Chuba Hubbard is the starting running back for the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2026 season, a role he’s battled tooth and nail for through some wild ups and downs. This isn’t just another guy in the backfield; this is a story of grit, even if it started with an unconventional selection. Back in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Panthers grabbed Hubbard in the fourth round after then head coach Matt Rhule’s wife famously texted him, telling him to take the guy. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up! He was initially brought in as a backup to Christian McCaffrey, the do-it-all back who never came off the field. But McCaffrey’s rookie season was plagued by injuries for the second straight year, suddenly opening the door for Hubbard to step up. His first run as a starter wasn’t exactly a highlight reel, though. He was described as “plodding and underwhelming,” and honestly, he had moments, but it wasn’t the spark fans hoped for.
Fighting for Every Yard, Every Season
Hubbard came into his second season noticeably more nimble, which was a huge step, but he still lost the starting job to journeyman D’Onta Foreman. When Foreman left after that season, you’d think Hubbard would finally get his shot, right? Nope. The Panthers went out and signed Miles Sanders to a “relatively pricey contract” to be their new starter. Talk about a punch to the gut! But injuries, as they often do, changed the plan. A Sanders injury gave the Panthers an “excuse” to flip the depth chart, and Hubbard immediately showed everyone he was the better back. This dude doesn’t quit. Finally, in 2024, Hubbard earned the “full trust” as the team’s lead back. And he delivered big time, ripping off 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 43 catches. That’s a breakout season, no doubt.
Reclaiming the Top Spot for 2026
Even after that monster 2024, the Panthers still brought in Rico Dowdle in 2025 to “take some of the burden off” Hubbard. And man, did 2025 get off to a quiet start for Chuba. Then came a calf injury, sidelining him for two games. During that absence, Dowdle went wild, racking up nearly 400 rushing yards. Hubbard struggled to get back into form and ended up ceding the “vast majority of backfield touches” to Dowdle, even as Dowdle’s effectiveness “drastically diminish[ed]” late in the season. But in true Hubbard fashion, he didn’t stay down. He “reestablished himself as the superior back” and was finally given the “majority of touches” again in the playoff loss to the Rams. So here we are, staring down the 2026 season opener. Chuba Hubbard is once again the guy, and after this wild career journey, you know he’s ready to prove he deserves it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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