Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe wasn't included in Dane Brugler's early 2027 NFL Draft running back rankings, but with Chip Kelly leading the Wildcats' offense, the preseason All-Big Ten back has every opportunity to change that this fall.
Early NFL Draft rankings are never final, and Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe has plenty of time to make sure he's part of the conversation by the end of the 2026 season.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic, one of the NFL Draft's most respected evaluators, recently released his early rankings of the top running backs eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. Komolafe was not included among the group.
While the omission may surprise Northwestern fans, it also gives the Wildcats' star running back extra motivation entering what could be the biggest season of his career.
Komolafe emerged as one of the Big Ten's breakout players in 2025 after taking over Northwestern's backfield. He rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging nearly five yards per carry, while establishing himself as one of the conference's most physical and consistent runners.
His production earned him preseason All-Big Ten recognition entering the 2026 season and established him as one of the Wildcats' offensive leaders.
Heading into this fall, he'll also benefit from one of college football's most respected offensive minds.
New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has built a reputation throughout his coaching career for maximizing running backs and creating productive rushing attacks. Whether at Oregon, UCLA or during Ohio State's national championship season, Kelly's offenses have consistently featured dynamic rushing attacks that put running backs in position to succeed.
His system emphasizes tempo, spacing and creating favorable running lanes while also involving backs in multiple ways throughout the offense. Northwestern hired Kelly to modernize its offense, and Komolafe could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of that transition.
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) runs the ball against Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesAlready known for his physical running style, vision and ability to finish through contact, Komolafe appears to possess many of the traits Kelly values. If Northwestern's offense takes a step forward with quarterback Aidan Chiles under center, opposing defenses may find it much more difficult to focus solely on stopping the running game.
With defenses forced to account for quarterback Aidan Chiles and Northwestern's improved passing attack, Komolafe could see more favorable running lanes and more opportunities to produce explosive plays.
Just as important, NFL Draft boards change dramatically throughout a college football season.
Every year, players emerge from outside the preseason spotlight to become legitimate NFL prospects through consistent production and strong performances against quality competition. Komolafe has the opportunity to do exactly that as Northwestern navigates another challenging Big Ten schedule.
If he builds on last season's breakout campaign while thriving in Kelly's offense, it wouldn't be surprising to see his name appear on future NFL Draft rankings.
For now, the absence from Brugler's early list isn't necessarily a statement about Komolafe's ceiling. Early draft rankings often change dramatically over the course of a season. If Komolafe builds on last year's breakout campaign while thriving in Chip Kelly's offense, he has every opportunity to force his way into the 2027 NFL Draft conversation by season's end.
