When you score 18 touchdowns and still don’t earn an A+, expectations have officially changed — and that’s exactly where Jahmyr Gibbs now lives.
Class is back in session, and once again the Detroit Lions’ report card features a familiar name near the top. Jahmyr Gibbs continues to be one of the NFL’s most explosive and versatile running backs, producing another highly productive season that reinforced his status as a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense. Still, even elite players can leave a little room for improvement, and that is why Gibbs earns an A- rather than a perfect mark.
Gibbs’ raw production remains impressive by any standard. He finished the season with 243 carries for 1,223 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, averaging a strong 5.0 yards per carry. His impact extended well beyond the run game, as his usage in the passing attack spiked in 2025. Gibbs hauled in 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns, giving him 18 total touchdowns on the season and making him one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat weapons.
At his best, Gibbs was simply dominant. His signature performance came against the New York Giants, when he erupted for a career-high 219 rushing yards in a game that showcased his vision, burst and ability to flip field position in a matter of seconds. He also recorded three separate games with three touchdowns, highlighting just how devastating he can be when the offense is clicking and opportunities are there.
However, consistency is where the slight deduction comes into play. Gibbs recorded only three games with more than 100 rushing yards, a surprisingly low number for a back of his caliber. He also had six games with fewer than 45 rushing yards, a boom-or-bust trend that stood out on closer inspection. Some of that inconsistency can be attributed to circumstances beyond his control, particularly uneven offensive line play that often limited running lanes and disrupted the ground game. Still, Gibbs is held to a higher standard, and those quiet rushing performances matter when assigning a final grade.
Even with those fluctuations, Gibbs’ overall body of work remains elite. He was again a matchup nightmare in the passing game, frequently motioned out wide or used on option routes that stressed opposing linebackers and safeties. Compared to his 2024 season — when he rushed for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 52 receptions for 517 yards and four receiving scores — his rushing totals dipped slightly, but his expanded role as a receiver added another dimension to Detroit’s offense.
From a historical perspective, Gibbs is already building a remarkable résumé. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons and owns league records for the most touchdowns scored by a player through three career seasons and before turning 24 years old, with 48 total. He is also the seventh player in NFL history to post multiple seasons with at least 1,500 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns within his first three years.
That level of production is rare, and it speaks to just how special Gibbs is. The difference between an A- and an A+ is slim, but for a player capable of taking over games on a weekly basis, the bar is higher. With a bit more consistency on the ground, Gibbs has every chance to earn a perfect grade next time around.