The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for the 2025 season with optimism surrounding their young running back, Bucky Irving. After a standout rookie year in 2024, the 22-year-old running back confidently ranked himself among the top five running backs in the NFL during a recent conversation with Steve Smith Sr., a Hall of Famer and NFL Network analyst.
In his first year with the Buccaneers, Irving totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage, including eight touchdowns, signaling his ascent in the league and his growing role within Tampa Bay’s offense.
Impressive Rookie Campaign Highlights Irving’s Potential
Selected by the Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon State, Irving quickly proved his value. Although he started the season behind veteran Rachaad White on the depth chart, Irving steadily claimed more carries and influence as the year progressed.
His most memorable game came on December 1, when he rushed for 152 yards and scored a touchdown to help Tampa Bay secure a 26-23 overtime win against the Carolina Panthers. Over 17 games and three starts, Irving amassed 1,112 rushing yards on 207 attempts with eight rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 392 receiving yards on 47 catches. His strong performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team.
Buccaneers’ 2025 Preseason and Roster Developments
The Buccaneers are set to open their 2025 preseason schedule at Raymond James Stadium against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, August 9, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. This game will be an early glimpse of how Tampa Bay plans to implement Irving and other offensive weapons in the upcoming season.
Alongside Irving’s growth, the team continues to manage roster shifts, including decisions around injured players and potential trades, such as speculation around adding Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons to bolster Tampa’s defense. Meanwhile, key figures like quarterback Baker Mayfield remain central to the team’s plans.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Irving and the Buccaneers
With his rookie impact already turning heads, Bucky Irving’s self-assurance in claiming a spot among the league’s best running backs sets a high bar for his sophomore season. If he can build on his impressive debut, the Buccaneers could have a dynamic ground game that propels them deeper into playoff contention.
The 2025 season will reveal if Irving can realize his bold prediction and become a foundational piece for Tampa Bay’s offense as the team looks to regain its competitive edge.
“We got some good ones out there, man, I’d probably put myself, we got some dogs, I’m going to put myself in the top-5, for sure.”
—Bucky Irving, Buccaneers Running Back