As Texas A&M gears up for the 2026 season, the running back room looks strikingly similar to how it did at the end of 2025. And while continuity can be a good thing, it also raises some questions-particularly about the lack of a true every-down back in the mold of Le’Veon Moss, who’s been hampered by injuries and missed significant time over the past two seasons.
The Aggies had opportunities to add reinforcements through the NCAA Transfer Portal. There were backs available-good ones, too.
Players who could’ve brought a physical, between-the-tackles presence to balance out the current group’s skill set. But as of now, none of the top-tier portal options (regardless of whose rankings you trust) are headed to College Station.
They’re taking their talents elsewhere, leaving A&M to roll with what it already has.
That brings us to Rueben Owens, the most explosive returning piece in the backfield. If you’re looking for big plays, Owens is your guy.
According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked in the top ten in the SEC in both runs of 15+ yards and breakaway run percentage last season. That kind of burst is hard to teach, and it’s what makes him such a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
But Owens isn’t your classic workhorse. He’s not the guy you hand the ball to 25 times a game and expect four yards and a cloud of dust.
He’s more of a space-and-speed back, someone who thrives when he can get to the edge or turn a crease into a chunk gain. He’s shown a clear preference for bouncing runs outside, and he’s noticeably more effective when running to his right.
That’s not a knock-it’s just part of understanding how to maximize his skill set.
He’s also shown some juice in the passing game, hauling in four receptions of 20+ yards last season. That versatility adds another layer to what the Aggies can do offensively, especially if they’re creative in how they deploy him-screens, wheel routes, motion mismatches, you name it.
Still, the absence of a bruising, downhill runner-especially one who can wear down defenses late in games-leaves a bit of a void. That doesn’t mean the Aggies can’t be productive on the ground, but it does mean they’ll likely need to get creative with how they manage carries and build game plans around their backs’ strengths.
Bottom line: Texas A&M’s running back room has speed, explosiveness, and big-play potential. What it doesn’t have-at least not yet-is that reliable, between-the-tackles grinder who can handle the dirty work and keep the offense on schedule.
Whether someone already on the roster can step into that role remains to be seen. But as things stand, the Aggies are betting on what they know-and hoping it’s enough to power them through the grind of another SEC season.