Before training camp arrives and we fully turn our focus to the 2025 season for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s take a brief look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, specifically the running back position.
To do this, we will be taking a look at who the top prospects are within each position group and what potential need the Colts may have at these positions next offseason.
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But first, our usual caveat here is that a lot will change between now and the NFL draft. Team needs will change based on how the 2025 season unfolds and what happens in free agency, while prospects will move up and down draft boards.
So, instead, use this as a guide for the upcoming college football season and which players to keep your eyes on.
What potential need at running back will the Colts have in 2026 NFL draft?
At this time, the need here is likely relatively low for the Colts. Jonathan Taylor will still be under contract for one more season, while the Colts also just drafted DJ Giddens.
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So the team may not be looking for a starter for the 2026 season, but this may still end up being a position we see the Colts adding to in next year’s draft.
For one, we don’t know if Taylor will get a third contract with the Colts, so adding to the room next offseason could better position Indianapolis for the 2027 offseason if a change is made at that time. Also, bolstering the depth in 2026 is another reason to add to this position, with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson both free agents.
I’ll also point out that–and this isn’t the expectation–but if things go sideways for the Colts this season, releasing Taylor next offseason saves the team $13 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, at which point, the need to address running back grows greatly.
Who are the top running back prospects in the 2026 NFL draft?
PFF’s Trevor Sikkema recently ranked the top 10 running backs in the 2026 class. For more on each of these prospects, click here.
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Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Jonah Coleman, Washington
Quinten Joyner, Texas Tech
Demond Clairborne, Wake Forest
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Top running back prospects for Indianapolis Colts