OJ Arnold is a running back and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who spent his entire collegiate career with the Georgia Southern Eagles. A native of Quitman, Georgia, Arnold joined the program in the 2022 recruiting class and steadily developed across four seasons into one of the most efficient backs in the Sun Belt Conference. He appeared in 12 games and started 10 in his breakout 2025 season, rushing for 1,042 yards on 144 carries and posting the FBS's best yards-per-carry average at 7.17 while adding 12 catches for 212 yards and a receiving touchdown. He also completed both pass attempts he made in 2025 for 85 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as an athlete within Georgia Southern's offense. He earned second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors from multiple outlets and was named the Birmingham Bowl MVP after rushing for 152 yards in Georgia Southern's bowl appearance. Over his career, Arnold built a consistent record of explosive, decisive running that drew attention from NFL scouts.
Standing 5-9 and 195 pounds, Arnold is a compact, elusive runner whose elite yards-per-carry efficiency reflects his combination of patience, burst, and vision. He reads blocking assignments quickly, identifies creases with precise timing, and accelerates through gaps in a way that regularly turns short gains into significant chunk plays. He has demonstrated the ability to create in the passing game as well, making him a more complete option than his size might initially suggest. The concerns for NFL evaluators center primarily on his frame and how his game will translate against more physical, faster competition at the next level after playing in the Sun Belt Conference. He posted a 4.48 40-yard dash time at the 2026 Scouting Combine, confirming solid but not elite speed. Arnold projects as a late-round Day 3 pick or priority undrafted free agent who can contribute as a change-of-pace back and whose exceptional efficiency and athleticism give him a legitimate path to a roster spot.
