Trey Benson — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Over his final two seasons at Florida State, Benson accumulated 2,267 combined yards, 24 touchdowns, and 33 receptions on 343 touches, averaging an efficient 6.1 yards per carry and 11.2 yards per reception. His 2023 season had its limitations, topping 100 rushing yards just once (11/200/2) while averaging only 12 touches per game, and 80 of his 227 receiving yards came on a single scoring play against Wake Forest. His college career began at Oregon, where a right knee injury ended his freshman season before it started. Arizona then invested a third-round pick in him in the 2024 Draft, signaling their belief in him as the franchise's long-term lead back.

As a runner, Benson is built for the interior. He has the wiggle and contact balance to generate yards in tight spaces, and his 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine confirms Benson can take it the distance once he clears the second level. His workhorse projection is real. He profiles as a goal-line threat and should contribute as a receiver with a dependable floor in the passing game. The areas to watch are his vision in traffic, which needs refinement, and his burst, which reads more as built-up speed than immediate explosion. Pass protection should not be a significant issue at the next level.

His rookie season in Arizona brought a slow start. Benson appeared in 13 games, sitting out Week 5 and missing the final three with an ankle injury — but rarely factored into the offense in a meaningful way. His only two usable outings came back-to-back in Week 9 (8/37/1 with one catch for 18 yards) and Week 10 (10/62 with two catches for 25 yards). In eight of his appearances, the Cardinals handed him five touches or fewer.

2025 should have been a great opportunity for Bensen after James Conner went down with an injury in Week 3. Over his first four games, he gained 224 combined yards with 13 catches on 42 touches. His value in the run game (5.5 yards per carry) was highlighted by two 20-yard runs or more. A torn meniscus in his left knee in Week 4 ended his year.