Written by Eric Martinez - The 2026 college football season is already producing a strong group of playmakers on the ground, with several running backs establishing themselves among the FBS rushing leaders. Four names standing out early in the season are Florida’s Jadan Baugh, Boise State’s Dylan Riley, Memphis’ Jaylin Carter and San Jose State’s Jabari Bates. All led by Duke's Nate Sheppard. 

Nate Sheppard entered 2026 with plenty of expectations after his impressive freshman campaign. He has wasted little time showing why. His 528 yards currently lead all FBS players, and his production has helped make Duke one of the teams to watch as conference play gets underway. His ability to combine volume with big-play ability has made him one of the most heavily utilized backs in the country.

Jadan Baugh, the Florida running back has been one of the most productive rushers in the country through the opening weeks of the season. Baugh has totaled 458 rushing yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry, while finding the end zone eight times.

His combination of explosiveness and scoring ability has made him a key part of Florida’s offense. Baugh’s eight rushing touchdowns are particularly notable among the nation’s leading ball carriers.

Dylan Riley has been another major contributor on the ground for Boise State. Riley has accumulated 454 rushing yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. With only a few yards separating him from Baugh in the national rushing race, Riley remains firmly among the top FBS rushers. His production has provided Boise State with an important source of offense as the Broncos move through the early portion of the season.

Jaylin Carter for Memphis has also emerged as one of the FBS' leading rushers. Carter has recorded 437 rushing yards while averaging 7.9 yards per carry and scoring six touchdowns. Carter's efficiency has been a major part of his early success. Nearly eight yards per attempt gives him the ability to turn routine carries into substantial gains and provides Memphis with a dangerous rushing threat.

Jabari Bates has quietly put together one of the strongest rushing totals in the country for San Jose State. Bates has accumulated 413 rushing yards, placing him among the nation's leading rushers.

Bates is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, giving San Jose State a dependable presence in its running game. While he has yet to record a rushing touchdown in the current totals, his yardage production has nevertheless placed him among the FBS leaders.

With the season still in its early stages, the FBS rushing leaderboard is likely to change considerably as conference play continues. Sheppard, Baugh, Riley, Carter and Bates have each made strong starts, and their production will be worth watching as the 2026 season develops.  For now, their numbers put them among the college game's most productive runners and give their respective teams important offensive weapons for the weeks ahead.