Saquon Barkley could be just hours away rightly being considered one of the greatest running backs of all time — joining the likes of Walter Payton, Jim Brown and other greatest ball carriers — according to a guy who knows a bit about running with the rock, Reggie Bush!

TMZ Sports spoke to the Heisman Trophy winner at the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl party in New Orleans Saturday night … where we asked Reg about Barkley’s legacy.

“I think if the goes out and becomes Super Bowl MVP, has a great game, has a few touchdowns, runs for a 100 plus yards, he will definitely be up in the conversation for one of the top to ever do it,” Bush said of the 28-year-old star.

Of course, it’s Barkley’s first year with the Eagles … after leaving the NY Giants, who drafted Saquon with the 2nd pick in 2018.

SB had a historic season, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns … making him only the 9th player to carry the football for north of 2k yards in a single season.

And, for as good as #26 was in the regular season, he’s dominated the playoffs … rushing for 442 yards and 5 TDs in 3 playoff games — and Reggie is thrilled he’s having such enormous success.

“I’m so happy, so proud of him. Not giving up, not getting stuck in a bad situation. Not allow himself mentally to be stuck. And chasing his dream. And believing in himself.”

Bush continued, explaining why it’s extra hard when you have to switch cities — making Barkley’s year all the more impressive.

“When you get traded, it’s not easy. I was traded from New Orleans to Miami and it’s a very tough thing to go through especially when the place that drafted you have a special sentiment to [the team].”