Running Back · Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis by Shawn Childs, from his 2026 guide — his words, unedited.
The case
- · Elite college stats and pedigree over his final two seasons, highlighted by gaining 7.0 yards per rush in 2024 with 30 touchdowns.
- · The Raiders gave him 321 touches in his rookie year, helping his value in touchdowns (10) and catches (55).
- · New offensive coordinator and head coach, with a big investment in a rookie quarterback.
- · Las Vegas beefed up its offensive line (signed C Tyler Linderbaum for $81 million for three seasons), along with a third-round investment in T Trey Zuhn.
- · Their offense will run through Jeanty and Brock Bowers.
- · Starting LT Kolton Miller missed 13 games in 2025 with an ankle issue. RG Jackson Powers-Johnson was on the sidelines for nine matchups in his sophomore season after getting drafted in the second round in 2025.
Question marks
- · Jeanty gained only 3.7 yards per rush and 6.3 yards per catch in his rookie season with six plays gaining 20 yards or more.
- · Is Fernando Mendoza ready to be a rookie stud? Or does Kurt Cousins stiff-arm him out of the gate?
- · The Raiders lack a frontline WR1 and a go-to scoring wideout in the red zone.
- · Jeanty has an impact ratio of only 17.6% last season due to posting only three outcomes with 20.00 PPR fantasy points or more (34.50, 24.80, and 31.80).
Shawn's conclusion
Jeanty has a winning running back opportunity, but he needs the Raiders to create more scoring chances and open up bigger running lanes. By gaining a half-yard per rush more and one additional yard per catch, he would add a minimum of 200 more combined yards to his stat sheet with a natural progression in touchdowns. I expect more impact showing in 2026, and Jeanty is worth the investment of an RB4 for drafters who believe in the Raiders’ offense.
More on Jeanty
Jeanty began his college career at Boise State as a change-of-pace back, seeing limited action as a freshman with just two starts across 14 games. He still made an impact, racking up 976 combined yards, seven touchdowns, and 14 receptions. His role and production grew steadily over the next two seasons, peaking in 2024 with a dominant workload of 397 touches.
His junior season was historic. Jeanty led the nation in carries (374) and rushing yards (2,601) while scoring 29 rushing touchdowns, finishing just behind Bryson Daily's 32 scores. He averaged an eye-catching 7.0 yards per carry and topped 100 rushing yards in every game, reaching the 200 combined-yard mark seven times. The year prior, he was more of a dual threat, hauling in 43 catches for 569 yards and five scores, averaging 13.2 yards per reception.
As a runner, Jeanty is a nightmare to bring down in space. He has a rare combination of balance, leverage, and body control that allows him to shed contact at the line and keep his legs churning through traffic. His vision is arguably his best trait. He consistently identifies and exploits creases that others miss, then has the acceleration and burst to turn those openings into big gains.
His low, compact running style makes him effective near the goal line, and he's a savvy runner who sets up defenders with tempo changes before uncorking a quick lateral move to create separation. He's equally comfortable running through contact or spinning away from it, making him a threat to break a long run on any given carry.
Daylight at the second level of defenses was rarely present in Jeanty’s rookie season, highlighted by him gaining only 3.7 yards per rush and 6.3 yards per catch. Over his 321 touches, only six of his touches gained at least 20 yards, with two reaching the 40-yard mark. His volume opportunity led to him finishing 11th in PPR fantasy points (246.10) for running backs, with 41.1% of his stats coming in three contests (34.50, 24.80, and 31.80). On his off days, Jeanty scored fewer than 10.00 fantasy points in seven matchups.
His college resume, paired with last year’s opportunity, paints an exciting player if everything aligns in 2026. Next step: 1,800 combined yards with 12+ scores and a floor of 60 catches, which supports his early price point.
Get Shawn's full 2026 Draft Kit — free
Every breakdown like this one, plus his tiers, the top-200 cheat sheet, and how his 2025 season actually graded out. One email, instant download.