5 Dynasty Buys Under 25 - RB Edition

Chew highlights 5 running backs under 25 that you should be buying in dynasty ahead of the 2026 season.

Age is a crucial factor in building a formidable dynasty roster for the long haul. The younger players that still have something to prove are often the most polarizing as dynasty managers draw their figurative lines in the sand.

Here is a look at last year’s RB buys under 25.

Running backs have the shortest shelf life of the fantasy-relevant positions. Fantasy rosters are already sensitive to the fragility of the running back position, but it is amplified in dynasty, where an ageless wonder like Derrick Henry is a rarity. In this article, I highlight five running backs under 25 that could be on the rise in dynasty.

*Qualifying running backs are under 25 years old by the beginning of the 2026 NFL season and outside the Top-24 in RB fantasy points per game in 2025. Dynasty trades sources from Dynasty Daddy. Trades were based on the following settings:

• Quarterbacks: 2 (Superflex)

• Scoring Format: 1 (Full PPR)

• Tight End Premium: 0-0.5

• Team Count: 10-12 (Draft pick range noted below extends to 12-team leagues)

• Starter Count: 9-11

Kyle Monangai (RB-38 — 8.6 ppg — 24 years old)

2025 Stats: [169 rushes - 783 yds - 5 TDs] - [18 catches / 30 targets - 164 yds - 0 TDs]

Monangai entered the Bears’ backfield as a 7th-round rookie and filled in well behind veteran D’Andre Swift. Despite only usurping a 50% snapshare twice during the season, Monangai had three top-12 fantasy finishes. Swift performed well; however, he is entering a contract year, and Monangai could step into a larger role.

The NFL’s legal tampering period begins tomorrow, so we will quickly find out what the Bears think about their backfield before the NFL Draft. Ben Johnson enters his second season after getting to the playoffs in his inaugural season as the Bears’ head coach. With the success Monangai brought in his rookie season, I would expect continuity with this budding offense.

Dynasty Trades to acquire Kyle Monangai:

• Kyle Monangai ←→ Matthew Golden

• Kyle Monangai + Christian Watson ←→ R.J. Harvey

• Kyle Monangai ←→ Troy Franklin + ‘27 4th

Devin Neal (RB-54 — 6.7 ppg — 23 years old)

2025 Stats: [57 rushes - 206 yds - 2 TDs] - [17 catches / 19 targets - 104 yds - 0 TDs]

Neal joined the Saints’ backfield as a 6th-round back behind superstar Alvin Kamara and the potential-filled Kendre Miller. I did not understand the level of Miller hype entering the league, but with Kamara getting older, there is reason to look for his successor. Unfortunately, Kamara’s season was marred by injury, and so was Miller’s, with the latter tearing his ACL. Neal did not really get snaps until halfway through the season, but he contributed both on the ground and through the air.

Heading into the 2026 season, Kamara restructured his contract, and Miller is entering a contract season. The Saints are still navigating the cap repercussions caused by years of kicking the can down the road, so Neal’s position in the backfield as a cheap option is secure. The Saints could finally be moving on from Kamara, but even if he remains, we saw in 2025 the necessity for productive backfield support.

Dynasty Trades to acquire Devin Neal:

• Devin Neal ←→ ‘26 3.08

• Devin Neal + Tory Horton ←→ Jaylen Warren

• Devin Neal + Isaac TeSlaa + ‘27 3rd ←→ Tyler Allgeier

Bhayshul Tuten (RB 59 — 5.9 ppg — 23 years old)

2025 Stats: [83 rushes - 307 yds - 5 TDs] - [10 catches / 14 targets - 79 yds - 2 TDs]

Last offseason, there was much uncertainty as to who would lead the Jaguars’ backfield. Sure enough, Tank Bigsby gets traded to the Eagles, and Travis Etienne is the clear lead running back. Tuten missed a total of three games in his rookie season, but his role did turn into a consistent high-20, low-30% snapshare by the latter half of the season. Tuten’s home run speed kept him involved.

As Etiene enters free agency, it is a wonder if the Jaguars will pay up or if he finds a new jersey to wear. Considering the new coaching regime drafted Tuten, I would expect him to enter the 2026 season with at least a third of the touches as the complement to a bigger back. But the more optimistic take is that Liam Coen opens up the offense and utilizes Tuten more as a big play, pass-catching threat.

Dynasty Trades to acquire Bhayshul Tuten:

• Bhayshul Tuten ←→ Blake Corum + Jaylin Noel

• Bhayshul Tuten + D.J. Moore ←→ Kenneth Gainwell + ‘26 1.12

• Bhayshul Tuten + Jalen Coker ←→ Travis Hunter

Dylan Sampson (RB-62 — 5.8 ppg — 22 years old)

2025 Stats: [65 rushes - 175 yds] - [33 catches / 40 targets - 271 yds - 2 TDs]

Sampson joined fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins in the Cleveland backfield in 2025. With contract discussions delaying Judkins’ debut, Sampson got work early, but once Judkins appeared Sampson’s involvement was stifled for weeks. Much of Sampson’s work was as a pass-catcher, allowing for Judkins to handle the ground game. Unfortunately, Judkins suffered a season-ending injury in Week 16, but this allowed Sampson a bit more run.

The Browns’ offense is already slated for a lot of turnover, with the offensive line looking different before free agency even begins. Considering the poor cap situation the Browns are in, I would not expect the Browns to invest heavily in the running back position this offseason. And with a healthy Judkins, the smallest role Sampson should have is as the pass-catching back. It would serve the Browns well to involve Sampson more as he showed in his rookie season flashes.

Dynasty Trades to acquire Dylan Sampson:

• Dylan Sampson + ‘26 3.01 ←→ Kimani Vidal

• Dylan Sampson ←→ Ryan Flournoy + Jacory Croskey-Merritt

• Dylan Sampson + Michael Wilson ←→ Jameson Williams

Sean Tucker (RB-64 — 5.4 ppg — 24 years old)

2025 Stats: [86 rushes - 320 yds - 7 TDs] - [8 catches / 11 targets - 34 yds - 1 TD]

Tucker is coming off his most productive season after entering the NFL as a UDFA. With lead back Bucky Irving missing seven games in 2025, Tucker split backfield duties with Rachaad White. While White has the size to better handle pass protection duties, Tucker can produce both as a runner and a receiver.

Free agency is only a day away, and the Buccaneers did not tender Tucker, so he will be unrestricted. This does not rule out a return to Tampa Bay, however, as fellow backup White is also a free agent. I am optimistic about Tucker’s dynasty upside regardless of landing spot, as I would expect him to seek out an opportunity where he will be the backup and not the third string waiting for an injury to earn touches.

Dynasty Trades to acquire Sean Tucker:

• Sean Tucker ←→ ‘27 4th

• Sean Tucker ←→ Marvin Mims

• Sean Tucker + Jalen Nailor ←→ Keon Coleman + Kendre Miller

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