5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From Ashton Jeanty's 2025 NFL Preseason Highlights That Prove He's The Raiders' Next Star

The hype surrounding Ashton Jeanty reached a fever pitch this past summer, and his 2025 NFL Preseason highlights provided the first true glimpse of why the Las Vegas Raiders invested the sixth overall pick in the dynamic running back. As of December 2025, the rookie has transitioned from a record-breaking college career to the professional ranks, showcasing his unique blend of power, agility, and receiving skills that made him the most coveted back in the draft. His early performances, though brief, were scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, offering crucial insights into his potential role in the Raiders' offense.

The transition from Boise State's Mountain West dominance to the speed of the NFL is never easy, but Jeanty’s preseason tape provided moments of undeniable brilliance. From his explosive Week 2 touchdown run to his performance against the San Francisco 49ers, the rookie demonstrated the vision and contact balance that defined his historic final college season. This deep dive analyzes the key plays and statistics from his first professional preseason, confirming the Raiders' belief that they have found their franchise back.

Ashton Jeanty's Biography and Historic College Career

Ashton Jeanty’s journey to becoming a top-10 NFL Draft pick is rooted in a historic college career that saw him redefine the running back position at Boise State.

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• Full Name: Ashton Jeanty
• Position: Running Back (RB)
• Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders
• Draft Status: 2025 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 6th Overall Pick (First RB selected)
• College: Boise State Broncos (2022–2024)
• Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
• Weight: 218 lbs (99 kg)
• Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
• Key College Accolades: Maxwell Award Winner (2024), 2x Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year (2023, 2024), Consensus All-American.

Jeanty's 2024 season at Boise State was nothing short of legendary, culminating in him being a Heisman Trophy contender. He became a national sensation by rushing for a jaw-dropping 2,497 yards and scoring 29 rushing touchdowns. This production, combined with his elite receiving ability (a key factor in his draft stock), cemented his status as a generational talent.

His impressive 2023 season also saw him tally 1,347 rushing yards and an additional 569 receiving yards on 43 receptions, leading the nation in yards from scrimmage per game. The Raiders, recognizing the need for a game-changing offensive weapon, made him the highest-drafted running back in the 2025 class.

The 2025 Preseason Highlights: Week-by-Week Breakdown

The Las Vegas Raiders' decision to select Jeanty at No. 6 overall was a massive commitment, backed up by a fully guaranteed four-year, $35.9 million contract. His preseason performance was the first test of that investment, providing a mixed but ultimately promising review of his readiness for the NFL's regular season grind.

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Highlight 1: Week 1 Struggles Against Seattle (The Reality Check)

Jeanty's professional debut in Preseason Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks was a quiet affair, serving as a necessary reality check for the rookie. Despite the hype, the running lanes were tight, and the speed of the Seahawks' defense was immediately apparent.

• Total Stats: 3 carries for -1 yard.
• Key Takeaway: While the stat line was underwhelming, it highlighted the difference between college and NFL defensive lines. Jeanty was immediately met with contact, forcing him to rely on his contact balance rather than open-field speed.

The Raiders' coaching staff was reportedly focused on seeing how Jeanty handled adversity, and his determination to fight for extra yards on every touch was noted, even when the play resulted in a loss. This mental toughness is a critical trait for a franchise back.

Highlight 2: The Explosive Week 2 Touchdown Run

The true breakout moment of the preseason came in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, where Jeanty showcased the explosive ability that made him a draft darling. This game was the highlight reel material fans were waiting for.

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• Total Stats: 7 carries for 33 yards, 1 touchdown.
• The Play: Jeanty took a handoff up the middle, quickly identified a cutback lane, and burst through the second level. He shrugged off a safety's tackle attempt near the goal line, powering his way into the end zone for his first professional touchdown.
• Impact: This play immediately validated his high draft status. It demonstrated elite vision, a powerful lower body, and the ability to turn a routine run into a scoring opportunity—the hallmark of a top-tier running back.

Highlight 3: Versatility as a Receiver

One of the most valuable aspects Jeanty brought to the Raiders was his versatility as a pass-catcher, a key element of the modern NFL offense. While his receiving workload was limited, he showed efficiency when targeted.

• Total Preseason Receiving: 2 targets, 1 reception, 10 yards (Total Preseason).
• The Catch: His lone reception in the preseason came on a short check-down pass, where he instantly turned upfield and gained 10 yards. This demonstrated his quick transition from receiver to runner, a skill the Raiders plan to utilize heavily in the regular season.

His ability to line up in the slot or out wide, as he often did at Boise State, adds a layer of unpredictability to the Raiders' play-calling, a major advantage for the offense led by quarterback Geno Smith.

Analyzing Jeanty's Transition and NFL Outlook

Ashton Jeanty enters the regular season as the presumed starting running back, a rare feat for a rookie, especially one drafted so high. The Raiders' depth chart currently lists him ahead of veterans like Zamir White, Raheem Mostert, and fellow rookie Dylan Laube.

The Raiders' commitment to Jeanty is clear, not just by the No. 6 pick, but by the fully guaranteed nature of his contract. This level of financial security is typically reserved for elite quarterbacks and offensive linemen, underscoring the team's belief that he is a foundational piece of their future.

While his overall preseason numbers—12 carries for 42 yards and one touchdown—may seem modest, the film shows a player adjusting to the physicality and speed of the league. The negative yardage in Week 1 was quickly erased by the highlight-reel touchdown in Week 2, offering a positive trajectory for his development.

Jeanty's success will be tied to his ability to maintain his elite college traits: vision, contact balance, and receiving prowess. His preseason performance confirmed that the talent is there; the challenge now is translating that talent into consistent production over a full 17-game NFL season.