Pittsburgh Steelers Eyeing College Football Superstar Ashton Jeanty & the Pittsburgh Steelers Could He Be the Next Great Back in Black and Gold?

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of hard-nosed, dominant running backs who embody the grit and grind of the Steel City. From Franco Harris’ immaculate runs to Jerome Bettis bulldozing defenses and Le’Veon Bell’s patient artistry, Pittsburgh has always appreciated a back who can carry the load. Now, they may have their eyes on the next great addition to that lineage—Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Steelers have set up a formal meeting with Jeanty at the NFL Combine, signaling potential interest in one of college football’s most electrifying talents. The AFC North rivals Baltimore Ravens, along with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants, are also among those vying for a closer look at the record-breaking Bronco.

While Jeanty won’t be participating in drills at the Combine, opting instead to showcase his skills at Boise State’s Pro Day, he is still engaging in key team meetings and medical evaluations. That hasn’t slowed down the hype surrounding him, as his 2024 campaign was nothing short of legendary.

A Season for the Ages

In 2024, Jeanty put the nation on notice, running roughshod over defenses week after week. His numbers were staggering: 374 carries for 2,601 yards (7.0 yards per carry) and 29 rushing touchdowns, coupled with 23 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown. His sheer dominance led the FBS in rushing yards (185.8 per game), all-purpose yards (2,750), and placed him second in rushing touchdowns. Those stats earned him unanimous First-Team All-American honors, a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards, solidifying him as the best running back in college football.

His performances weren’t just statistical feats; they translated into victories. Boise State finished 12-2, swept the Mountain West at 7-0, claimed a conference championship, and even made an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Jeanty wasn’t just great—he was transformative.

Ashton Jeanty & the Pittsburgh Steelers How He Fits in

The Steelers find themselves at a crossroads in the backfield. With Najee Harris potentially entering free agency and Jaylen Warren as a restricted free agent, Pittsburgh has some big decisions ahead. The team declined Harris’ fifth-year option ($6.79 million), making him an uncertain piece moving forward. Applying the franchise tag would cost nearly $13.5 million, a steep price for a franchise that values cost-effective roster building.

Could Jeanty be the answer? If available at No. 21 overall, he could be the next great Steelers running back, a blend of power and elusiveness reminiscent of Le’Veon Bell’s versatility and Rashard Mendenhall’s explosiveness. With his ability to rack up yards both on the ground and in the passing game, Jeanty could provide a dynamic element to the Steelers’ offense, something they’ve lacked in recent seasons.

A New Era in the Backfield?

Steelers fans still remember the bruising runs of The Bus, the elegance of Bell’s hesitation moves, and the power of Franco Harris’ game-changing gallops. If Pittsburgh selects Ashton Jeanty, they might just have the next name to add to that storied list. With his blend of vision, power, and big-play ability, he could be the spark the Steelers’ offense desperately needs.

For now, the formal meeting is just a conversation. But if history tells us anything, when the Steelers find a back they believe in, they don’t hesitate to build around them. Could Jeanty be the next chapter in Pittsburgh’s hard-hitting, ground-and-pound tradition? Time will tell—but if he ends up donning the black and gold, defenses across the league should take notice.