From the Blue to the Big Leagues: Boise State’s NFL Running Back Legacy and the Rise of Ashton Jeanty

Boise State might be famous for trick plays and turf that makes your TV blush, but behind the theatrics is a harder truth that college football fans, and NFL scouts, have quietly learned to respect:

Boise State produces NFL-caliber running backs. Tough, versatile, smart, and battle-tested.

And now, with the 2025 NFL Draft around the corner, one name is drawing attention as the possible next link in that legacy: Ashton Jeanty.

A Legacy Built in the Trenches

Over the years, Boise State has sent several backs to the NFL, and many have made the most of their opportunity.

Jay Ajayi, a fifth-round pick in 2015, became one of the league’s most electric rushers during his Pro Bowl season with the Dolphins. He later helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII, playing a key role in their playoff run.

Before Ajayi, Doug Martin was a first-round selection in 2012 and delivered two 1,400-yard seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning Pro Bowl honors twice and becoming one of the most productive backs in the league at his peak.

Alexander Mattison, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, has carved out a role as both a starter and backup, known for his physical running style and ability to contribute in both the run and pass game.

Even Jeremy McNichols, despite bouncing between several teams, managed to stick around and contribute as a situational back and special teams asset.

This consistent pipeline isn’t an accident. Boise State backs are often well-developed, scheme versatile, and resilient, traits that translate at the next level, regardless of draft position.

The Jeanty Jump

And now, attention is turning to Ashton Jeanty, who some analysts consider one of the more intriguing running back prospects entering the 2025 draft cycle.

In 2024, Jeanty emerged as one of the most productive backs in college football, showcasing a balanced skill set that includes power between the tackles, explosiveness in space, and strong receiving ability out of the backfield. His ability to maintain balance through contact has drawn stylistic comparisons to Ajayi, with many observers noting that he brings an added dimension in the passing game.

While it remains to be seen how NFL teams will value Jeanty, early projections suggest he could be selected in the early-rounds of the draft, depending on team needs and how his measurables test. If he continues to develop and lands in a scheme that plays to his strengths, there's reason to believe he could eventually contribute at the pro level.

Watch: Ashton Jeanty’s 2024 highlight reel showcases the balance, burst, and versatility that could translate to NFL success.

A Tradition of Overachievers

Boise State has never relied on blue-chip recruiting rankings to develop talent, especially in the backfield. Players like Ajayi and Martin weren’t household names coming out of high school, but once in Boise, they honed the kind of fundamentals that NFL coaches trust.

Jeanty fits that mold. While every prospect's transition to the NFL is uncertain, his college performance and traits give him a chance to follow in the footsteps of the Broncos who came before him.

He’s not just a player, he’s part of a tradition.

What’s Next?

As the draft draws closer, we’ll continue following Jeanty’s journey and tracking how Boise State’s reputation for developing NFL running backs continues to evolve. The program’s past success, and Jeanty’s potential, serve as reminders that the Blue isn't just turf.

It's a launchpad.

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