The Relationship Between Lower-Body Muscular Power and Running Performance in Division I American Football Players

Abstract Montoye, AHK, Slater, TL, Pfeiffer, KA, Curtis, KC, Melcher, R, and Burghardt, W. The relationship between lower-body muscular power and running performance in Division I American football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This study investigated the relationship between lower-body muscular power and vertical jump with maximal on-field running acceleration and velocity in collegiate Division I American football players. Data from 97 to 115 players (depending on analysis) across all playing positions on the Michigan State University football team during the 2022 calendar year were included. Muscular power was assessed through yoke bar back squats and yoke bar reverse lunges (Eliteform system) in the offseason (January–June), with countermovement jump power and height (Vald ForceDecks) collected throughout the year. Maximal running acceleration and velocity were measured during practices and competitions throughout the year using the Catapult wearable system. Cross-sectional correlation analyses evaluated associations between muscular power and running performance, both overall and by player position (big, mid, skill). Additional, longitudinal analyses correlated spring (offseason) muscular power with fall (in-season) running outcomes 6–9 months later. Significant ( p < 0.05), direct correlations were found in cross-sectional analyses between squat peak and mean power and running outcomes for big ( r = 0.22–0.62) and mid ( r = 0.45–0.67) positions, with similar results for vertical jump relative power and height (big: r = 0.39–0.58; mid: r = 0.33–0.40). Stronger relationships were shown with longitudinal correlations (spring power, fall running measures) between muscular power and jump measures with running outcomes ( Squat – big: r = 0.23–0.82; skill: r = 0.35–0.51; mid: r = 0.30–0.55. Reverse lunge – big: r = 0.19–0.74; mid: r = 0.36–0.54. Jump relative power and height – big: r = 0.51–0.71; mid: r = 0.25–0.57). The associations between lower-body muscular power and jumping with running performance may provide insights for player development, training program design, talent identification, and injury reduction.