Former SEC standout is fighting steep odds to hold onto Rams roster spot

Ramblin' Fan · Jul 20, 2026 18:05 · 3 min read

Former SEC standout is fighting steep odds to hold onto Rams roster spot — Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Los Angeles Rams running back and former SEC standout Jarquez Hunter is fighting steep odds to keep his roster spot in his second season.

The dynamic backfield duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum gives the Los Angeles Rams one of the league's most productive rushing attacks. The only question is whether it will be even more dominant in 2026 as Corum continues to develop.

In that context, perhaps the biggest actual question in the Rams' running back room is whether 2025 fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter is even on the team come Week 1. After he had his rookie seat reserved on the 53-man roster, the former Auburn star will likely have to prove he can contribute in Year 2.

With fifth-year back Ronnie Rivers holding down the RB3 role and putting in work on special teams, Hunter will be up against it just to keep his spot.

Rams can't guarantee Hunter a spot this season

The Rams can't as easily afford to keep Hunter around 'just to have' this season. For one thing, they may be carrying three quarterbacks, not two, depending on whether Stetson Bennett beats out Ty Simpson for the backup job.

There is also a real possibility the team rosters five tight ends - again one more than last year - to accommodate rookie Max Klare. If they don't unload a veteran via trade or outright release, that's the most likely outcome.

Plus, Aaron Donald's potential return will mean one less roster spot is available for fringe candidates like Hunter.

Whether Hunter makes the team is thus about more than just his own performance. It doesn't help, certainly, that as a rookie he saw only 22 snaps, all on special teams.

Could the Rams call his number over Rivers? Maybe, but Hunter will have to give them a good reason to. A former undrafted free agent, Rivers has contributed in a humble role in each of his four NFL seasons.

Hunter's four-year college career culminated in a 1,000-yard senior campaign in which he led the SEC with 6.4 yards per carry. On the season, he rushed for 1,201 yards, added 155 more receiving, and accumulated nine total touchdowns. The Rams took him with the 117th pick in the 2025 draft.

In recent history, Rams running backs not named Todd Gurley have often held minimal rookie roles. None of Williams, Corum, or Darrell Henderson, the No. 2 option behind Sony Michel on the 2021 Super Bowl squad, did much of anything in Year 1. In itself, an unnoteworthy rookie season doesn't disqualify Hunter from ascending as a sophomore.

On the 2026 roster, however, his opportunities will be limited regardless. Williams and Corum accounted for nearly 1,998 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Rivers has carved out a role as a third option in garbage time and on special teams.

As painful as it is to bail on a recent Day 2 draft pick, right now Hunter seems destined for the practice squad - or another team's roster - unless he can beat out Rivers in training camp or the Rams make sacrifices elsewhere.