Ashton Jeanty won’t take long to hear his name once the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday. As the top running back from Boise State, he is expected to go early in the draft.

FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Las Vegas Raiders (+120), Jacksonville Jaguars (+150), and Chicago Bears (+300) as the frontrunners for Jeanty’s selection. All three teams hold top-10 picks.

Jeanty’s highlight reel showcases his speed, power, elusiveness, and the ability to make big plays. Throughout his three seasons with Boise State, Jeanty accumulated 4,769 rushing yards and scored 50 touchdowns on an average of 6.4 yards per carry. He capped his illustrious college career with a remarkable 2,601 total yards and 29 touchdowns, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy race.

Despite this success, Jeanty faced a lack of recruitment initially, as he only garnered interest from service academies and Ivy League schools while at Frisco Lone Star, a school with a strong football program. This situation raises questions about how Jeanty fell under the radar in the early stages of his career, especially when he transitioned to high school football after playing in Italy, where his father served.

Coach Jeff Rayburn expressed pride in Jeanty’s rise, praising his talent and work ethic. “He’s obviously a talented kid… he worked so hard to earn this opportunity,” Rayburn stated. “It’s awesome to see a kid who has worked so hard be given a chance at success in college football.”

Jeanty’s story is about dedication, persistence, and the resilience that comes with moving through various obstacles to reach his dreams.