Who Will Be the Vikings’ Lead Running Back in 2026?
There’s a decent chance that the Minnesota Vikings invest in a new running back this offseason, as Aaron Jones could be a cap casualty, and some view Jordan Mason as an RB2 type. With that in mind, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict Minnesota’s lead tailback in 2026.
This comes down to two paths: Mason holding the job, or Minnesota drafting real juice and letting a rookie claim it by midseason.
Of course, a rookie running back may take some time to get cooking — see: Treveyon Henderson in New England this season — but if one assumes that the future could be foreseen in December of 2026, for example, our writers have answers on the Vikings’ 2026 RB1.
The Men Who Could Lead the Vikings Backfield in 2026
Our picks for Minnesota’s top halfback in 2026.
Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Predictor: Josh Frey
Jordan Mason will stick around in 2026, but the Vikings need to start getting younger at the running back position. Jonah Coleman is a bowling ball of a player, using power and balance to pick up yards. He won’t blow you away with breakaway speed, but he is a pain to tackle, doesn’t fumble, and can catch the ball out of the backfield.
There are a few weaknesses here, and that makes him an excellent candidate for the Vikings in the second or third round.
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
Predictor: Adam New
I expect the Vikings to draft an RB, and while Notre Dame’s other back is the prize catch in this year’s draft. Minnesota will take Jadarian Price on Day 2 to form a tandem with Jordan Mason. By the end of the season, Price’s explosive playmaking will see him become the main guy.
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Aaron Jones will likely be released, and while Jordan Mason is a good back, he isn’t starting material. The Vikings could draft Jadarian Price.
NFL Draft Buzz on Price: “While he may never be a 300-carry workhorse, Price profiles as the type of dynamic weapon who can thrive in a committee approach while offering game-breaking ability every time he touches the ball. In an NFL that increasingly values backs who can create mismatches in the passing game, Price’s receiving chops and route-running ability from the slot could make him a steal for whoever pulls the trigger on Day Two.”
“The tape shows a runner who understands leverage and pad level despite his moderate stature, consistently winning at the point of attack through technique rather than pure size. His ability to press holes and make defenders commit before cutting back has shades of Alvin Kamara’s patience, though Price brings more straight-line speed once he commits to a gap.”
Nick Singleton (Penn State)
Predictor: Wes Johnson
With a likely bevy of 3rd round picks (own, comp, Brian Flores), I anticipate that to be the range the Vikings will pounce on an RB. Of the backs in this range, Nick Singleton intrigues me the most.
Coming into the year, Singleton was among the top college backs; the Penn State team as a whole regressed significantly in the rankings of the college elite. That should allow for the Vikings to come away with a steal and a back who I believe can anchor them into the future.
Nick Singleton (Penn State)
Predictor: Dustin Baker
With the emergence of Kaytron Allen at Penn State, Singleton took a bit of a backseat this season, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a 6’0, 225-pound runner with 4.39 speed. This guy can cook in Minnesota. His 3rd- or 4th-Round draft stock will be too irresistible for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings will part ways with Aaron Jones and pivot to Jordan Mason. He’ll be paired with a rookie. The powerful runner will be the lead back in the 2026 season.
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Mr. Mason is the RB1. He holds onto the job as MIN rallies around a young draft pick at RB2. At some point, Cam Akers gets added, as per tradition.
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
It’s been time for the Vikings to draft a legit running back. Kaytron Allen should be there in the middle rounds for them to do so, and local product Emmett Johnson could be fun too. Either way, Jordan Mason should be the guy for the vast majority of the year.
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Aaron Jones may be a cut candidate, but even if he stays, Mason should out-snap him due to age. I also don’t know if Jeremiyah Love will be available, so there’s a good chance Mason is the RB1 in 2026 (and possibly beyond).
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Cole Smith
It’s time for Mason to get a look as the RB1, based on how the Vikings conduct business. But don’t rule out a running back draft pick somewhere somewhat early in the draft.
Jordan Mason
Predictor: Tony Schultz
Last year, in the heaviest running back draft class in years, I thought for sure the Vikings would pluck a running back. They traded for Jordan Mason, but a younger RB room would be good for the salary cap.
There was only one in that draft I was interested in, and that was Cam Skattebo. His ability to not only bowl would be matched with his ability to pass block and catch out of the backfield. They instead selected Tai Felton in the 3rd round.
There were many more worthy choices they avoided as draft weekend continued. While Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame is a popular draft choice in some circles for the Vikings, I don’t think they would spend the 18th pick on one.
For this reason, I think Mason will be Minnesota’s starting running back all next season, with Aaron Jones eventually being released. He was more than effective when Kevin O’Connell actually ran the ball. Zavier Scott will be his main backup, with a late-round rookie rounding out the trio.
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