The 2025 season is poised to be one of the most thrilling yet for Texas high school football, as numerous class of 2026 running backs are prepared to take center stage. These emerging talents have demonstrated moments of excellence on film and may transition from hopeful prospects to well-known figures. Today, we analyze the RBs who possess the skills, talent, and chance to achieve a genuine breakout year.
Caleb Crenshaw, RB, Anderson, 5-9 / 180
Caleb is a three-star rated prospect heading into the 2025 season, with some Division I recognition and five offers from schools like Cal, UTSA, and Washington State, among others. He is a multi-sport athlete who excels in both track and field and football. Caleb’s father is a former Division I running back from Texas A&M who played in the ’90s, giving him a pedigree that coaches appreciate. He is a quick one-cut back with excellent balance after contact and elite speed, capable of scoring anytime he touches the ball. College coaches from across the country should keep an eye on this running back recruit this season, as his recruiting stock could rise quickly this fall. The 2024 season was impressive for Caleb, showcasing his elite speed, agility, and ability to be a threat on offense from the backfield.
Xavier Watson, RB, Royse City, 5-10 / 175
A breakout season could be on the horizon for Watson this year. Xavier currently has one Division I offer from Texas State; however, we believe that number will improve dramatically this season with another strong performance on tape, similar to what Watson showcased in 2024. With elite open-field moves, this running back can easily evade defenders and can run between the tackles or break outside. Building on last season’s performance should carry over to this fall, and Xavier could soon appear on many college programs’ recruiting boards.
Dazjhon Taylor, RB/ATH, Fort Bend Marshall, 5-9 / 160
Dazjhon is an athlete who can play all over the field, dominating as both a running back and a wide receiver, as well as in various defensive positions. As an all-around player, some programs have begun to recognize the talent Dazjhon possesses, with offers coming in this year from UNLV, Utah, Texas Tech, and UIW last year. Not much tape from last season, however, what Taylor was able to do in 2024 most definitely caught the attention of college coaches and this fall should be pretty exciting to see what he can produce on the field.
Touchdown Buffs??
— Juwan Davis (@MrJDavis96) September 8, 2024
Toss from QB @KaedenJohnson16 to @DazjhonT21 for a 53 yards touchdown run!
Fort Bend Marshall 28, Dallas Skyline 14
4Q 10:05 pic.twitter.com/DGWZ1fTf0w
Trae Hill, RB, Cedar Park, 5-10 / 200
Many could say Hill had his breakout season last fall, but we believe his recruiting success isn’t over yet and will continue into this year. With several Division I offers from programs like Fordham, Air Force, Texas State, and UTSA, Hill will look to maintain the momentum both on the field and in his recruitment for 2025. Keep your eye on this running back prospect, who will certainly grab headlines and gain more national recognition. Trae can do it all; he is a workhorse running back who can break runs to the outside with elite speed and agility or catch passes out of the backfield, turning 50-plus yard runs after the catch into six points. An electric runner, he is currently under the radar but likely won’t be for long.
Derrian Anderson, RB, Beaumont United, 5-8 / 169
Derrian could turn it loose this season and make a name for himself. He has all the entagables and ability to raise his recruiting stock and become a breakout player of the year. Needs to finish runs more often with longer yard gains and or touchdowns; however, he shows promise running with the ball out of the backfield with explosiveness and his hands as well. This could be the year Derrian earns the recognition he deserves.
With the upcoming season, these 2026 running backs have the opportunity to showcase their skills against the top talent in Texas high school football. If they can capitalize on their initial glimpses of promise, they won’t merely be standout players this year—they’ll become names that college recruiters and fans will recall for years ahead. The film speaks for itself, and these recruits are prepared to leave their imprint.
