ESPN predicting breakout season for Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty

The Las Vegas Raiders have many questions that they’re facing prior to the start of the 2026 NFL season. Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty’s progression in year two is one of them.

According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, Jeanty is due for a breakout season in 2026 thanks in large part to the formations that new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak will employ to increase the carries that he sees with additional blockers on the field, which was grossly low last season.

”Under Kubiak, expect to see more 12 (one RB, two TEs, two WRs) and 13 personnel (one RB, three TEs, one WR), more under-center formations and the inclusion of free agent acquisition FB Connor Heyward. That's all good news for a running back looking for a jolt.

"I'm excited for Jeanty's Year 2. I think the offense and the line will be better (would be tough to be worse!), and as such, I expect a much more productive season on a down-to-down basis."

The Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum — one of the best centers in the NFL — in free agency to provide improved run blocking in the offense. Las Vegas also selected guard Trey Zuhn III with the No. 91 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas has an improved offensive line, as well as more talent in the passing game, which will bode well for Jeanty as well as the Raiders’ offense as a whole, especially in play action next season.

Jeanty appears poised to find more holes in the defense in 2026, which, if found, will lead to more yards per carry. Jeanty was just 25 yards shy of rushing for 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2025. He finished the season with 975 rushing yards. The Raiders’ offense is still a work in progress, but is improved enough to pay major dividends for Jeanty next season.