Things might finally be trending in the right direction for Ashton Jeanty-and the timing couldn’t be better for both the young running back and the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to become the next head coach in Vegas. If that deal gets done as anticipated, Jeanty could be one of the biggest winners.
A Fresh Start for Jeanty
Let’s be clear: Jeanty’s rookie season wasn’t a total bust. He logged 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries over 17 games-a solid workload for a first-year back.
But when you’re the No. 6 overall pick and coming off one of the most dominant college seasons in recent memory, expectations are sky-high. And in that context, his debut year fell short.
Jeanty’s final season at Boise State was the stuff of legend. He racked up 2,601 rushing yards in just 14 games-second-most in FBS history, trailing only Barry Sanders’ iconic 1988 campaign.
That kind of production doesn’t just earn you awards (he won the Doak Walker) or a Heisman finalist nod-it builds the foundation for a franchise back. Vegas thought they were getting that guy.
So far, they haven’t.
Why Kubiak’s Arrival Could Change Everything
The Raiders’ offensive struggles in 2025 weren’t just about Jeanty. The run game never got out of first gear, and a big reason was the offensive line.
Vegas ranked dead last in yards before contact per attempt-just 1.6, per Pro Football Reference. That means Jeanty was getting hit almost immediately after taking the handoff, giving him little chance to use the vision and burst that made him so dangerous in college.
Coaching decisions didn’t help. Former head coach Pete Carroll brought his son, Brennan Carroll, on board as the offensive line coach-a hire that raised eyebrows from the start.
The results spoke for themselves. The line lacked cohesion and technique, and it showed every Sunday.
Enter Klint Kubiak.
Unlike Brennan Carroll, Kubiak brings a well-earned reputation as a run-game architect. He’s the son of longtime NFL coach Gary Kubiak, and he’s carried on the family tradition with a zone-blocking scheme that emphasizes outside runs, misdirection, and timing. It’s a system that puts backs in space and lets them make plays-exactly what Jeanty needs.
We’ve already seen what Kubiak’s system can do. In Seattle this past season, the Seahawks ranked 10th in rushing offense, averaging 123.5 yards per game.
Kenneth Walker III thrived under Kubiak, posting 1,027 rushing yards-his second-best total in four seasons. The scheme works, and it travels well.
What This Means for Vegas in 2026
The Raiders are likely heading into a new era on multiple fronts. With the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they’re expected to take a quarterback-Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the name most often linked to them.
If that happens, the run game becomes even more important. A strong ground attack can take pressure off a rookie QB, control the tempo, and open up the playbook.
That’s where Jeanty comes in.
He’s still just 22 years old, and the talent that made him a top-10 pick hasn’t gone anywhere. With a revamped offensive philosophy under Kubiak and (presumably) a more competent offensive line, Jeanty could finally get the space and rhythm he needs to shine.
This isn’t just about stats-it’s about building an identity. Vegas needs a tone-setter on offense, and Jeanty has the tools to be that guy.
A Preview in the Super Bowl?
Raiders fans won’t have to wait long to get a glimpse of what Kubiak might bring to Sin City. The Seahawks are headed to Super Bowl LX, where they’ll face the New England Patriots.
That game could serve as a sneak peek at the kind of scheme and play-calling philosophy Kubiak would bring to Vegas. Watch how Seattle uses motion, how they stretch defenses horizontally, and how they create lanes for their backs.
That’s the blueprint.
If Kubiak officially lands in Vegas, and if the Raiders can give Jeanty a cleaner runway, don’t be surprised if the second-year back takes off in 2026. The ingredients are there. Now it’s about putting them together.