide are in strong position to land him.

3. Derrek Cooper – Miami Hurricanes

Cooper brings the frame and mentality of an every-down back. He’s physical, durable, and consistent with his reads. The Florida product excels in zone schemes and doesn’t waste movement. Cooper’s also flashed soft hands out of the backfield and the ability to pick up blitzes, rounding out a profile that projects to early snaps at the college level.

He’s taken or scheduled official visits to Miami, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama, and Auburn. Georgia looms large as the SEC option, but he decommitted from the Dawgs once, and unless the visit flips momentum, Miami is in pole position to keep him home.

4. KJ Edwards – Texas Longhorns

Edwards is a straight-line burner who thrives in space. He’s a dangerous perimeter weapon who can also catch es out of the backfield. Though slightly undersized, his speed forces defenses to stretch horizontally, and he can flip the field with a single cut. He’s elusive and tough to square up in the open field.

He’s visited Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, and Texas. The Longhorns have been recruiting him for years and hosted him last. He grew up a fan of the program and has family ties in the area. With NIL backing and strong interest from Texas’ staff, this one feels close to locked in. Expect him to go public sometime later this summer.

5. Brian Bonner Jr. – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Bonner is the most versatile back on this list. He lines up in the slot, runs legitimate receiver routes, and attacks space like a WR1. That makes him a matchup nightmare and a fit for modern spread offenses. While still raw as an inside runner, his upside as a catcher and open-field threat is massive.

His top five includes Notre Dame, UCLA, Washington, Penn State, and Nebraska. UCLA hosted him early, but the visit to South Bend could swing it. Notre Dame has quietly made him a priority and sits in a strong position entering the final stretch. If the visit goes well, look for the Irish to seal it.