Kaelon Black: Height, High School, 49ers, Stats, Draft and College Stats
Kaelon Black is a young NFL running back who entered the league with the San Francisco 49ers after building his college career at James Madison and Indiana. His physical running style, experience in multiple offensive systems and strong 2025 season helped him become an intriguing prospect for San Francisco.
Black is especially interesting to 49ers fans because the team selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft and has viewed him as a potential contributor behind veteran running back Christian McCaffrey. Here is everything to know about Kaelon Black, including his height, high school, college, draft selection, 49ers status and college statistics.
Kaelon Black Height and Weight
Kaelon Black is listed at 5 feet 10 inches and 208 pounds on the San Francisco 49ers’ official roster. The NFL’s player profile lists him at 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds, so his listed height varies slightly between sources.
Black’s compact frame suits his physical rushing style. He has shown the ability to run between the tackles, absorb contact and continue moving after initial contact.
His official 49ers profile lists him as a rookie running back wearing No. 26. He was born on October 17, 2001, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Kaelon Black High School
Kaelon Black attended Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His football background also included a strong family connection to the sport.
According to the 49ers, Black’s father, William Black, played linebacker at Norfolk State from 1996 through 1999. That football connection helped shape Black’s early path in the sport.
Black eventually became a college football recruit and committed to James Madison. PFF described him as a two-star running back recruit from Virginia Beach.
His recruiting profile was not that of a nationally famous five-star prospect. Instead, Black developed through his college career and eventually became an NFL draft selection.
Kaelon Black College
Black played college football at James Madison and Indiana.
He began his college career at James Madison in 2020. After spending time developing in the program, he became a more prominent contributor and eventually followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana.
At James Madison, Black developed into a productive running back. He then transferred to Indiana before the 2024 season and spent his final two college seasons with the Hoosiers.
The 49ers say Black played six seasons between James Madison and Indiana and finished his college career with 496 rushing attempts for 2,595 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, plus 55 receptions for 528 yards and six receiving touchdowns.
That production gave Black valuable experience before entering the NFL.
Kaelon Black College Stats
Black’s college statistics show how his production increased during his career.
According to the 49ers, his notable seasons included:
| Season | School | Rushing | Rushing TDs | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | James Madison | 25 carries, 170 yards | 1 | — |
| 2021 | James Madison | 27 carries, 165 yards | 0 | 3 catches, 55 yards |
| 2022 | James Madison | 69 carries, 333 yards | 3 | 17 catches, 177 yards |
| 2023 | James Madison | 142 carries, 637 yards | 1 | 27 catches, 254 yards |
| 2024 | Indiana | 46 carries, 251 yards | 2 | 4 catches, 6 yards |
| 2025 | Indiana | 187 carries, 1,039 yards | 10 | 4 catches, 36 yards |
The 49ers’ official profile credits Black with 2,595 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns across his six college seasons.
Sports-Reference’s primary statistical table uses a different statistical presentation and lists his 2022-25 totals at 443 carries, 2,261 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The difference comes from the site’s displayed season sample, while the 49ers’ official biography includes Black’s earlier seasons as well.
Kaelon Black 2025 College Stats
Black’s final college season was his biggest statistically.
In 2025 at Indiana, the 49ers list him with 187 carries for 1,039 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also recorded four receptions for 36 yards.
That production made him one of Indiana’s important offensive players and helped raise his NFL draft profile.
PFF’s statistical database lists Black with 126 carries for 724 yards and seven touchdowns in its 2025 data set, while the 49ers and Sports-Reference provide different totals.
For an article or player profile, the safest approach is to identify the source when quoting individual season totals because statistical databases can differ in how games and postseason contests are categorized.
Kaelon Black Draft
The San Francisco 49ers selected Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 90th overall pick. Sports-Reference lists him as the 90th selection in the third round.
His selection represented a major step in a career that began with relatively little national recruiting attention.
Black’s draft evaluation focused on his physical running style, balance and ability to gain yards after contact. PFF’s pre-draft scouting report praised his lower-body strength, motor and physical mentality.
At the same time, scouts identified areas for improvement. PFF noted that Black had limited receiving experience and could have difficulties in certain pass-protection situations.
Kaelon Black and the 49ers
Kaelon Black joined the San Francisco 49ers as a 2026 rookie.
The 49ers selected him with the idea that he could develop into an important part of their running back depth. With Christian McCaffrey remaining the centerpiece of the team’s backfield, Black has an opportunity to establish himself as a complementary option.
Recent preseason reports have increased interest in Black’s role. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Black emerged as the likely RB2 following a strong training camp and preseason, with the team looking at him as a player who could help reduce McCaffrey’s workload.
Black also impressed during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for 33 yards on eight carries.
His ability to run physically and contribute in pass protection has helped his case for playing time.
What Type of Running Back Is Kaelon Black?
Black is known for his physical running approach.
He is not simply a speed-based back who relies on getting outside the defense. Instead, his strengths include lower-body power, effort and the ability to continue fighting through contact.
PFF’s draft evaluation gave Black a strong assessment for his mentality, balance and tackle-breaking ability. The report also said he had more success in zone-blocking concepts, where he could build momentum and attack a defined running lane.
That skill set could fit well into a 49ers offense that has historically emphasized creative rushing concepts and running-back versatility.
Kaelon Black NFL Outlook
Black’s first NFL season is an important development period.
The 49ers do not necessarily need him to become the team’s primary running back immediately. Instead, his first goal is to establish himself as a dependable backup who can handle carries when needed.
His preseason performances have already generated attention. Reports have indicated that Black has impressed coaches with his aggressive running style, burst and willingness to contribute in pass protection.
If he continues developing, Black could eventually become a valuable rotational running back for San Francisco.
His biggest challenge will be translating his college production into the NFL. The league is faster, defensive players are stronger and running lanes close more quickly. Black will also need to demonstrate consistency as a receiver and pass protector.
Kaelon Black Career Background
Black’s path to the NFL is notable because he was not initially regarded as a major national recruit.
He arrived at James Madison as a two-star prospect and developed over several seasons. His production improved, and his transfer to Indiana gave him another opportunity to play at a higher level.
His 2025 season became the breakthrough point. Black produced more than 1,000 rushing yards according to the 49ers’ official biography and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.
That performance helped him become a third-round NFL draft selection.
His journey shows why college development remains important for NFL prospects. Black did not enter college with the same recruiting reputation as many highly rated prospects, but his performance eventually put him on the NFL radar.
Kaelon Black Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kaelon Black |
| Position | Running back |
| NFL team | San Francisco 49ers |
| Jersey number | No. 26 |
| Height | 5-foot-10, according to 49ers |
| Weight | 208 pounds |
| Birth date | October 17, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| High school | Salem High School |
| College | James Madison, Indiana |
| NFL Draft | 2026 |
| Draft round | Third round |
| Draft pick | 90th overall |
| NFL experience | Rookie |
The 49ers’ official roster confirms his height, weight, college background, high school and personal information, while Sports-Reference confirms his third-round, 90th-overall draft selection.
Conclusion
Kaelon Black has taken an unconventional route to the NFL. After beginning his college career at James Madison, he transferred to Indiana and finished with a productive final season before the San Francisco 49ers selected him 90th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His combination of physical running, toughness and experience gives him an opportunity to become an important part of San Francisco’s backfield. The early preseason signs have been encouraging, particularly with the 49ers considering him for the RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey.
For now, Black’s development will be one of the storylines to watch as he begins his NFL career.
FAQs About Kaelon Black
How tall is Kaelon Black?
Kaelon Black is listed at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds by the San Francisco 49ers. The NFL lists him at 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds.
What high school did Kaelon Black attend?
Kaelon Black attended Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
What college did Kaelon Black attend?
Black played college football at James Madison and Indiana.
When was Kaelon Black drafted?
The San Francisco 49ers selected Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 90th overall pick.
What position does Kaelon Black play?
Kaelon Black plays running back for the San Francisco 49ers.
What were Kaelon Black’s college stats?
According to the 49ers, Black finished his six-season college career with 496 carries for 2,595 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 55 receptions for 528 yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Is Kaelon Black on the 49ers?
Yes. Kaelon Black is a rookie running back on the San Francisco 49ers roster in 2026.
What is Kaelon Black’s draft pick?
Black was selected 90th overall in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by San Francisco.
Who is Kaelon Black’s father?
His father, William Black, played linebacker at Norfolk State from 1996 to 1999.
What is Kaelon Black known for?
Black is known for his physical running style, strong lower body, effort and ability to gain yards through contact. His development from a two-star recruit into a third-round NFL pick is also a notable part of his football story.
Leave a Reply