Complete 2026 NFL Draft FB Rankings:
You are currently viewing our complete fullback rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. Fullbacks rarely get much attention, but their versatility makes them some of the favorite players in any NFL locker room.
Our top fullback prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented players in college football. Even though only 1-2 will get selected in the draft, a lot more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite.
We’ll provide you with inside information to help you know who will be a star, who will be a bust, and which sleepers will shock the world.
BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2026 NFL draft fullback prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.
(Last Updated: April 22, 2026)
1. Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
FB/TE | 6’2″ | 250 lbs | 6th Year
Riley Nowakowski Scouting Report
Riley Nowakowski is an undersized tight end who would be best used in the NFL as a fullback due to has size and ability as a lead run blocker.
Nowakowski played sparingly through his 5 years with the Wisconsin Badgers before transferring to Indiana for his final season. He’s a decent athlete who has turned into a solid route runner, with consistent hands and the ability to lower his shoulder and pick up a few extra yards after the catch. He does a good job opening holes as a run blocker, showing a ton of toughness and good overall technique.
Nowakowski won’t wow anyone with his physical traits, and he isn’t particularly experienced lining up in the backfield, while lacking the size to continue his blocking success as an inline tight end at the next level.
Riley Nowakowski 2025 Stats
16 games: 32 receptions, 387 receiving games, 2 receiving touchdowns, 2 rushes, 2 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
2. Max Bredeson, Michigan
FB/TE | 6’2″ | 252 lbs | 5th Year
Max Bredeson Scouting Report
Max Bredeson is a prototypical fullback / tight end hybrid with enough athleticism to contribute in a variety of ways.
At 6’2″ 250 pounds, Bredeson has enough size to hold his own as an inline blocker, with the quickness and technique to success as a blocker out of the backfield. He’s very experienced from a variety of formations, and has reliable hands to get involved as a receiver when necessary. Bredeson is a great run blocker and has decent footwork in pass protection, rarely making mistakes when he’s on the field.
Athleticism and production aren’t eye popping, but Bredeson is a steady contributor with plenty of experience and versatility to make an NFL roster.
Max Bredeson 2025 Stats
11 games: 2 receptions, receiving 11 yards
3. Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
FB/TE | 6’2″ | 234 lbs | 4th Year
Jaren Kanak Scouting Report
Jaren Kanak is an intriguing prospect who played linebacker up until the 2025 season, where he converted to offense and immediately became one of the most productive receiving tight ends in the SEC.
He took most of his snaps as an inline blocker or from the slot, with limited experience out of the backfield. Still, his frame and linebacker experience bode well to a transition to a primary fullback role in the NFL. Once he gets on the field, he is a surprisingly twitchy athlete who will excel athletically compared to most fullbacks.
Kanak will need to continue to significantly refine his technique as a blocker, but that’s unsurprising given his limited experience. He plays hard and gives effort as a blocker, while showing soft hands and decent route running as a receiver. He’ll likely start his career on a practice squad, but if he can improve his blocking technique he’ll have a chance to maintain an NFL career.
Jaren Kanak 2025 Stats
13 games: 44 receptions, 533 receiving yards
4. Jackson Acker, Wisconsin
FB | 6’1″ | 240 lbs | 5th Year
Jackson Acker Scouting Report
Jackson Acker is an experienced, athletic fullback who offers enough straight line speed to run with the running backs, and enough power to block with the tight ends.
At 6’1″ 240 he looks the part of an NFL fullback. He primarily lines up in the backfield but is also experienced inline and on special teams. His technique in run blocking can fluctuate as he occasionally gets too high and loses leverage, but he’s been better as a pass protector.
Acker has good hands and has been heavily involved in the pass game throughout his 50-game college career. A member of Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List, Acker has a chance to make a name for himself at his Pro Day if he can come close to his reported 4.50 40 yard dash speed.
Jackson Acker Stats
12 games: 8 receptions, 66 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdowns, 15 rushes, 55 rushing yards
5. Hayden Large, Iowa
FB/TE | 6’5″ | 250 lbs | 6th Year
Hayden Large Scouting Report
Hayden Large started his career at Dordt, a small NAIA school that doesn’t exactly produce much NFL talent. But Hayden Large contributed early and had the frame of an NFL tight end, drawing the attention of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After transferring to Iowa in 2023, Large immediately moved into a prominent role as the team’s fullback. In recent years he’s primarily played inline, and has the size and skillset to play either spot at the next level. Large has significantly improved a run blocker this past season, and takes a lot of pride in his blocking ability.
He isn’t going to break many tackles or run away from anyone, but he has solid hands, good size, and is extremely experienced at a position where experience is a rarity these days.
Hayden Large Stats
12 games: 8 receptions, 52 receiving yards
Complete 2026 NFL Draft Fullback Rankings
| RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | AGE | HT | WT | 40YD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riley Nowakowski | Indiana | 6th | 6'2" | 250 | 4.66 |
| 2 | Max Bredeson | Michigan | 5th | 6'2" | 252 | |
| 3 | Jaren Kanak | Oklahoma | 4th | 6'2" | 234 | 4.52 |
| 4 | Jackson Acker | Wisconsin | 5th | 6'1" | 242 | 4.68 |
| 5 | Hayden Large | Iowa | 6th | 6'4" | 255 | 4.72 |
| 6 | Tre Williams III | North Texas | 5th | 6'2" | 225 | 4.61 |
| 7 | Sam Scott | Wyoming | 5th | 6'1" | 213 | 4.46 |
| 8 | Trent Howland | Oklahoma State | 5th | 6'1" | 262 | 4.78 |
| 9 | Andre Hines | Wagner | 6th | 6'2" | 233 | 4.91 |
| 10 | Truman Werremeyer | North Dakota State | 5th | 6'2" | 248 | 4.87 |
| 11 | Josh McCray | Georgia | 5th | 6'0" | 250 | 4.96 |
| 12 | Connor Finer | Rhode Island | 5th | 6'1" | 214 | 4.79 |
| 13 | Andrew Burnette | Louisiana Tech | 5th | 6'0" | 229 | 4.59 |
| 14 | Reed Breckheimer | Carroll (WI) | 4th | 6'0" | 253 | 4.87 |
| 15 | Michael Brescia | Western Michigan | 5th | 6'3" | 242 | 4.85 |
| 16 | Vaughn Pemberton | Boston College | 5th | 5'11" | 231 | 4.66 |
| 17 | Justin Erb | Wyoming | 5th | 6'2" | 241 | 4.80 |
| 18 | Justin Holmes | Pittsburgh | 4th | 6'2" | 243 | 4.76 |
| 19 | Joey Gendreau | St. John's (MN) | 4th | 6'2" | 223 | 4.70 |
| 20 | Rashad Luckey | Concord | 6th | 5'10" | 227 | 4.95 |
| 21 | Caden Davis | Fayetteville State | 5th | 6'4" | 240 | |
| 22 | Dylan Carson | Air Force | 4th | 5'11" | 207 | 4.81 |
| 23 | Koby Gross | Ball State | 6th | 6'1" | 242 | 5.11 |
| 24 | Scotty Presson Jr. | Illinois State | 5th | 6'3" | 230 | |
| 25 | James Faulkner | Gannon | 4th | 6'2" | 230 | 4.97 |
| 26 | Frank Bierman | Minnesota | 6th | 6'4" | 250 | |
| 27 | Landon Cooper | Eastern Washington | 5th | 6'3" | 235 | |
| 28 | Aidan Quinn | Southern Illinois | 5th | 6'1" | 234 | 4.95 |
| 29 | Joey Bearns III | Charlotte | 5th | 6'1" | 294 | |
| 30 | Jordan Poole | Nicholls | 5th | 6'0" | 230 | |
| 31 | Mareyohn Hrabowski | Western Michigan | 5th | 6'2" | 228 | 4.87 |
| 32 | Gerard Bullock Jr. | Kennesaw State | 6th | 6'1" | 230 | |
| 33 | Dylan Goffney | SMU | 5th | 6'0" | 236 | 4.80 |
| 34 | Colter May | Weber State | 5th | 5'11" | 212 | 5.00 |
| 35 | Evan Basalyga | Waterloo | 4th | 6'1" | 234 | 4.88 |
| 36 | Nate Sullivan Jr. | UL-Monroe | 6th | 6'3" | 235 | |
| 37 | Ryan Osborne | Harvard | 4th | 6'0" | 220 | |
| 38 | Cameron Heald | Butler | 5th | 6'1" | 220 | |
| 39 | Ikeem Wright | Norfolk State | 6th | 6'1" | 245 | |
| 40 | Christian Berry | Kent State | 4th | 6'2" | 229 | 5.12 |
| 41 | Cal Martine | Illinois State | 4th | 5'11" | 230 | |
| 42 | Natale Frangione | Georgetown | 4th | 6'0" | 280 | |
| 43 | Blane Cleaver | Bowling Green | 5th | 6'2" | 235 | |
| 44 | Cole Clarke | Stonehill | 4th | 6'2" | 230 | |
| 45 | Jamauri Chislom | SE Missouri State | 6th | 6'1" | 270 | |
| 46 | Ryan Tyler | Northwestern State | 4th | 6'3" | 250 | |
| 47 | Aaron Hopkins | Florida A&M | 6th | 6'1" | 229 | 4.97 |
| 48 | Joey Kelcourse | Stonehill | 4th | 6'0" | 230 | |
| 49 | Matthew Broad | Northwestern State | 5th | 6'2" | 245 |
MORE NFL DRAFT RANKINGS
Traits That Make a Fullback Prospect Great
Fullback can be hard to scout because so many of them convert from running back, tight end, or even linebacker. They aren’t heavily used, but can play a pivotal role on select teams. Run blocking, football IQ, and special teams experience are among the most important factors of scouting the top fullback prospects.
Some of the factors we consider when scouting are included below.
Versatility
It might be a stretch to call “versatility” a trait, but fullback draft prospects need to have it if they’re going to make a roster in the modern NFL. If they’ve shown the ability to line up all over the field (backfield, inline, slot, special teams, etc.), they likely have the work ethic and mental traits to serve a versatile role at the next level.
Run Blocking
Run blocking is probably still the biggest role of an NFL fullback. Experience as a lead blocker is preferred, but staying low and maintaining a strong base as an inline blocker is also a benefit.
Contact Balance
Contact balance will help every time a fullback touches the ball, but it will also help to maintain proper positioning as a blocker. When the fullback touches the ball, you need to be able to deflect would-be tacklers. Staying low and running hard with the ball in your hands is necessary.
Hands
Fullbacks are getting less work as runners, but more work as receivers. Having soft hands, good ball security, and the natural ability to attack the ball at the catch point will help them take advantage of their opportunities and find a way onto the field.
2026 FB Draft Prospects FAQs
Who is the best FB in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The best fullback in the 2026 NFL Draft is Riley Nowakowski of Indiana. Despite being a traditional tight end in college, he will likely play more of an h-back role in the NFL due to size.
As for true fullbacks, the best player is Max Bredeson of Michigan. Bredeson doesn’t get too many touches, but he’s an exceptional lead blocker with enough size and athleticism to stick in the NFL.
How good is the fullback draft class in 2026?
The top of the 2026 fullback draft class is slightly stronger than normal, but it thins out especially fast, with fewer teams than ever before using a fullback. The class will improve as undersized tight ends begin to embrace a move to the backfield.
Who is the most athletic fullback in the 2026 draft?
Sam Scott from Wyoming is the most athletic fullback in the 2026 NFL Draft, running a 4.46 40 yard dash with a 40.5″ vertical and 134″ broad jump, all of which led the class.
Jaren Kanak from Oklahoma and Jackson Acker from Wisconsin are also among the top athletes in the fullback class.
