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Mike Washington Proving to NFL What Razorback Fans Already Knew

Former Razorback RB showing off big play ability with Raiders during preseason
Samuel Stubbs|
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas fans watched time and time again last season as Mike Washington Jr. ran away from defenders almost effortlessly.

The former Buffalo and New Mexico State running back had his best collegiate season in 2025 at Arkansas, running for over 1,000 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns as one of the bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2-10 campaign.

Washington was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 122nd overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, and he's already turning heads in the preseason and showing NFL fans what the Razorback faithful already knew: he can flat out run.

Washington had a 53-yard run in his NFL debut on Aug. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals and led Las Vegas in rushing with 63 yards on six carries.

He also led the Raiders' ground attack on Thursday against the Houston Texans, scampering for 33 yards on his longest run of the evening and totaling 56 yards on nine carries.

While some consistency in his yards per carry will have to develop if Washington is to be a reliable No. 2 back behind 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, those two explosive runs highlight his breakaway speed and his ability to break off a long run on any given play.

Washington also caught two passes for 18 yards on three targets in Thursday's win. He was an important piece of Arkansas' passing game a season ago, hauling in 28 passes for 226 yards and a score and often flying out of the backfield after catching a short pass.

While veteran Kirk Cousins is expected to be Las Vegas' starter to begin the season, there's a chance that rookie Fernando Mendoza could be under center this year at some point.

Having a reliable pass-catcher such as Washington lining up beside Mendoza would be a great help to the young QB as he adjusts to the league.

Regardless of which quarterback he lines up behind, Washington has an opportunity to be what he was at Arkansas last season: a bright spot on an otherwise dim roster.

The Raiders aren't expected to do much this season, but with Jeanty and Washington in the backfield, they could boast one of the better 1-2 backfield combos in the league.

If Washington does break out and become a star for Las Vegas, it wouldn't be a surprise to Arkansas fans, who watched him produce highlight after highlight last year.

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Samuel Stubbs
SAMUEL STUBBS

Sam Stubbs is a student at the University of Arkansas pursuing a degree in journalism. He has worked at the UA’s student newspaper, the Arkansas Traveler, since October 2025, becoming the assistant sports editor in December 2025. When he's not writing about the Razorbacks, Sam can be found covering NASCAR for Yardbarker and is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA), winning an award for race coverage from the association in February 2025. He's previously worked for Heavy, Field Level Media, Frontstretch and FanSided.

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