The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general manager Jason Licht strengthened their running game in 2024 by selecting Mar’Keise Bucky Irving in the fourth round of the draft. Irving, who played college football at Minnesota and Oregon, has quickly become a key part of the team’s rushing attack, raising hopes for making Buccaneers history in 2025.
In the 2023 season, Tampa Bay struggled with a league-worst 3.4 yards per carry. However, after offensive coordinator Liam Coen joined and Irving was added, the team improved drastically in 2024, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 149.2 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the league. Despite starting the season behind veteran running back Rachaad White, Irving claimed the primary running back position midway through the year, finishing with 1,122 rushing yards.
If Irving can replicate this strong performance in 2025, he would become only the third running back in Buccaneers history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. James Wilder achieved this feat in 1984 and 1985, with 1,544 and 1,300 yards respectively, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the league in carries in 1984. Likewise, Errict Rhett rushed for 1,011 yards as a rookie in 1994 and followed with 1,207 yards the next year.
Irving is also the first Buccaneers running back to reach the 1,000-yard mark since Doug Martin’s 1,402 yards in 2015. Meeting or exceeding that output again in 2025 would cement his place alongside Wilder and Rhett as one of the franchise’s top rushers.
Bucky Irving’s Impact on Tampa Bay’s Running Game
The transformation of Tampa Bay’s rushing attack in 2024 has been remarkable. With Irving taking over the lead role and Coen’s offensive strategy, the Buccaneers improved their efficiency and gained significantly more yards on the ground. This shift has boosted the team’s overall offense and created optimism for the next season.
Buccaneers’ Historical Context for Consecutive 1,000-Yard Rushers
The group of Buccaneers running backs who have achieved back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons is exclusive. Wilder and Rhett both established themselves as longtime key players for the franchise during the 1980s and 1990s. Irving’s potential to join this select group highlights his rising influence and marks a turning point for Tampa Bay’s offense in recent years.
What the Future Holds for Bucky Irving and Tampa Bay
If Irving maintains his production next season, he will not only solidify his role as the Buccaneers’ top running back but also create franchise history that has not been seen in nearly a decade. His progress reflects positively on Jason Licht’s draft strategy and Liam Coen’s offensive coordination, suggesting that Tampa Bay’s running game could continue to be a major strength in 2025 and beyond.