5 College Running Back Prospects Who Could Be on the Bears’ Radar in 2027

The Chicago Bears could be faced with a tough decision next offseason. D'Andre Swift will be up for a contract extension. Swift will be entering his age 28 season in 2027 and could see a dip in production from then on if it doesn't happen this year. This is why the Bears should be keeping an eye on running back prospects this year. With that being said, here are five running backs Bears fans must watch during the 2026 college football season.

5 Running Backs to Watch During the 2026 College Football Season

1. Kewan Lacy Ole Miss

Kewan Lacy stands at 5'11' 200 pounds, but you would not be able to tell that when you watch him run. Lacy rarely goes down on first contact and possesses elite speed and agility. While Swift was better at not going down on first contact in 2025, it's not his strong suit, so adding that in a lead running back is certainly something Chicago needs.

In 2025, Lacy rushed for 1,567 yards on 306 carries and scored 24 rushing touchdowns. In addition to his ground success, Lacy caught 29 passes for 177 yards. His 24 rushing touchdowns set a new Ole Miss School record.

The 20-year-old had plenty of great touchdown runs during his record-breaking season. One of his most important was his 73-yard touchdown run against Miami in the College Football Playoffs. Lacy's ability to break off such an explosive run against one of the best defenses in college football is a huge deal. Despite Ole Miss losing that game, Lacy rushed for 101 yards on 11 carries and scored that touchdown.

While Lacy isn't likely to have another record-breaking season, he should still be one of the best running backs in the nation. Since he has clearly proven to be a problem on the ground, Bears fans should pay attention to his production through the air this season. If that sees a slight uptick, then Lacy would be a perfect running back to have in Ben Johnson's offense.

2. Hollywood Smoothers

Hollywood Smoothers may not be at the top of every 2027 NFL Draft watchlist, but he's a player Bears fans should keep an eye on this season. After a productive 2025 campaign at NC State, Smoothers transferred to Texas, where he'll have the opportunity to prove he can produce against tougher competition while competing in a crowded backfield.

In 2025, the 21-year-old rushed for 939 yards on 160 carries and scored six touchdowns. He also added 37 catches for 189 yards and one touchdown through the air. Smoothers' ability to catch the football and his 4.27 speed make him a perfect replacement for Swift.

This season will be a major test. Smoothers is expected to be part of a running back-by-committee at Texas, so he may not put up eye-popping numbers. However, if he can continue making explosive plays, contribute consistently as a receiver, and show he can produce against SEC competition, his draft stock could rise significantly.

Bears fans should also watch how he handles pass protection and a bigger role if his workload increases, as those are traits NFL teams value. If Smoothers checks those boxes, he could emerge as one of the more intriguing Bears running back prospects to follow ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.

3. Mark Fletcher (University of Miami)

At 6'2' 225 pounds, Mark Fletcher is built significantly different from Swift. Yet his ability to stay on his feet and break tackles, and the speed he possesses in the open field, provide plenty of reasons to watch him.

In 2025, Fletcher rushed for 1,192 yards on 216 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. He added 17 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Fletcher's longest run last season was his 57-yard touchdown in the National Championship against the Indiana Hoosiers.

While that may have been his longest touchdown run of the season, it wasn't his best. That honor goes to his 38-yard touchdown run in Week 3 against South Florida. On that run, Flectercher showed his great vision and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.

The biggest question regarding Fletcher's fit in Chicago is his running style. The Bears already have Kyle Monangai, another physical runner, on the roster. However, Fletcher has shown more explosiveness and big-play ability during his college career.

Bears fans should watch whether he continues creating explosive runs and expands his role as a receiver this season. If he builds on his 2025 production, he could cement himself as one of the top running back prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft—and a player Chicago should seriously consider.

4. Jaden Baugh Florida

Jaden Baugh enters the 2026 season as one of the top running back prospects in college football. So why isn't he higher on this list? It comes down to projection. While Baugh has all the physical tools, he still has fewer signature performances against elite competition than some of the players ranked ahead of him.

The difference is that Baugh didn't get to prove himself in high-pressure games like Fletcher did in 2025. Florida wasn't a great team in 2025, but Baugh was one of their shining stars.

Last season, the 20-year-old rushed for 1,170 yards on 220 carries and scored eight touchdowns. Baugh also caught 33 passes for 210 and two touchdowns. Even at 6'1' 231 pounds, Baugh proved to be more of a receiving threat than Fletcher.

Baugh had many impressive runs last season, but none of his more impressive ones came against Texas A&M. On this ten-yard run, he created yardage when the play looked like it would go nowhere. He also created a missed tackle in the open field with a stiff arm.

Baugh's ability to create yards is something that will translate well to the NFL and something Ben Johnson would absolutely love. While Florida's bad 2025 season wasn't on Baugh a better overall season in 2026 would allow him to play on bigger stages.

If Florida takes a step forward in 2026, Bears fans should pay close attention to how Baugh performs in the biggest games on the schedule. Showing he can consistently produce against top competition would go a long way toward cementing his status as one of the premier running back prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft.

5. Nate Frazier Georgia

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Nate Frazier doesn't have the build of a traditional power back. However, he consistently runs through contact like bigger backs such as Jaden Baugh and Mark Fletcher. Combined with his extra burst and willingness to step up in pass protection, Frazier offers a well-rounded skill set that should intrigue Bears fans.

In 2025, Frazier rushed for 947 yards on 173 carries and scored six rushing touchdowns. He also added 16 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. The fact that Frazier was able to be so productive as a running back by committee shows the talent he has.

Frazier's most explosive run of the 2025 season came on a 59-yard touchdown run against Mississippi State. On this run, he showed great burst and acceleration throughout and great balance on the sideline to stay in bounds.

The biggest question surrounding Frazier is how consistently he can produce against elite SEC defenses. Bears fans should pay close attention to those matchups in 2026. If he proves he can deliver against the conference's best teams, he'll strengthen his case as one of the more intriguing running back prospects for Chicago in the 2027 NFL Draft.