Ashton Jeanty: Boise State Star’s NFL Hopes Just Took a Recent Turn
For much of the past year, Ashton Jeanty was considered one of college football’s most promising breakout stars. A dynamic and explosive running back for the Boise State Broncos, Jeanty had scouts buzzing, fans dreaming, and draft analysts slotting his name into early-round conversations for the 2025 NFL Draft. But as of late, that narrative has started to shift—and not necessarily in the way Jeanty or his supporters were hoping.
Jeanty’s NFL aspirations may not be over, but the trajectory of his professional hopes just took a surprising and sobering turn.
The Rise of a Star
Before this unexpected pivot, Ashton Jeanty was riding a wave of momentum few could match. As a sophomore, he racked up over 1,300 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, adding more than 500 yards receiving—establishing himself not only as one of the most complete backs in the Mountain West Conference but in all of college football. His combination of power, balance, and top-end speed made him a nightmare for defenses and a highlight reel waiting to happen.
He drew comparisons to NFL talents like Austin Ekeler and Aaron Jones for his dual-threat capability and ability to stay productive regardless of offensive schemes. Scouts loved his vision and contact balance. Jeanty’s draft stock was rising fast, and many believed he could declare for the NFL as early as 2025 and become a Day 2 pick.
But now? His path just got a lot more complicated.
The Recent Twist: Injury and Uncertainty
According to recent reports out of Boise, Jeanty has been nursing a lower-body injury sustained during spring practice. While the injury was initially believed to be minor, it has since been labeled as “lingering” by multiple sources close to the program. Though the full extent hasn’t been made public, there’s enough concern around the situation that NFL scouts have reportedly backed off from early-season evaluations, awaiting further updates on his health.
Any injury, of course, is a major red flag for running backs—arguably the most volatile and physically demanding position in football. For Jeanty, who relies on acceleration, quick cuts, and lower-body strength, any hint of durability issues could seriously alter how teams project him at the next level.
What’s perhaps more troubling is that the Boise State coaching staff has been noticeably quiet about Jeanty’s timetable to return. Sources say the program is “being cautious,” but caution during a critical evaluation year often spells trouble. With NFL teams already wary about investing heavily in running backs, any questions about health or durability could drop Jeanty from a potential Day 2 pick to a late-round flier—or worse, undrafted.
The Bigger Picture: A Position Under Siege
Jeanty’s situation also highlights the ongoing devaluation of the running back position at large. In recent drafts, we’ve seen fewer running backs taken in the first two rounds, with teams opting for committee approaches and less financial investment in the position. Even dominant college backs with clean injury histories—like Bijan Robinson or Jonathan Taylor—have faced skepticism regarding long-term value.
Now factor in Jeanty’s current injury situation and the lack of Power 5 competition on his resume, and you begin to see how quickly things can unravel for even the most talented backs from Group of Five programs.
It’s a brutal reality for running backs in today’s NFL. Flashing potential isn’t enough—you need to be available, durable, and consistently dominant to earn draft capital. Jeanty has the skillset, no doubt. But this recent setback, if it lingers, could be a critical blow to his pro dreams.
Transfer Rumors Add Fuel to the Fire
Another twist in Jeanty’s recent journey is the swirling speculation about a possible transfer. Multiple programs from Power 5 conferences reportedly reached out to gauge his interest in jumping ship, especially given his elite production. Though he has stayed loyal to Boise State thus far, insiders say Jeanty and his camp are considering whether a move might provide a better platform—both medically and competitively—for a final push toward the NFL.
If Jeanty were to enter the transfer portal and land with a high-profile program like USC, Texas, or even Michigan, it could reset his draft narrative. The national spotlight, better facilities, and more rigorous competition could prove he’s more than just a Mountain West standout.
However, a mid-college career transfer also comes with risks—namely, losing rhythm in a new system, competing for touches, or worse, re-aggravating an injury before proving anything new.
It’s a high-stakes decision either way.
Support Still Exists, But So Do Doubts
Despite the swirling concerns, not everyone is giving up on Jeanty. Former NFL scouts and analysts still speak glowingly about his football IQ, his elite lateral quickness, and his unteachable toughness. One former AFC scout recently said, “If he’s healthy, Ashton Jeanty can start in the NFL right now. I truly believe that. But that’s a big ‘if’ until we see him back on the field.”
That quote encapsulates the turning point in Jeanty’s journey. The discussion is no longer if he’s good enough. It’s whether he’ll get the chance to prove it.
NFL general managers are risk-averse by nature, and even more so when it comes to running backs. If Jeanty’s injury situation drags into the 2025 season or he sees a significant drop in production, it could devastate his draft outlook. Conversely, if he recovers fully and returns to form, he could climb back into the early-round conversation and revive his status as a future star.
What Comes Next?
Jeanty’s immediate focus has to be health. Whether he stays at Boise State or seeks a new home, getting back to 100% must be the top priority. Every game missed is a missed opportunity for evaluation. Every rep counts when trying to prove yourself to NFL front offices.
Boise State, meanwhile, faces a dilemma of its own. Without Jeanty in the backfield, the team loses its biggest offensive weapon and its best shot at a Mountain West title. His absence could dramatically alter their season trajectory and raise further questions about the program’s ability to retain top-tier talent.
In many ways, Jeanty’s story reflects a larger truth about football: the road to the NFL is as much about timing and fortune as it is about talent. A year ago, he looked like a surefire Sunday player. Today, he faces a storm of uncertainty.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Ashton Jeanty, it’s that he’s a fighter. Whether it’s juking defenders, bulldozing linebackers, or overcoming obstacles off the field, he’s never been one to shy away from a challenge.
This recent turn may have put his NFL hopes on shaky ground, but it hasn’t buried them. Not yet.
The next few months will be critical—for his body, his future, and his dream of hearing his name called on draft night. All eyes are now on what Ashton Jeanty does next.
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