Saints Scouting: 4 College Running Backs to Watch to Fix a Struggling Run Game

The biggest issue surrounding the New Orleans Saints is their inability to establish a run game. As a result, Tyler Shough bears the weight of the offense. This allows a defense to focus on the pass and provide constant pressure on the quarterback. Because of this, the Saints must address the running back room in the 2027 NFL Draft and add another dynamic threat.

At this point in the college football season, there are still countless options. To help narrow it down for fans, here are four prospects they must pay attention to. These aren’t necessarily the top four prospects, but each could make sense in April.

It’s still early, but who knows? One of these prospects could be the Saints' future running back.

Jadan Baugh- Florida

Jadan Baugh is college football's top running back. The six-foot-one, 225-pound junior has dominated in 2026 with 593 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns through five games. Beyond this, he’s averaged 6.2 yards per attempt and has already forced 35 missed tackles.

Baugh is a well-rounded back who pairs elite elusiveness and quickness with staggering power. He has exceptional vision and the agility to jump-cut between lanes. Then, his exceptional contact balance helps him bounce off tackles and into free space. From there, his surprising speed takes over and makes him a game-wrecking threat.

LJ Martin- BYU

LJ Martin is a downhill thumper who uses his elite frame, six-foot-two, 225 pounds, and strength to excel between the tackles. He isn’t afraid of contact and punishes defenders for attempting to tackle him. He’s now known for his agility, but he’s dangerous in open space and can make a defender miss.

Martin likely won’t be a 1,500-yard rusher in the NFL because he’s not a home-run threat. However, he would fit perfectly as the Saints' workhorse back. Martin has a clear role in the NFL; don’t be surprised if he goes early in April.

Cam Cook- West Virginia

Cam Cook led the nation with 1,572 rushing yards last year at Jacksonville State. Following that, he transferred to Morgantown, WV, and is once again unstoppable. He’s already rushed for 652 yards (second in the league) and five touchdowns for the Mountaineers.

This isn’t an exact player comparison, but Cook’s running style reminds me of Alvin Kamara. Both are patient, allowing their blocks to set, then use their rapid, almost effortless, short-area quickness to glide through the open lane. Once in the open field, he’s almost impossible to tackle, as his elusiveness trumps even the best defender. Cook isn’t strong enough to be a workhorse, a between-the-tackles running back, but he will be an instant game-changer at the next level.

Jahiem White- North Texas

Jahiem White had a productive, yet injury-prone, three seasons at West Virginia before moving to North Texas last year. He’s found a home in Denton, TX, and has carried the Mean Green’s offense with 582 rushing yards (including a 219-yard performance last week) and eight touchdowns.

White, the five-foot-seven, 190-pound redshirt junior, is undersized and will be a change-of-pace back in the NFL, but his suddenness and elusiveness compensate. He’s a hassle to tackle in open space, seemingly teleporting around the field with his jump cuts. He has excellent contact balance for his size and stays up despite getting hit. White could be a late-round steal in April.