Summary

Mike Washington Jr. (22 years old) is a senior running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks who has carved out a notable college career marked by perseverance, steady improvement, and adaptability across multiple programs. Washington began his collegiate journey at the University at Buffalo, where he played from 2021 through 2023, contributing 1,119 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons and establishing himself as a productive back in the MAC before entering the transfer portal after the 2023 season. He then transferred to New Mexico State University for the 2024 season, where he played in 12 games and rushed for 725 yards and eight touchdowns, adding value as a receiver as well before again entering the portal. Washington ultimately landed at the University of Arkansas for the 2025 season, becoming the Razorbacks’ feature back and one of the most productive rushers in the SEC. In his most recent campaign in 2025, Washington started all 12 games for Arkansas, carried the ball 167 times for 1,070 yards with eight rushing touchdowns, and contributed 28 receptions for 226 yards and a score, becoming just the 16th player in program history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. His performance also earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors for the year, highlighting his impact in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. Off the field, Washington’s journey has included overcoming challenges both athletically and academically. Early in his trajectory he faced academic hurdles and the rigors of adapting to multiple programs and coaching staffs, a theme he has discussed in interviews as part of his perseverance and growth mindset. Washington has been described by coaches and teammates as a hardworking, disciplined player with strong family and team support, showing consistent commitment to his responsibilities as a student-athlete. There are no public records of arrests or significant off-field incidents tied to him during his college career.

Strengths

Trash Compactor: Compact frame and runs behind his pads and consistently bounces off arm tackles, keeping his feet through first contact to generate extra yardage. Naturally wins the leverage battle, helping him stay balanced through congestion and short-yardage situations.
One-Cut: Shows quick processing on zone concepts, plants his foot and gets north-south without excessive hesitation. Displays patience pressing the line of scrimmage and the awareness to cut back when backside lanes develop.
Velvet Glove, Iron Fist: Accelerates quickly once he identifies a crease, allowing him to hit second-level defenders before they square up and affording a high Explosiveness score. Lowers his shoulder at the end of carries and competes for hidden yardage, setting a physical tone.
Mr. Reliable: Keeps the ball high and tight in traffic, minimizing unnecessary exposure to strips. Has the temperament and straight-line speed to contribute on coverage units or as a return option.

Weaknesses

Anticipation vs Penetration: When interior lanes collapse quickly, he can be forced to redirect without a clear secondary plan. At times runs too upright in the open field, reducing his power and balance through contact.
Route Shrub: Primarily used on swings and checkdowns and needs refinement on option routes and downfield concepts.
Third-Down Back Ceiling: Willing but can be late identifying blitzers and needs to anchor better versus bigger linebackers. Until route running and blitz pickup improve, may be viewed as more of an early-down rotational option.
Longitude vs Latitude: More of a downhill runner than a dynamic make-you-miss threat in space. Not always a natural improviser when plays break down behind the line.

Outlook

Washington Jr. profiles as a rugged, downhill runner with NFL size and functional athleticism, thriving on decisive reads, contact balance, and the ability to wear down defenses over four quarters while offering enough receiving value to stay on the field in neutral game scripts. He fits best in zone-based or gap-hybrid rushing schemes that emphasize north-south efficiency, double teams, and clear run lanes—offenses that want their backs to press the hole, get vertical, and finish runs rather than rely on constant lateral creativity. Stylistically, his game draws shades of Latavius Murray (or Tank Bigsby without the ego), projecting more as a dependable volume or committee lead than a pure explosive space back. Washington looks like a Day 2 to early Day 3 candidate, with a realistic landing range in the Round 3–5 window depending on testing and pass-protection development.

Pro Comparison: Latavius Murray

Team Fits: JAX, TB, WAS, PIT, TEN

Report written by Filip Prus