Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Welcome to The Platform Rankings List, the new go-to source for current and comprehensive high school football rankings. We’re dedicated to producing up-to-date lists across various position groups and graduating classes, ensuring you get the latest insights on rising stars and under-the-radar studs. Next up in our inaugural rankings of the top 2026 prospects are the running backs in Florida and Texas. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the best in high school football rankings and analysis.
How we list:
- In-Person Evaluation
- Film Evaluations
- Stats/Player Impact/Upside
Top 2026 RBs – Florida
Javian Mallory | RB | 2026 | West Boca | @mallory_javian3
One of the highest coveted prospects in the state lands atop of our first 2026 RB Platform watchlist. This kid has nearly every offer from major universities because of his talents in the backfield. He’s a versatile and smooth runner that can also catch passes out of the backfield. I’m eager to see the type of numbers Mallory produces in his junior season.
Amari Clemons | RB | 2026 | Marianna | @AmariClemons4
Clemons is one of the premier running back prospects in North Florida. He is getting offers from Power 4 schools across the country after a productive year on the ground. This kid nearly rushed for 1,500 yards with 22 touchdowns as a sophomore. Clemons received a recent offer from Miami but I expect more schools across the nation to start sending offers his way.
Kaj “Nitro” Baker | RB | 2026 | Somerset Academy | @NitroKaj
Baker has been clocked as one of the fastest athletes in the class with a top speed of 21.7 MPH last season. He’s a potential track star with great running back vision, balance, and DOG in him to get in some in the backfield at the next level. He’s got some attention from national programs and will lock that in with a productive junior season.
Jayden Ford | RB | 2026 | Miami Central | @liluno_1
Talk about an explosive back with bowling ball type running prowess, take a look at rising 2025 RB Jayden Ford. This kid is incredibly tough to bring down because of his smaller but stout frame with the added strength he’s put the work in for. Productive year earned him a three-star ranking but let’s see how much more of an impact he can be during his junior season.
Javari Barnett | RB | 2026 | Carrollwood Day | @JavariBarnett1
Really impressed with this kid’s build at 6-0, 210 pounds as he can move fluidly and performs well during the testing period. He’s a top 2026 RB in the state and many will find that out after this season.
Li’Darious Pryor | RB | 2026 | Evans | @LidariousP
After a productive 1,000+ yard season as the third featured runner, Pryor is set for a huge off-season period heading into the spring where he could be a premier back in the area if not the state. Watch out for this kid to put up crazy numbers on the ground. A bowling ball with a physical presence and good speed to go with it.
Kaleb Woods | RB | 2026 | Newberry | @Thekalebwoods
Always good to get eyes on one of the better producers in the area as Woods has a solid frame for the running back position that he can use in various ways. I came to practice with some understanding of his game but now have the full picture as this kid can be used to stretch the field in the backfield or with his receiving ability. Woods picked up an offer from Wisconsin and should see an uptick in college interest with more eyes on his game.
Justin Compere | RB | Class of 2026 | Immokalee | @CompereJustin
The rising sophomore finished the season with 900 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Compere has plenty of time to grow and add weight for the strain of the position but his speed and explosiveness pop out when watching his film and workout videos. Has everything you want in a rising Division I running back: great balance, good RB vision, and a versatile athlete who’s highly competitive.
Deshon Jenkins Jr | RB | 2026 | Bishop Verot | @DeshonJenkinsj0
Just a rising junior this coming season but Jenkins has been the Real Deal to help bolster this talented Bishop Verot squad. He put up impressive numbers last season while showing off power back skills as he’s a tough one to bring down at 5-11, 220 pounds.
Corey Simms | RB | 2026 | Mitchell | @CoreySimms18
Simms is a powerhouse on the field, standing at 5-9, 179 pounds, but his size doesn’t limit his impact. With 206 carries for 1,742 yards and 26 touchdowns, Simms is a consistent threat, having delivered eight 100-yard rushing games this season. His versatility shines through his 13 receptions for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving he’s not just a ground-and-pound runner. Simms’ game tape is a highlight reel, showcasing his ability to break tackles and find the end zone with ease. Beyond the stats, he’s a player cherished by his coaches and teammates, reflecting his leadership and character.
Elija Mason | RB | 2026 | Gaither | @emason813
Mason is a dynamic running back from Gaither High who has turned heads with his impressive stats last season. Standing at 5-10, 180 pounds, Mason has racked up 1,336 yards on 211 carries, while finding the end zone 22 times. His consistency is evident with five 100-yard rushing games, showing he’s a reliable workhorse. Beyond his rushing prowess, Mason also proves to be a dual threat with 31 receptions for 241 yards and two additional touchdowns. With offers from FAU and Bowling Green, it’s clear that his versatility and production have caught the attention of college scouts.
Here’s also a list of his accolades from last season:
Off MVP 2023-24 – 1st Team All Western Con 23-24 – All County 23-24 – All District 23-24 – All Tampa Bay 23-24
Jayvian Tanelus | RB | 2026 | Lely | @jtanelus05
Tanelus was one of the few prospects to earn an offer for his talents at the USF camp after the electric rising junior running back showed off his talents in Tampa Bay. This kid is next up as he’s equipped with a solidly built frame at 5’9, 178 pounds with explosive power and Dog mentality. He’s earned a few offers this offseason with plenty more time to develop at the prep level.
Joshua Balloon | ATH | 2026 | Tampa Catholic | @jr_balloon
Balloon recently transferred to Tampa Catholic as he will quickly look to establish himself as the team’s go-to player on both sides of the ball. With 1,000 all-purpose yards last season, he was the team’s leading rusher, showcasing his ability to break open games with his explosive runs. On defense, Balloon is just as dominant, leading the team with 93 tackles, proving to be a relentless force in stopping the opposition. His dual role as both the leading rusher and tackler makes him a crucial player, capable of changing the game’s momentum in multiple ways. Tampa Catholic has gained a true all-around star in Balloon, one who can impact the game every time he’s on the field.
