Unmasking a Silent Force: Why ESPN Crowns Chuba Hubbard the NFL’s Most Underrated Running Back

In the fast-paced world of the NFL—where flashy plays and jaw-dropping stats tend to steal the spotlight—some players quietly show up, do the work, and deliver week after week without the recognition they truly deserve. These are the unsung heroes—the dependable, gritty difference-makers who may not trend on social media but are absolutely vital to their teams. For the Carolina Panthers, one name stands out in that category: running back Chuba Hubbard.

Recently, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz—a well-known and trusted voice in NFL analytics—named Hubbard the most underrated running back in the league. And this wasn’t just a throwaway comment. It was a powerful acknowledgment of what Panthers fans and close observers have known for a while: Hubbard is the real deal.

After a standout 2024 season, Hubbard’s steady production, efficiency, and all-out effort are finally starting to get the national attention they’ve long deserved. He’s not just a role player—he’s a core piece of the Panthers’ identity, and it’s about time the rest of the league took notice.

The Genesis of an Underrated Gem: Chuba Hubbard’s Journey

Chuba Hubbard’s road to NFL recognition has been anything but typical. Drafted in the fourth round (126th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 out of Oklahoma State, he entered the league as a presumed backup to then-superstar Christian McCaffrey. His job was simple: provide dependable depth and give McCaffrey a breather when needed.

But as every NFL fan knows, the league rarely sticks to the script. McCaffrey’s injury issues—and his eventual trade to the San Francisco 49ers—opened the door for Hubbard much earlier than anyone expected. And when that moment came, Hubbard didn’t flinch. With quiet confidence and steady determination, he stepped up and got to work. His rookie season gave him valuable reps, and over time, he began to showcase the traits that define a top-tier back—burst, vision, and an underrated toughness between the tackles.

Fast forward to 2024, and Hubbard didn’t just take a step forward—he broke out. On a Panthers team that faced its fair share of struggles, Hubbard was a consistent, reliable force. He racked up 1,195 rushing yards on 250 carries, averaging a strong 4.8 yards per attempt. He punched in 10 rushing touchdowns, added another score through the air, and hauled in 43 catches for 171 receiving yards.

Those aren’t role-player numbers—they’re the numbers of a true workhorse. In a league that often overlooks quiet consistency in favor of flashy headlines, Hubbard’s 2024 season proved he’s not just filling a role—he’s leading the charge.

Why the “Underrated” Tag? Unpacking the Overlooked Value

So, why does a player with such strong production often fly under the radar? ESPN’s Aaron Schatz hit on several key points that explain Hubbard’s “underrated” status:

1. Fantasy Football Bias: As Schatz noted, “The public tends to think about running backs based on their fantasy football value.” While Hubbard finished as RB13 in fantasy points in 2024, he was rarely a top-tier fantasy option in previous seasons. This perception often overshadows real-world efficiency and impact, especially on a losing team where game script rarely favored running out the clock with a lead.
2. Team Context: Playing for a team that struggled to win consistently in recent years (5-12 in 2024, 2-15 in 2023) naturally limits national exposure. When a team isn’t making prime-time appearances or deep playoff runs, its individual stars, particularly those in less “flashy” positions like running back, tend to be overlooked. Hubbard’s exceptional production often occurred in games where the Panthers were playing from behind or simply couldn’t secure victories.
3. Quiet Demeanor, Loud Performance: Hubbard isn’t a flamboyant personality. He doesn’t seek the spotlight or engage in self-promotion. His play speaks for itself, but in an age of social media dominance and viral moments, a quiet professional can sometimes get lost in the noise. His focus is on the next down, the next block, the next yard – not the next headline.
4. Behind the Metrics Brilliance: While his raw rushing yards (8th in the league) and touchdowns (11th) are impressive, advanced metrics truly highlight his underrated status. NFL Next Gen Stats recognized him as fourth among qualifying running backs in rushing yards over expectation per carry (1.1) in 2024. This metric assesses how many yards a runner gains above what was expected given the blocking and defensive alignment. Hubbard consistently turned average plays into good ones and good plays into great ones, demonstrating elite vision and elusive ability. His 4.8 yards per carry, tied for 9th among qualifying backs, further underscores his efficiency.
5. Overshadowed by Higher Draft Picks/Names: Before his emergence, the Panthers’ running back room was dominated by the discussion around McCaffrey or later, the high hopes for Miles Sanders (who struggled in Carolina) and the more recent second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (who is sidelined with an ACL tear for 2025). Hubbard had to earn his way to the top of the depth chart, constantly proving himself against perceived higher-upside talents.

The Human Touch: The Grit of an Underrated Athlete

The story of an underrated player is, at its core, a human one. It’s about grit, belief in yourself when no one else is watching, and the quiet pride that comes from proving the doubters wrong. For Chuba Hubbard, every hard-earned yard, every broken tackle, and every extra push after contact tells that story.

Think about what it takes to perform at a high level on a team that’s struggling—where wins are few and far between, and personal success often goes unnoticed. That’s a mental grind most can’t understand. There’s a unique kind of pressure in that situation: knowing you have to show up, give your all, and deliver—regardless of the scoreboard. And yet, week after week, Hubbard did just that. His consistency speaks not just to his talent, but to his character and commitment.

Hubbard’s journey is a powerful reminder that the NFL isn’t only about the highlight-reel plays—it’s also about the foundation built behind the scenes. The early mornings in the gym. The hours in the film room. The quiet work when no one is watching. That’s where Chuba thrives.

He’s the definition of a blue-collar player—humble, driven, and relentless. While others chased the spotlight, Hubbard stayed focused on the work. Now, with the league starting to take notice, his rise feels less like a surprise and more like the natural result of everything he’s poured into the game.

Hubbard’s Fit in Dave Canales’ Offense: A Workhorse Role for 2025

With new head coach Dave Canales taking over in 2025, the Panthers’ offense is starting to take shape. Canales believes in building a strong run game to support the pass, which plays right into Chuba Hubbard’s strengths. He’s already proven he can handle a big workload, and his ability to pick up tough yards is just what Canales needs to keep things balanced around young quarterback Bryce Young.

The Panthers added some depth at running back this offseason, signing free agent Rico Dowdle—who rushed for 1,000 yards with the Cowboys in 2024—and drafting Trevor Etienne, a versatile back known for his receiving skills. Still, Hubbard is expected to remain the clear No. 1 option. With Jonathon Brooks sidelined again due to another ACL injury, Hubbard’s lead role is even more secure. Canales plans to use Hubbard and Dowdle as a strong 1-2 combo, but Hubbard will continue to carry most of the load.

This setup gives Hubbard a real shot to post career-best numbers for a third straight year. As the offensive line continues to come together and Bryce Young keeps growing at quarterback, the entire offense should take a step forward. That means more scoring chances and more red-zone touches—giving Hubbard plenty of chances to rack up touchdowns and show he’s one of the league’s best backs.

Looking Ahead: Hubbard’s Impact Beyond the Stats

Beyond the tangible statistics, Chuba Hubbard’s “underrated” status speaks to his broader impact on the Carolina Panthers:

Reliability: In a league where running backs face constant attrition, Hubbard has proven to be remarkably durable and consistent. He’s rarely missed games (playing 17 in 2023, 15 in 2024) and consistently provides a high floor of production. This reliability is invaluable for a developing offense.
Leadership by Example: While not vocal, Hubbard’s relentless effort and professionalism set a high standard for his teammates. He leads by example, demonstrating how to prepare, compete, and perform, even when the team isn’t winning.
A Building Block: As the Panthers continue their rebuild under GM Dan Morgan and Coach Canales, Hubbard is a crucial foundational piece. He’s young (25 years old) and productive, and his recent four-year, $33.2 million contract extension (with $15 million guaranteed) signals the organization’s long-term commitment to him.
Changing the Narrative: Hubbard’s consistent performance is slowly, but surely, shifting the narrative around the Panthers’ offense. He’s providing hope and a clear identity for a unit that desperately needs it. His continued excellence will be a key factor in any potential Panthers resurgence.

Conclusion: The Undeniable Rise of Chuba Hubbard

ESPN naming Chuba Hubbard the NFL’s most underrated running back isn’t just a nice headline—it’s long-overdue recognition for a player who’s quietly become one of the league’s most reliable performers. From a fourth-round draft pick to a true workhorse for the Carolina Panthers, Hubbard’s journey is all about grit, talent, and relentless drive.

For the Panthers, he’s more than just a solid back—he’s a cornerstone of their offense. As new head coach Dave Canales works to build a balanced, efficient attack around quarterback Bryce Young, Hubbard’s tough running style, ability to break tackles, and contributions in the passing game will be key to the team’s success.

Heading into the 2025 season, the spotlight is finally catching up to Chuba Hubbard. He’s no longer flying under the radar. With his track record of production and a team fully behind him, Hubbard is ready to shake the “underrated” label and step into the spotlight as one of the NFL’s best backs. Keep an eye on him—he won’t be Carolina’s best-kept secret for much longer.