Ashton Gray News, Rumors, Updates - East Carolina Pirates | FOX Sports

Three backs in mix for carries Gray, Michael Allen and TJ Engelman are all viewed as starting-caliber backs by the staff, Stephen Igoe of 247Sports reports.

Impact Gray is viewed as a potential breakout candidate for the Pirates, but it doesn't appear as though he has a firm grasp on a starting role with the season under two weeks away. It's quite possible there will be more of a split backfield to open the season than initially anticipated, though Gray should still get an opportunity to grab the lead role.

AUGUST 20 • ROTOWIRE

Could emerge as workhorse back Gray could be a workhorse back for East Carolina in the 2026 season, per Stephen Igoe of 247Sports (on the G5 Hive Podcast).

Impact Gray committed to ECU after spending the 2025 season at North Texas, where he rushed 58 times for 377 yards and five touchdowns. He seems to be well ahead of the pack from his teammates, and it wouldn't be shocking if he ends up being deployed as a three-down back and a regular fixture in the Pirates' offense.

AUGUST 7 • ROTOWIRE

Joining ECU Gray has committed to ECU, he announced via his personal X account.

Impact Gray rushed 58 times for 377 yards and five touchdowns during the 2025 season with North Texas. However, the Mean Green underwent a coaching change, and Gray will now get a fresh start with the Pirates.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Plans to leave Mean Green Gray plans to enter the transfer portal, Hayes Fawcett of On3.com reports.

Impact Gray will leave North Texas after a solid redshirt freshman campaign with the program. The 6-foot running back logged 58 carries for 377 yards and one touchdown in the 2025 season. He'll have three years of eligibility left.

DECEMBER 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores two touchdowns Gray had 16 rushes for 152 yards and two touchdowns and reeled in their only target for nine yards during Saturday's 49-47 win against San Diego State.

Impact North Texas' run game has always yielded high productivity, but Gray never had the chance to step up. But with the Mean Green down their top-two rushers, Caleb Hawkins and Makenzie McGill, their aforementioned teammate was given an opportunity. In doing so, Gray updated his career-bests in carries, rushing yards and touchdowns all during UNT's bowl game. During 2025, he logged 58 carries for 377 yards (6.5 averaged per carry) and five TDs.

DECEMBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

No. 23 North Texas Outlasts San Diego State to Win High-Scoring New Mexico Bowl

Running back Caleb Hawkins accounted for three touchdowns to help guide the Mean Green to a win over the Aztecs on Saturday night

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

No. 23 North Texas Outlasts San Diego State to Win High-Scoring New Mexico Bowl

Tulane tops North Texas 34-21 in American Conference title game for a likely CFP bid

Jake Retzlaff rushed for two short touchdowns, Jamauri McClure rushed for 121 yards and a score, and Tulane defeated North Texas 34-21 in the American Conference championship game...

DECEMBER 6, 2025 • Associated Press

Freshman Drew Mestemaker throws for school-record 608 yards in North Texas' 54-20 win over Charlotte

Redshirt freshman Drew Mestemaker passed for a school-record 608 yards with four touchdowns and North Texas scored 37 unanswered points to beat Charlotte 54-20

OCTOBER 25, 2025 • Associated Press