Fantasy Football Today (FFT): Sophomore RBs! Will This Class Bounce Back? Could Ashton Jeanty be a Bust?

Episode Date: February 25, 2026
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the much-hyped but largely disappointing 2025 rookie running back (RB) class as they enter their sophomore year. The FFT crew dives deep into whether these RBs can bounce back, who might break out, and who could be in danger of being busts. The analysts discuss offseason developments, scheme changes, and positional battles, while providing actionable draft advice and highlighting sleeper picks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Sophomore RB Class: Setting the Stage

• Adam opens by setting expectations: “We had very high expectations for this class as rookies... they really disappointed us.” [01:53]
• Trivia section recaps rookie year stats, underscoring the underwhelming performances and lack of NFL standouts among the rookies.

Quick Trivia Recap: 2025 Rookie RBs (02:33–05:18)

• Top Fantasy Scorer: Cam Scadaboo led rookie RBs in fantasy points per game. [02:47]
  • Finished as RB10 on a per game basis.
• Worst Yards Before Contact: Quinchon Judkins (last), Ashton Jeanty (second to last) among all 100+ carry RBs. [03:47]
• Most Explosive: Travion Henderson led rookies with four runs of 50+ yards. [04:22]
• Thousand-Yard Rushers: None among the rookie class.
• Touchdown Leader: “Nine times,” referring to rushing touchdowns—Jackson Dart with nine. [04:44]
• The hosts stress how statistically weak this group was and set up the episode’s core question: “Can they fulfill their draft promise as sophomores?”

News and Notes (06:01–13:35)

Notable NFL Offseason Developments:

• Jets retaining Breece Hall; Quinchon Judkins on track for camp after a significant injury (fractured fibula and dislocated ankle). [06:04]
• Buffalo wants Keon Coleman to step into a larger role. [06:37]
• Houston to release Joe Mixon, shaking up their RB depth chart. [06:54]
• Atlanta to franchise tag Kyle Pitts but unclear at QB; may release Kirk Cousins. [06:54]
• Coaching changes: Panthers and Broncos’ head coaches to cede playcalling, potentially affecting skill position usage. [08:05]
• Chiefs’ GM wants to get “more explosive” in the run game. [11:04]

Takeaways:

• Jamie: Minor worry about how playcalling changes affect Denver (potential target consolidation). [09:04]
• The biggest intrigue is how Atlanta's and Cleveland's new schemes could raise the fantasy stock of Kyle Pitts and, indirectly, the RBs playing in those systems. [12:00–13:35]

In-Depth Sophomore RB Breakdown

Ranking the Top Sophomore RBs (13:58–15:28)

• Jamie: “Hampton, Genti, Scadaboo.” [14:10]
• Heath: “Genti, Scaboo, Hampton.” [14:33]
• Dave: Genti #1 due to expected heavy workload, even behind a weak O-line. [16:14]

Hampton vs. Jeanty: Who’s RB1?

• Jamie on Hampton: “Mike McDaniel, offensive line getting healthy…He’s got the most upside in the best situation.” [15:28]
• Adam adds: “He also had 32 catches in nine games. He was on pace for 60 catches.” [15:56]
• Dave on Jeanty: “He’s still going to see a ton of opportunities. He’ll still make a bunch of plays after first contact.” [16:14]
  • Dave values volume and Jeanty's high usage floor.

Offensive Line and Scheme Outlook

• Heath: “All of it is obviously projecting…I am hopeful that the Raiders’ improvement on the O-line is at least equal to the Chargers’.” [17:19]
• Jamie: “All those things are pluses for Genti. I just feel like Hampton has a slightly better ecosystem around him right now.” [18:44]

Notable Quote:
Jamie: “It can't get worse [for the Raiders O-line]. So it’s going to be better...Colton Miller being healthy and a different coach, different system—all those things are pluses for Genti.” [19:18]

Cam Scadaboo: Injury Worries and Draft Strategy (20:24–24:57)

• Coming off multiple severe injuries; Dave’s approach is to “handcuff” Scadaboo with Tyrone Tracy. [21:37]
• Heath: “Is he the same guy? He had that tightrope procedure that Tony Pollard had…we have seen guys able to come back and play but not be the same” [23:03]
• Jamie: Compares both Scadaboo and Judkins as backs with upside but carry injury risk. [23:31]
  • “Can they return at the same level, at least initially in 2026? There’s got to be a little bit of caution there.” [24:43]

Who’s an Overdraft Risk? (24:57–27:51)

• Jamie: “Scadaboo.” (worried he’ll go too high due to name value) [25:07]
• Heath & Dave: “Woody Marks.” (If he’s still the starter, round 8 is fair; if the role improves, he’ll rise) [25:12]
• Travion Henderson mentioned as a potential overdrafted player if hype builds. [25:24]
• Adam: “He went in the 4th round in the last draft, ahead of Rhamondre Stevenson.” [25:30]

Are Any of These Backs True Bust Risks? (27:54–35:26)

• Dave: “I’m worried about a couple of them...Caleb Johnson’s easy one. What if Travion doesn’t turn the corner?” [28:14]
• Jamie on RJ Harvey: “Struggles to run between the tackles. If they don’t get it, they’ll never be the featured guy. Wonder who’s paired with him.” [29:26]
• Heath: “Three of them were top 16 in fantasy points per game and six of them were top 26…Let’s not overstate the disappointment.” [33:19]
• Adam: “Genti was a bust.” [33:39]
• Jamie on Jeanty’s mileage: “He had a lot of work in college…the mileage maybe limits the long-term potential…can he be generational or just a 14–15 PPR PPG kind of guy?” [34:40]

Rapid-Fire: Sleepers and Deep Cuts (36:49–44:10)

Sleepers:

• Jamie: “Corey Crosky Merritt” (Commanders) [37:06]
• Heath: “Dylan Sampson” (potential due to Judkins’ injury) [37:06]
• Dave: “Tootin” (Commanders; needs opportunity) [37:06]

Other sophomore RBs

• Devin Neal (Saints): Jamie will draft “in almost every league” if situation holds; high upside if the depth chart remains weak. [43:39]
• Jordan James (49ers): Positive reports; could emerge as a valuable backup to CMC. [42:00]

Under-the-Radar Names (Day 3 picks/UDFAs with chance):

• Caleb Johnson (Steelers) – long shot but new staff could use him. [40:39]
• Trevor Etienne (Panthers): In play if backfield thins out. [41:17]
• Rashard Smith (Chiefs), LaQuint Allen (Jags): Passing down upside; flex options if circumstances break their way. [44:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Adam sets the “disappointment” theme:
  “Isn’t that sad that Ashton Jeanty played full season [but didn’t reach 1,000 yards]?” [04:33]

• Jamie succinctly on injuries:
  “Can [Scadaboo and Judkins] come back to the level they were at pre-injury?...There’s got to be caution there.” [23:31]

• Dave, on backup plans:
  “That combo, handcuffing [Scadaboo and Tracy] together…that’s kind of a necessary thing.” [21:37]

• Heath, on overreacting to disappointment:
  “Three of them were top 16 in fantasy points per game…Let’s not overstate the disappointment.” [33:19]

Important Timestamps

• [01:53] – Episode theme set: “sophomore running back class” discussion begins
• [02:33]–[05:18] – Rookie RB trivia recap
• [06:01]–[13:35] – News & notes: major injuries, team outlooks, coaching changes
• [13:58]–[17:19] – Ranking sophomore RBs: Hampton, Jeanty, Scadaboo debate
• [20:24]–[24:57] – Scadaboo injury discussion and draft handcuffing
• [24:57]–[27:51] – Overdraft risks: Woody Marks, Scadaboo, Henderson
• [27:54]–[35:38] – Bust risk analysis: Harvey, Johnson, Judkins, Jeanty long-term
• [36:49]–[44:10] – Sleepers and deep picks: Sampson, Crosky Merritt, Devin Neal, more

Bottom Line: FFT’s Advice on Sophomore RBs

• Hampton and Jeanty are the clear class leaders but come with volume or scheme questions.
• Scadaboo and Judkins are intriguing—but health, scheme, and competition could cap their ceilings.
• Woody Marks, Travion Henderson: Volume is king, but if role diminishes or a significant back is added, tread carefully.
• Many “sleepers” need only a depth chart shakeup or injury to emerge—snag these late, but don’t overcommit.
• Don’t overdraft based on name value or rookie hype alone; situations change quickly, and some may never develop as hoped.

Next Episode Tease

• Adam previews the sophomore wide receiver class (Luther Burden spotlight coming).

For fantasy drafters: Carefully watch offseason moves, injury reports, and camp depth charts. Don’t give up on talented backs in better surroundings their second time around, but know that history says not all will deliver. Handcuff when uncertain, and embrace volatility for late round “lotto ticket” types.

Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings
Podcast: Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports, February 25, 2026