Madden 26 Core Elite Running Back: Top 10 RBs to Watch Out For
It's time to take a closer look at the most critical position in any offensive scheme: running backs. This year, the list of potential Core Elite backs is deeper than ever. From breakout stars to consistent veterans, Madden 26 looks set to deliver some powerhouse cards in Ultimate Team from day one.
In this breakdown, we'll be diving into the top 10 Core Elite running backs we expect to see in Madden 26 based on 2024 season performances, projected overalls, and past Madden trends. And of course, no list is complete without addressing the inevitable snubs (looking at you, CMC). Let's get into it.
#10-Aaron Jones (81 OVR)
Kicking off the list is veteran RB Aaron Jones. Despite playing on a team with shifting offensive identities, Jones racked up 1,546 total yards and 7 total touchdowns. However, his five fumbles are notable, especially in Madden ratings, which penalize ball security.
Still, his elusiveness and receiving ability keep him as a valuable card in early Ultimate Team play. Expect him to stay at 81 overall, same as last year.
#9-Chuba Hubbard (81 OVR)
One of the more surprising names on this list is Chuba Hubbard, but he earned it. In just 15 games, he put up 1,366 yards and 11 total touchdowns with four fumbles.
He's a dark horse candidate for fantasy football and Madden alike, and based on his production and reliability, EA is likely to reward him with Core Elite status at 81 OVR.
#8-James Cook (81 OVR)
James Cook had a solid season that flew under the radar. Though he only notched 1,267 total yards, he made history by breaking the Bills franchise record for rushing TDs in a season with 18 total touchdowns and just one fumble.
While his yardage isn't elite, his scoring prowess makes him a red zone threat and valuable card in MUT. Don't be surprised if he sneaks up to 82 OVR, but we're projecting 81 OVR for now.
#7-Kyren Williams (82 OVR)
Kyren Williams came into Madden 25 as a 79 OVR. This year, he gets a nice bump thanks to a breakout season with 1,481 total yards and 16 touchdowns.
While five fumbles slightly hurt his stock, his explosive runs and improved vision more than make up for it. Expect him to open Madden 26 as an 82 overall, making him a sought-after early MUT option.
#6-Josh Jacobs (82 OVR)
In his first year with the Packers, Josh Jacobs put up 1,671 total yards, 16 TDs, and four fumbles-a steady campaign that warrants a rise from his 81 OVR in Madden 25.
His power back playstyle gives users a reliable inside runner for grinding Solo Battles or pounding the rock online. Jacobs deserves a +1 bump to 82 OVR.
#5-Jonathan Taylor (82 OVR)
Despite missing three games, Jonathan Taylor had 1,567 total yards and 12 TDs, which is incredibly efficient for just 14 games played.
He's back to his 2021 self-fast, agile, and productive. EA should reward that with an 82 OVR, and users can expect him to be a dual-threat force early in the game cycle.
#4-Bijan Robinson (83 OVR)
With 1,887 total yards, 15 touchdowns, and just one fumble, Bijan Robinson continues to solidify himself as a franchise back.
Bijan checks every box Madden looks for: youth, highlight plays, consistency, and low turnover risk. While EA sometimes keeps overall numbers conservative at launch, we believe Bijan will crack the 83 OVR tier.
#3-Jahmyr Gibbs (83 OVR)
If Bijan is 1A, Jahmyr Gibbs is 1B. Gibbs totaled 1,929 total yards (slightly more than Bijan) and added 20 touchdowns to his resume.
With just one fumble and a dynamic playstyle, he's Madden gold.
Expect this card to be lightning fast and versatile for Ultimate Team. EA may hesitate to give two RBs the same high overall, but Gibbs is too good to ignore. 83 OVR feels right.
#2-Derrick Henry (84 OVR)
What more is there to say about Derrick Henry? The man rumbled his way to 2,114 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just three fumbles.
With those stats, anything under 84 OVR would feel like an insult. He's still trucking defenders and breaking tackles at 30 years old. In Madden 26, Henry is still the king, and he'll be one of the most feared RBs online yet again.
#1-Saquon Barkley (84 OVR)
Topping the list is Super Bowl-winning RB Saquon Barkley, who put up a league-best 2,283 total yards, 15 TDs, and just two fumbles in 16 games.
He led all RBs in yards despite missing one game, powered his team through a championship run, and reminded everyone why he's still elite. Barkley deserves his crown-and an 84 OVR rating.The Snub: Christian McCaffrey (81 OVR)
It's painful to say, but CMC might be left off the Core Elite list-or barely make it as an 81 OVR. Despite his talent, injuries and limited appearances hurt his numbers.
He went from 84 OVR last year to potentially dropping three points. It's not about ability-it's about availability. EA often favors recent performance and volume, and unfortunately, CMC didn't quite deliver this year in those areas.
Final Thoughts
Madden 26 is shaping up to have one of the strongest early running back rosters in years. Between power backs like Henry and elusive threats like Gibbs, users will have diverse playstyle options from launch. It's definitely worth using Madden 26 Coins to develop these players in the early stages of the game.
While some players like McCaffrey might get snubbed or downgraded, there's no denying that this year's Core Elite RBs will shake up the early meta in Ultimate Team.
MMOexp Madden 26 Team