VarsityWA football positional breakouts: Ranking 20 running backs for 2026 season

Many of top WIAA contenders are led by running backs who rushed for 1,000 yards or more last fall

Because of injuries, O’Dea’s J’Shaun Wilson took on a bigger rushing workload than anybody expected last season — and became playmaking catalyst. (Lauren Smith / VarsityWA)

Over the next couple of weeks, VarsityWA will publish positional breakouts leading up to the 2026 season of Washington high school football.

Next up — running backs.

Much like the selection process for the VarsityWA Preseason 100, the criteria for the 20 running backs is largely based on what a player has accomplished at what is considered his primary position in his respective classification — individually and with team success.

Recruiting buzz played a factor as well. Only players with previous WIAA varsity experience were eligible for selection.

Input from coaches and media was also heavily considered: