You Won't Believe What Yale's Josh Pitsenberger Can Do—Is He the Next NFL Sensation?

Josh Pitsenberger has made a significant impact during his time at Yale University, establishing himself as a top talent in college football. The running back earned the prestigious title of Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2022, his freshman year, and he capped his college career with an impressive All-American season in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). His performance was pivotal in leading the Yale Bulldogs to their first FCS playoff win in the program's history, a milestone that will surely resonate with fans and players alike.

Over four seasons, Pitsenberger emerged as a standout athlete, finishing his career with a remarkable record of accolades. He is a four-time All-Ivy League selection and was named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year in 2025. If selected in the upcoming NFL Draft, he would be the first Yale running back drafted since Shane Bannon in 2011, marking a significant moment for the university's football program.

Career Statistics: In his collegiate journey, Pitsenberger participated in 37 games, accumulating 684 carries for a total of 3,435 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. He also made 39 receptions for 286 receiving yards, adding another four touchdowns through the air.

Accolades: His honors include First-Team All-Ivy League selections in 2022 and 2025, as well as Second-Team All-Ivy League recognition in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Pitsenberger was named a Second-Team FCS Football Central All-American and received an AP FCS All-American Honorable Mention in 2025. His status as the Asa S. Bushnell Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 further underscores his prowess on the field.

Scouting Report on Josh Pitsenberger

Pitsenberger is characterized as a powerfully built, downhill running back, ideal for running between the tackles. His physical frame allows him to take on defenders with leverage, showcasing an explosive finishing ability at the end of his runs. His lower body strength and contact balance enable him to withstand hits while consistently churning out valuable yardage.

While he possesses certain strengths, Pitsenberger's burst and acceleration are considered average, and he takes time to reach his top speed. This limitation, coupled with a lack of agility, means that he may struggle to separate from defenders consistently. His vision on the field is adequate; he tends to create his own running lanes rather than seeking openings, which highlights his preference for a downhill running game rather than outside zone plays.

In terms of receiving abilities, Pitsenberger demonstrates functional hands and can be effective as a run-after-catch option when he runs with urgency. He is best utilized in swing passes, dumps, and checkdowns due to his limited route-running capabilities. In pass protection, while he is serviceable, improving his technique and scanning the field with more urgency will be essential for his development.

Pitsenberger is projected to be a starter in an NFL camp or in a second-tier league. His playing style suits a downhill, power-running scheme, making him a potential asset in short-yardage situations. He could serve as a rotational back, and his value could increase depending on the need for a running back with his skill set in a vertical running game.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Power running style
• Contact balance
• Leverage and pad level
• Pass protection
• Functional receiving ability
• Finishing power

Weaknesses:

• Burst and acceleration
• Top-end speed
• Twitch and agility
• Explosiveness

Overall, Pitsenberger's best fit is in a power, gap, or duo-based running scheme. His playing style could draw comparisons to Abram Smith, who has shown similar qualities in his running game. As Pitsenberger transitions to a higher level of competition, showcasing his special teams value could be crucial in solidifying his spot as an NFL running back.

As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Pitsenberger, not only for his individual potential but also for what his journey represents—a testament to the talent cultivated at Ivy League schools. The prospect of being selected could inspire future athletes aiming for the next level from such prestigious institutions.