Chuba Hubbard is a Canadian professional football player who has made a name for himself as a running back for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Born on June 11, 1999, in Edmonton, Alberta, Hubbard rose to prominence with a standout college career at Oklahoma State, where he led the nation in rushing yards in 2019.
Known for his speed, agility, and versatility, Hubbard transitioned smoothly into the NFL after being drafted in 2021. Over his first two seasons, he proved to be a reliable contributor, showcasing his ability to make plays both on the ground and as a receiver.
This year, Hubbard is once again in the spotlight — not for a play on the field, but as one of the Panthers’ representatives at the 2025 NFL Draft, where he will announce one of the team’s picks. Hubbard’s appearance at the draft marks a full-circle moment and offers fans a chance to reflect on the journey of a player who once dreamed of the NFL stage and now helps welcome the next generation of talent.
Chuba Hubbard’s Early Life and High School Career
Hubbard grew up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. He played high school football at Bev Facey Community High School, where he quickly made a name for himself. Over just three seasons, he rushed for an incredible 6,880 yards and 82 touchdowns, numbers that caught the attention of top programs in the United States.
Hubbard’s high school dominance earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma State University, marking his transition from Canadian football to the highly competitive American college system.
College Career at Oklahoma State
Hubbard redshirted his first year in 2017 to develop physically and adapt to the college game. In 2018, he played in 13 games and rushed for 740 yards and seven touchdowns, showing flashes of his potential.
The following year, Hubbard broke out in a major way. In 2019, he led all FBS players with 2,094 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American honors and being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. He also received the Jon Cornish Trophy, awarded to the top Canadian player in NCAA football.
Though injuries limited his 2020 season to just 625 rushing yards and five touchdowns, Hubbard had already solidified himself as one of the top running backs in college football.
Off the field, Hubbard made headlines in June 2020 when he publicly criticized Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy for wearing a controversial T-shirt. Hubbard’s willingness to speak out sparked important conversations about leadership, race, and accountability within the program, demonstrating maturity beyond the field.
NFL Career With Carolina Panthers
Hubbard was selected by the Panthers in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He quickly became a valuable asset in his rookie year, playing all 17 games with 10 starts. He finished the season with 612 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and 786 total scrimmage yards, establishing himself as a capable and versatile back.
In 2023, Hubbard neared 1,000 yards rushing with 902 and added 233 receiving yards on 39 receptions. Then, last season, he broke out for 1,195 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Conclusion
Now 25 years old, Hubbard continues to grow into his role as a core piece of the Panthers’ backfield. His journey from a standout Canadian high school athlete to a respected NFL player has been defined by perseverance, performance, and leadership.
As he steps onto the stage at the 2025 NFL Draft to announce one of Carolina’s picks, it’s not just a ceremonial moment — it’s a celebration of how far he’s come and a symbol of what’s possible for future athletes following in his footsteps.
