Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, NFL
ESPN Names NFL Team With the Best Running Back Group Ahead of 2026 Season 1
The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s strongest running back groups, according to ESPN’s positional rankings. Led by Jonathan Taylor, the unit gives Indianapolis a reliable foundation on offense and could become one of the team’s biggest strengths as it looks to improve its fortunes.
Taylor remains the centerpiece of the team’s backfield and continues to provide the combination of explosiveness, power and consistency that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous runners. His presence gives Indianapolis a proven option capable of carrying a significant workload while creating opportunities for the rest of the offense.
Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, NFLIndianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, NFL
Running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Colts’ overall strength at running back is not solely dependent on Taylor, however. Indianapolis has built additional depth behind its star, giving the team multiple options to handle carries and keep the running game productive throughout a long season.
That depth could prove particularly valuable if the team encounters injuries or need to manage Taylor’s workload. Having dependable alternatives allows the offense to remain balanced while preserving its top back for the most important stretches of the season.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Names Indianapolis Colts’ Running Back Group as Best in the League
Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, NFLIndianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor, NFL
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Running back Jonathan Taylor (28) takes the field to warm up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Indianapolis’ running back group was identified as the best in the league heading into the new NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Mike Clay for ESPN.
Close one here, but Jonathan Taylor gets the nod. He’s one of the league’s best backs and handles a massive bulk of the team’s touches. Taylor had a terrific 2025 campaign in which he led the NFL in carries (323) and touchdowns (18), while also finishing third in rushing yardage (1,585). Once a minimal part of the Colts’ passing game, Taylor also ranked the top-10 among backs in routes, targets, catches and receiving yards, setting career highs in each. This all happened despite a big dip in production after quarterback Daniel Jones was injured in Week 14.
A strong running game could also ease pressure on Indianapolis’ passing attack. Consistent production on the ground can help control the clock, create favorable down-and-distance situations and force opposing defenses to respect play-action opportunities, giving the Colts more ways to attack.
With Taylor leading the way and depth strengthening the position, Indianapolis has a group capable of making a significant impact in 2026. The ranking reflects the confidence surrounding the Colts’ backfield, but its true value will ultimately be determined by whether the unit can translate that talent into consistent offensive production and help push the team toward contention.