Sam Manna is a compact, physical freshman back with homegrown upside for Butler
In the 2026 season, Sam Manna has flashed early efficiency for Butler, carrying 5 times for 21 yards in the opener, and his build at 5-foot-9, 205 pounds suggests a low-center-of-gravity runner who can bring some pop between the tackles[1][2]. Butler’s roster notes and recruiting bio point to a productive Zionsville product who ran for over 1,700 high school yards and earned team offensive MVP honors, so the appeal is a tough, local freshman who may grow into a reliable rotation back if his short-area burst and contact balance translate consistently at the college level[5][7].
