Bijan Robinson named AP top NFL running back for 2026 season

An Associated Press panel of eight NFL writers voted Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson the league’s top running back entering the 2026 season. Robinson earned 41 points, receiving three first‑place votes, one second‑place vote and appearing on all eight ballots, the only player to do so.

Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage, posting 1,478 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He became “the second player ever with at least 1,400 yards rushing and 800 yards receiving in the same season,” joining Steven Jackson. Fellow finalists were Christian McCaffrey (33 points), Derrick Henry (30 points), Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Robinson was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft and the first running back taken in the top ten in five years, cementing his status as the NFL’s premier dual‑threat back.