The Dallas Cowboys face an offseason full of big decisions, and one player isn’t shy about expressing his desire to be a part of their future. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, one of college football’s top prospects, has made it clear that playing in Dallas would be a dream come true.
“If I could script it, my family is all in Texas,” Jeanty said on the Kickin’ It With Dee podcast on November 12. “I used to play in the Cowboys practice stadium. So, family being there, all the connections, all the relationships, I feel like that would just be the perfect city to play in. …Hey [Jerry Jones], you know what to do.”
A Three-Down Back with Record-Breaking Stats
Jeanty has been lighting up the college football world this season, solidifying his place as the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Through 12 games, he’s already amassed an eye-popping 1,893 rushing yards and 27 total touchdowns, putting him squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Despite his dominance on the ground, Jeanty also offers versatility as a pass-catcher, with 17 receptions and a receiving touchdown to his name this season. Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling projects Jeanty as the Cowboys’ first-round pick in his latest mock draft, citing Dallas’ glaring need for a playmaker in the backfield.
“Jerry Jones made the mistake of ignoring the running back position this past offseason, and his team is paying the price with an unbalanced offense that puts way too much pressure on a lackluster passing game,” Easterling wrote. “This is early for a running back, but Jeanty is the kind of prospect who is worthy of this spot.”
Dallas’ Struggles at Running Back This Season
The Cowboys’ running game has been one of their weakest links in 2024. Averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game—second-worst in the NFL—Dallas has leaned on a rotation of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dalvin Cook. Unfortunately, none of these players have provided the consistent production the team desperately needs.
Elliott’s return to Dallas has been particularly underwhelming. The former All-Pro is averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry, prompting speculation that the Cowboys will prioritize upgrading the position in the offseason.
Jeanty: The Cowboys’ Next First-Round RB?
If Dallas wants to land Jeanty, they’ll likely need to use a high draft pick. Easterling has the Cowboys selecting him at No. 11 overall, making him the only running back projected to go in the first round of the 2025 draft. It would be the earliest Dallas has drafted a running back since taking Elliott fourth overall in 2016.
Jeanty’s unique combination of speed, power, and vision makes him a perfect fit for the Cowboys, who are searching for a dynamic three-down back to revitalize their offense. His connection to Texas and eagerness to don the star only add to his appeal.
Final Thoughts
For a team desperate to regain its identity, Jeanty might be the spark the Cowboys need. Whether Jerry Jones heeds the star prospect’s call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ashton Jeanty has put himself firmly on Dallas’ radar, and fans are already imagining what his electrifying style could bring to AT&T Stadium.
