Kansas State Football Fans Should Be Thrilled About Latest Running Back Reports

As Kansas State football returns in a few weeks, there's one aspect of the game plan fans are sorely hoping returns.

The run game. It's a staple of the program, boasting strong running backs and rushing attacks as catalysts for great offenses. So it was a slap in the face when the run game took such a drastic step back in 2025, a year when it was supposed to fuel a generational year for the program.

Luckily, it might be back and better. The Wildcats are riding the momentum of a second-half burst from Joe Jackson and the additions of Rodney Fields Jr. and Jay Harris, creating a solid backfield corps. With Collin Klein back in the building, you'd have to imagine the play-calling is geared more toward the run, especially with the brand-new receiving corps this offseason.

Here's what Kansas State offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson had to say about each in his fall camp press conference:

2025 STATS: 169 CAR, 911 YDS, 8 TD; 22 REC, 119 YDS, 1 TD

"Joe Jackson is just like a consummate vet," Gleeson said. "He's very smart, makes the right cut when you need to. He understands the scheme and understands pass protection."

The leader of the bunch, Jackson is projected to reach even further heights with a full season as the head honcho. In his last two games alone, he compiled 435 rushing yards and six touchdowns, illustrating his potential with a decent offensive line. While he likely won't replicate that level of production every week, Jackson is still predicted to take off as the headliner in 2026.

2025 STATS: 42 CAR, 151 YDS, 2 TD; 6 REC, 89 YDS

"Jay Harris is just incredibly physical; I would not want to tackle him," Gleeson said. "I think I talked about him being on the scout team, like Ed Reed running around. He just does everything super physical, extra effort all the time."

Harris's physicality has been the most highlighted feature of his game, which could translate to him being used in short-yardage situations. He didn't get much playing time at Oregon, but that was mostly due to a crowded running back room. In Manhattan, KS, Harris can be a game-changer and a potential No. 2 option.

2025 STATS: 124 CAR, 614 YDS, 1 TD; 28 REC, 276, 1 TD

"Rodney Fields Jr. is just like lightning in a bottle sometimes," Gleeson said. "I'm excited about that group for sure. I've been around some really good backs, so I hope that carries a little bit of weight.

Last season, Fields led an otherwise disastrous Oklahoma State offense, trailblazing as the leading rusher. With a reduced role and a better offensive system, he has more room to thrive and show off his explosiveness. He could potentially be the next man up behind Jackson as another playmaker in the backfield.

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].