Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has emerged as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. In a recent game against Georgia Southern, Jeanty had an incredible performance, rushing for 267 yards and six touchdowns. This included a 77-yard touchdown run on just his second carry of the game, where he showed off his burst, speed, balance, and vision all in one play. Jeanty’s six touchdown total set a Boise State single-game record and tied the Mountain West Conference mark. He even struck the Heisman pose in the end zone to celebrate.
At 5-foot-8 and 217 pounds, Jeanty is built low to the ground and is difficult to tackle. Even on short runs of 2 or 3 yards, it often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. He creates a lot of force as he cuts and shifts without losing momentum, and he isn’t afraid of contact. In addition to his impressive rushing abilities, Jeanty is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. In the same game against Georgia Southern, he caught three passes for 4 yards.
Jeanty’s performance has put him in the conversation for the top running back in the 2025 class. Other contenders include Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. However, Jeanty’s ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver gives him an edge. He has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.
There are some concerns about Jeanty’s durability, as he has already had a lower-body injury that caused him to miss two games last season. He also appeared to suffer a leg cramp after a long touchdown run in the game against Georgia Southern. It will be important to monitor his health and workload as the season progresses.
Scouts have taken notice of Jeanty’s talent and potential. Dane Brugler, a prominent NFL Draft analyst, ranked Jeanty as the top running back and the 25th overall prospect on his initial top-50 board. Brugler has watched tape on nearly 1,000 draft-eligible prospects this summer and has been particularly impressed with Jeanty’s ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. He believes Jeanty has separated himself as the top running back in the 2024 season.
Overall, Jeanty’s performance and potential make him a top-50 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his durability and health will need to be closely monitored, especially if he continues to handle a heavy workload. With his combination of rushing and receiving skills, Jeanty has the ability to make a significant impact at the next level and could be a valuable asset to any NFL team.