Rivals’ Hunter Shelton recently ranked Texas A&M RB commits KJ Edwards and Jonathan Hatton as one of the best future tandems in the 2026 cycle.

Rivals’ Hunter Shelton recently ranked Texas A&M RB commits KJ Edwards and Jonathan Hatton as one of the best future tandems in the 2026 cycle. For Texas A&M, the future of their running back position appears to be in incredibly capable hands, as two standout recruits have already committed to the Aggies and are set to form what many believe could be one of the most dynamic backfield duos in college football. KJ Edwards and Jonathan Hatton, both elite recruits, are expected to elevate Texas A&M’s rushing attack to new heights as part of their 2026 recruiting class.

In his recent rankings, Hunter Shelton of Rivals made a compelling case for Edwards and Hatton as one of the best running back tandems to enter the college football scene in the coming years. Texas A&M, known for producing top-tier talent, has added two backfield stars who bring different skill sets and attributes but complement each other perfectly. While it may seem early to predict their success, their potential is undeniable, and Aggie fans are already eagerly anticipating their future roles in the program.

For a program like Texas A&M, which has a rich history of producing NFL-caliber running backs, the addition of two high-caliber recruits like Edwards and Hatton is a game-changer. This duo is expected to not only contribute immediately upon their arrival in 2026 but potentially redefine the identity of the Aggies’ offense for years to come. With a potent running game, the Aggies will be able to control the tempo of games, wear down defenses, and open up opportunities for their passing attack.

The fact that Edwards and Hatton have already caught the attention of recruiting experts like Shelton underscores the high expectations surrounding their potential in College Station. As we take a deeper look at both players’ skill sets, it becomes clear why they’re viewed as one of the best future tandems in the 2026 cycle, and why their commitment to Texas A&M has fans so excited about the future.

KJ Edwards, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back from Cedar Hill, Texas, has quickly established himself as one of the top running back prospects in the country. A multi-sport athlete, Edwards has the athleticism and explosiveness to thrive at the highest levels of college football. His vision, balance, and speed make him a true all-around back, capable of both powering through defenders and breaking away for long runs. With a high football IQ and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Edwards has the makings of a future star for Texas A&M.

One of Edwards’ most significant attributes is his ability to change direction at full speed. Whether it’s making a cut to avoid a tackler or finding a hole on the inside, Edwards has the burst and agility to make plays that few backs at his size can replicate. His quickness allows him to make defenders miss in the open field, and his vision lets him find the best running lanes. Edwards doesn’t just rely on speed; he also possesses a strong lower body that allows him to run through arm tackles, making him a physical force as well as a fast one.

“He’s a complete back,” Shelton noted in his evaluation. “He’s got the size to run between the tackles, the speed to break off long runs, and the balance to make people miss. The combination of skills is what separates him from others in this class.”

Edwards’ running style is versatile and adaptable. He can pound the rock between the tackles, wear down defenders, and grind out tough yards, but he’s also a threat to take the ball to the house on any given play. His ability to read blocks and adjust to defensive schemes makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Edwards is also a capable pass-catcher, which will likely make him a dual-threat back for the Aggies. His ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver will give Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator plenty of options to exploit defenses.

Texas A&M’s offense, which has increasingly relied on versatility and movement-based schemes, will benefit from Edwards’ skill set. He has the potential to not only carry the load as a workhorse back but also provide a spark in the passing game, making him an ideal fit for Jimbo Fisher’s offensive system. As the Aggies continue to evolve offensively, Edwards will likely be a centerpiece of that development.

Jonathan Hatton, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back out of Katy, Texas, is another highly regarded commitment to Texas A&M’s 2026 class. What makes Hatton stand out is his raw power and ability to hit defenders with devastating speed. At 220 pounds, he’s already built like a college-ready back, with a powerful frame that allows him to break through tackles and take on defenders with authority. But it’s not just his size that sets him apart—it’s his ability to explode through the line of scrimmage and accelerate past defenders once he finds a crease.

While Edwards might be known for his agility and balance, Hatton is a downhill, physical runner who thrives in short-yardage situations and in between the tackles. His bruising running style is complemented by excellent vision and an ability to find holes in the defense, and he’s adept at picking up crucial yards when the offense needs them most. Hatton isn’t just a power back; he has enough speed to break away from defenders in the open field and enough agility to avoid arm tackles at the second level. His versatility as both a power runner and a breakaway threat gives him the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Hatton’s running style has drawn comparisons to some of the SEC’s top backs, and it’s easy to see why. He brings an old-school, smash-mouth mentality to the field, making him a perfect fit for the physicality of SEC football. His power and ability to move defenders are qualities that will allow him to thrive in Jimbo Fisher’s pro-style offense, which often leans on a strong running game to control the clock and set up play-action.

With Hatton in the backfield, the Aggies will have an ideal short-yardage back capable of powering through the line for crucial first downs and touchdowns. He’s also an asset in goal-line situations, where his size and power make him a tough matchup for defenses. That combination of explosiveness, strength, and speed makes Hatton one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class, and he will provide Texas A&M with a physical presence in the backfield for years to come.

While Edwards and Hatton bring different skill sets to the table, it’s the balance between their talents that makes them such an exciting tandem. Edwards’ finesse and breakaway speed complement Hatton’s power and physicality, creating a one-two punch that will be difficult for opponents to handle. Together, the two backs have the potential to form one of the most dynamic and effective running back duos in college football.

The beauty of having both Edwards and Hatton is that they can be used in tandem to exploit a defense’s weaknesses. Edwards, with his ability to break big runs, can be used as a threat to stretch the field and create explosive plays. At the same time, Hatton can be deployed to wear down the defense and pick up tough yards in between the tackles. The two backs can also provide versatility in the passing game, with Edwards serving as a dangerous option out of the backfield while Hatton offers a solid option for checkdowns and short-yardage situations.

Their complementary styles will also create headaches for opposing defensive coordinators, who will have to account for two distinct threats. The combination of speed, power, and vision will allow the Aggies to dictate the pace of games and control the flow of the offense. Whether it’s running inside zone plays, power runs, or outside zone plays, Edwards and Hatton give Texas A&M an unparalleled level of flexibility in its offensive approach.

The commitment of KJ Edwards and Jonathan Hatton gives Texas A&M a bright future in the running game. Both backs bring elite talent to the Aggies, and their arrival in 2026 will allow the program to continue its tradition of dominant ground attacks. Texas A&M has long been known for producing NFL-caliber running backs, and Edwards and Hatton have the potential to be the next duo to carry that torch.

With the Aggies’ 2026 recruiting class continuing to take shape, the addition of these two top-tier backs strengthens the foundation for the future of the offense. Edwards and Hatton will likely have the opportunity to make an immediate impact, and their development could help Texas A&M become a more balanced and dangerous offensive unit in the SEC.

Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how these two talented backs will gel together on the field, and their impact could be felt for years to come. While it’s still early in their college careers, the future is already looking very bright for Texas A&M’s running back corps with KJ Edwards and Jonathan Hatton leading the way.

In a conference as competitive as the SEC, having a duo like Edwards and Hatton could be the difference-maker that propels Texas A&M to new heights. As the 2026 season approaches, the Aggies’ running game is set to become one of the most feared in college football, and Edwards and Hatton are at the heart of that excitement. Their arrival signals a new era for Texas A&M, one that could redefine the team’s identity for years to come.