Chuba Hubbard: Oklahoma State Product Anchoring Carolina’s Backfield
When the Carolina Panthers signed Chuba Hubbard to a four-year contract extension in late 2024, they weren’t just paying for past production — they were investing in long-term reliability. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 season, Hubbard is doing exactly what the team hoped for: providing steady, efficient play while anchoring the offensive backfield.
The former Oklahoma State standout has always been known for his burst, vision, and ability to break tackles. But this season, it’s his consistency and maturity that are turning heads. Hubbard has been the one constant on a Panthers team still finding its identity. This doesn't just go for the offensive side of the ball but perhaps the most reliable player on the entire roster. Whether it’s grinding out five- or six-yard gains on early downs or stepping up in pass protection, he’s doing all the little things that help win football games.
In Weeks 1 and 2, Hubbard has been the model of dependability. While his stat lines haven’t exactly popped off the page, he’s racked up tough yards, converted in short-yardage situations, and helped establish a physical tone for a young Panthers offense still searching for rhythm. With a developing quarterback and a reshaped offensive line, Hubbard’s role as a stabilizing force has become even more important.
He’s demonstrated strong ball security, solid vision, and the ability to stay on the field in all situations — a trait coaches love in a lead back. Though he’s faced challenges in the run game early on, largely due to game script and offensive line struggles, Hubbard has emerged as a valuable safety valve for Bryce Young in the passing game. He’s already tallied two receiving touchdowns, an unexpected twist, given that receiving wasn't a major part of his skill set earlier in his career.
Coming into the league, there were legitimate questions about his ability to contribute in the passing game, both as a receiver and a blocker. But Hubbard has clearly worked hard to round out his game. Each year, he’s refined his craft, and it’s paying off. His improvement reflects not just talent, but a strong work ethic and a commitment to getting better.
What makes his early-season performance so important is that it reinforces Carolina’s decision to commit to him long-term. The Panthers chose Hubbard as a foundational piece — someone who could grow with the franchise and lead by example. While many expected rookie Jonathon Brooks to eventually overtake him or at least share the workload, Brooks has struggled with injuries early in his NFL career. That’s made Hubbard’s reliability even more valuable.
Sometimes, availability and dependability are a player’s most important traits. Through two games, Hubbard is rewarding the Panthers’ faith — not with flashy highlight-reel moments, but with toughness, poise, and timely production. He’s become a tone-setter and a leader within the locker room.
This kind of start isn’t just a pleasant surprise, it’s a statement. In today’s NFL, where running backs are often seen as replaceable, Hubbard is showing he’s anything but. He’s been smart, versatile, and consistently effective. These are all qualities that matter just as much as gaudy numbers. The Panthers clearly appreciate not only what he brings on the field, but also who he is as a person.
Hubbard seems to value that trust as well. From a fourth-round pick who started his career behind Christian McCaffrey, he’s become one of the most underrated backs in the game. Only reason the Panthers felt comfortable enough to trade their former star running back was partially because of the promise they saw in Hubbard early on. Not many predicted this path for him, especially after a disappointing junior season at Oklahoma State that followed a breakout sophomore year.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be maintaining this level of play throughout a long season. But if the first two weeks are any indication, Chuba Hubbard is more than ready. He’s not just Carolina’s starting running back: he’s becoming one of the franchise’s most reliable leaders.