Caleb Komolafe was left off ESPN's list of the nation's top running backs entering 2026. After rushing for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, the Northwestern standout could have an opportunity to change that this fall.
Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe was not included when ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Max Olson recently ranked the top running backs in college football entering the 2026 season.
While ESPN's list featured many of the nation's most accomplished running backs, Komolafe's omission creates an interesting storyline entering the season. After posting the most productive year of his college career in 2025, the Northwestern standout has an opportunity to play his way into that conversation this fall.
The redshirt junior is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign in which he emerged as the centerpiece of Northwestern’s offense. Komolafe rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.95 yards per carry, establishing himself as one of the Big Ten’s most productive backs.
His rushing total and touchdown production both set program highs during David Braun’s tenure as head coach, and he accomplished those numbers despite opposing defenses frequently focusing their attention on slowing down Northwestern’s ground game.
Now entering 2026, the opportunity exists for an even bigger season.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesOne reason for optimism is the arrival of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Throughout his coaching career, Kelly’s offenses have consistently produced productive rushing attacks by utilizing tempo, creative formations and schemes designed to put playmakers in favorable situations.
Komolafe’s skill set appears to fit naturally within that philosophy. His combination of vision, patience and explosiveness could make him one of the biggest beneficiaries of Kelly’s arrival in Evanston.
Northwestern also made a significant addition to the offensive line through the transfer portal by landing offensive tackle Grant Seagren.
Seagren arrives after starting all 12 games for Oklahoma State during the 2025 season and did not allow a sack across 403 pass-blocking snaps. Before Oklahoma State, he spent two seasons at Nebraska, giving him valuable experience against Power Four competition.
The Wildcats lost several veteran offensive linemen following the 2025 season, making Seagren one of the most important additions of the offseason. If he helps stabilize the offensive front, Northwestern’s running game could take another step forward.
That could be especially important for Komolafe as he looks to build on last year’s success.
The national spotlight may currently be focused elsewhere, but Komolafe has already begun earning recognition within the conference. He was recently named a Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten selection after his breakout season and enters 2026 as one of the Wildcats’ most important offensive players.
Of course, individual recognition often follows team success. If Northwestern’s offense improves under Kelly and the Wildcats take another step forward as a program, Komolafe’s production could increase right alongside it.
Reaching the 1,000-yard mark would be a logical next step. After finishing just 59 yards shy of that milestone in 2025, another year of experience, an upgraded offensive system and improvements along the offensive line could help push him over the top.
Whether Komolafe ultimately earns a spot on future national rankings remains to be seen.
However, after rushing for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping lead Northwestern to a bowl victory, Komolafe has already established himself as one of the Big Ten's top returning running backs.
If Northwestern's offense takes a step forward under Chip Kelly and the offensive line continues to develop, Komolafe could find himself earning the national recognition that currently sits just out of reach.
